Scrapping Topsy Turvy

10 Things on the 10th

2012-02-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

So here is just a small selection of some of my favourite Hard Rock Cafe pins that I have collected over the years.

1. My first ever pin from Barcelona, back in the 90's. (Sorry about the picture quality bad light today).

2.My Brother bought me this one in New York, when he went a few years ago, I hope to be able to buy myself one next week!!

3. Les took me to Rome and Florence for my 30th (a few years ago now).

4. Les bought me this one from Singapore, I have several from Singapore including the one I got back in 2001, but this one is my favourite.

5. Les and I attended a trade show in Amsterdam and drove across this bridge (which is the longest bridge in Europe) to Copenhagen.

6. Not sure what happened to this photo, but again another one Les brought back from Kuala Lumpur.

7. Les and I travelled around Florida for 2 weeks in 2003 and picked up this one in Key West.

8. Would love to go to Las Vegas, one day we plan to renew our wedding vows in the Little White Chapel.

9. Another pin picked up on our Florida trip but this time in Orlando at a Hard Rock Vault which you don't see very often.

10. Lastly Jakarta, another Les purchase.

Why don't you check out what other peoples 10 Things are on the 10th. Check it out here

So as we are talking of travels I am busy packing for our trip to New York on Monday, I really can't wait I'm so excited. I will catch up with you when I return in just over a week with I guess one or two photos!!.

Keep warm everyone.
Cx

P.S My blanket is growing!!

I'm hooked

2012-02-07T03:17:00.000-08:00

Oh gosh I'm just loving crochet (I can hear my husband groan and saying, not another hobby). Over the last week I have been practising and fell across this blog this lady is amazing and her instructions are just so clear that even a beginner like me can understand it. I have admired the ripple blanket but didn't think I would be able to do it as it would be too complicated. I was desperate for some wool so we went to Solihull on Saturday and I picked up some really lovely Sirdar Snuggly in John Lewis, and started on this.

Every spare time I'm crocheting!!

So I'm trying to get everything sorted and organised for our trip to New York next week (I'm just a little bit excited!). Bless her Charlotte has got all her clothes ready and her wash bag sorted for Nanny's, I really hope my parents are prepared for a fun packed week with her, I hope they are resting up this week!!!! I am going to miss my girly so much, but I know that she will be safe and quite happy bossy my parents around. I think she is hoping for snow so she can have a snow ball fight with Grandad.

I have bought myself an Amy Tangerine travel journal which are really quite different and I'm looking forward to sorting that out when I get back home with lots of ticket stubs, maps, photos and memorabilia. We have booked tickets for the 911 Memorial as apparently you need to pre-book a time to visit.

Right I'm running out of time again. Thanks again for popping by, your comments really do brighten my day.

Cx

P.S I will be back on Friday for 10 things on the 10th (hopefully)

A new love

2012-01-31T02:29:00.000-08:00

When I've been blog hopping I've seen so many scrapbookers crocheting. I've looked over there creations especially blankets and felt really envious, I wanted to do it. I tried crocheting about 8 years ago when I lived in Hastings but couldn't seem to get the hang of it. So when Mum was up over the weekend I asked her to show me. I don't know about you, but I'm not very good when it comes to reading through instructions, I'm better being shown and learning as I go. So we went to the Country Park and picked up a cheap ball of wall and a crochet hook. Within a couple of hours I had created a granny square.

So over the past few days I've been practising and I'm now ready to have a go at a Granny blanket. I've even taught myself to cast on another colour. I'm so pleased with myself but obviously I couldn't of done it without Mum, I've achieved one of my resolutions already for this year, so I'm well chuffed.

Since the new term has started Charlotte has been complaining that her eyes hurt her, so I made an appointment to get her eyes tested. It turns out that she is long sighted and needed a little pair of specs. She chose which frames she wanted and seemed to embrace the new changes.

Doesn't she look sweet?

Be back soon.
Cx

Just Smashing

2012-01-24T03:22:00.000-08:00

Now I'm not much of a person to keep a journal or a diary, but when I saw the K&Co Smash books I thought they looked really interesting. I've heard a lot of people's views about these books which seemed to be mixed. I needed to try one for myself, so I put it on my Christmas list and low and behold come Christmas day I had a lovely red Smash book with some of the embellishments. I always collect loads of bits and pieces, ticket stubs, maps, cards, notes etc..... perfect I now have a place to document all the everyday things that are important to. I have to say I love it, yeah I could of probably made a journal (gosh I've got enough patterned paper to make one) but I haven't really got the time and I always seem a little disappointed with the end product. This really is great for me as it enables me to be creative everyday if I want, without spending hours to do a layout, it doesn't have to be perfect.

I've got a busy week ahead. Yesterday and today I've had Charlotte off school, she has a stinking head cold, but she seems keen to get back to school tomorrow as she has club after school which she really wants to attend. Tomorrow Mum and Dad are visiting, spending a few days with us, which will be lovely as I haven't seen them since Christmas.

Anyway I'd better go and tend to my poorly girl.

Cx

2012-01-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

I loved the 10 things on the 10th last week, thank you to everyone who left a comment, it really was good fun.

I thought I would share some layouts I done last week. With the trip to Dubai/Singapore/Malaysia all booked now, I thought I would find some pictures of when I went to Singapore in 2001. I look extremely young and quite shy, but I have some fantastic memories of a wonderful week out there. I loved going to Raffles and having the famous Singapore Sling, amazing place, cracking nuts and throwing the shells on the floor!!.

These photos of Charlotte and I had been on a previous layout and I really hated it, so I took them off (which is rare as I don't normally do this) and they have been waiting patiently to be scrapped again. I was blog hopping and found Jen Chaplin's wonderful layout of I assume her and her little girl, which was perfect for my photos. I was roughly the same age as Charlotte on this photo, and apparently my Mum tried everything to get me to smile but I wouldn't. The following day I scared the life out of my parents by having a infant convulsion which saw me in hospital for the night. Do you think we look a like? The only real difference is that I was blond and Charlotte is dark.

I really love the new October Afternoon Farmhouse papers, I always tend to buy them all, but this time I picked my favourite ones, I'm regretting not buying the whole set now as they are lovely.

Charlotte has started swimming at school and seems to be enjoying it, last week she came home and asked if I would get her some goggles, her she is modelling them!!!

She is starting choir club tomorrow night, that should be interesting but she wants to do all these things which is great, it's been a long time coming. We have seen big changes in her and she is even trying new foods, she now likes my roast potatoes and my homemade lasagne, small steps but she is trying really hard, so that's all we can ask for.

Anyway have a good evening.
Cx

10 Things: on the 10th

2012-01-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

I have never taken part in Shimelle's 10 things on the 10th and thought it looks rather fun so I thought I would start on the first month of 2012, lets see if I can keep it up for the rest of the year!!!.

I said that we are loving Lego in our family so thought this was pretty apt for this month.

1. I love this little clown with his small legs (which are unusual in Lego men) and his custard tart.

2. This one is called sleepy head for obvious reasons. I love his little teddy bear.

3. I built this clown when we went to Legoland last year. I love his fuzzy hair.

4. The robot is from the newest series which only came out a few weeks ago. He has a key on his back, brilliant.

5. I love the detail on this little chap.

6. Love the lady's face on this and the monkey is just cool.

7. I love this lads hair, just like a footballer. The only thing wrong is the colour of the kit!!!

8. I got Santa in the Lego Advent calendar, love that he has a sack on his back full of presents!.

9. I have to say I think the soldier is my favourite (have I said that already?).

10. I thought Lady Liberty is rather appropriate for the up-coming trip next month. I borrowed her from Charlotte.

If you would like to take part or check out what the others have listed, click here

My family can't believe that I can pick up a packet and feel which one it is, it saves lots of money but I have had a few funny looks in the shops!!.

Right that's me for tonight, thank you to everyone who commented on my previous post, it really is appreciated.

Well that was the longest pause ever!!

2012-01-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all, I hope you all enjoyed the Festivities?

Well what's happened over the last 6 months, to much to mention really, but I will say we had a wonderful holiday in Croatia which was fantastic and a break that was so needed as a family, I highly recommend it, absolutely stunning place. I do have to give a shout out to Sue who did recommend we go to Hitchin Lavendar field back in the summer, Sue it was beautiful a very tranquil place, I definately will be going back this summer.

I said in my last post that my bedroom was being decorated and my scrapbooking stash was scattered between Charlotte's bedroom and her play house in the garden. Well the room has since been finished and it looks great. The decision was made that I didn't really need all my stash back in our bedroom, so we had to re-think how I could store it all. We ended up ordering a small shed, which didn't get delivered until mid November, which meant lots of organising and finding new homes for everything. As a crafter I find it incredibly difficult as I haven't got a dedicated area I can craft in and tire of constantly packing away before really getting started, which I know many of us crafters face. I have cleared out my old bureau and use that to sit and craft, which seems to work well, but I still need to pack away, c'est la vie. So whilst that was getting sorted I didn't really scrap much, but one lady in particular who really inspires me is Shimelle Laine. I spent many an evening watching her videos of 4x6" photo love. I was fascinated to see how she was going to put 8,9,10,11 and even 12 photos on a layout. I made and took part in most of them and really loved the look, it made me flick through my own albums and to think about how I scrapbook. Most of the layouts didn't actually tell a story or had no journalling or on some not even a date!!. I sat and thought from someone looking at my albums who didn't know the story, it just looked like pretty page. What's the point!! So it's been quite a journey for me and have also learnt to embrace my handwriting and now try to write on my layouts. I'm not a natural when it comes to 'proper' English and grammar and always feel awkward when someone reads the text, but I've figured what does it matter if I haven't put something in or spelt something wrong, it's not the end of the world right? No big deal. Pressure off!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas. Christmas Day was quiet as my Brother and his wife went to her family. My Brother really is the life and soul of the party and is naturally a funny guy, who I admire so much. Boxing Day was spent together, we had a bit of a theme this year which was Lego (we love the stuff in our family). My Brother and I decided it would be good fun to buy a lego kit for every member of the family so we could all sit and build it together, it was good fun and everyone took part shaking there bags and people not being able to find there parts (that was mostly Dad). I had huge shock when I opened an unexpected present from my Brother he had only gone and bought me a violin!!! I had briefly had a conversation with him a couple of months back about how I would love to own one. I played it (very badly) for 2 years when I was younger and gave it up as I didn't really like the teacher and the musty little room crammed full of kids, no wonder the door had to be open we wouldn't of fitted in otherwise!!.

The other huge surprise was from Les, it was my last present, as I opened it thinking I thought this is strange why has he wrapped my passport up, (warning bells going off at this point) inside was an itinerary for a trip to New York in the February half term. Naturally I was a little emotional. So I can't wait. We are trying to organise to see a show one evening, we just have to make a descision what. If anyone recommends anywhere that is worth seeing, other than the usual land marks leave me a message I'd be interested to know. It's just Les and I that are going, Charlotte is staying with Nanny and Grandad who will have a wonderful time with lots of trips planned.

This year is going to be interesting. Les turns 65 in September and he plans on retiring or go part time at work. It will enable me to get my career back on track, but after having so long off to take care of Charlotte it's a little scary and very daunting. However we are planning a trip to Singapore in October which is were our relationship really began over 10 years ago now. We are also calling in at Dubai first then onto Singapore, then to Malaysia, back down to Singapore and then home, it's going to be tiring but again I love travelling and can't wait. What an experience for Charlotte, lets just hope we get time off school as it doesn't allow any time off for any purpose!! My attitude is that you can't learn everything behind a desk, memories and experiences are what stay with you forever.

Talking of school we are back on Monday after having 3 lovely weeks off. We have had loads of time to just chill and to catch up on stuff that needed doing, including my JYC which I was so behind on this year. I was determined to complete it this year and am overjoyed that I have achieved it. I've also been making these, from Charlotte's old summer socks!! I'm not very good at sewing but have thoroughly enjoyed doing this and they cost very little as I had most of the stuff. I'm in the process of making my best friend one who loves rabbits.

I will leave you with some of my pages of my JYC.

Before I go I just want to say a huge 'hello' to the Bromsgrove Crop Ladies who have wondered where I have been, I am still here honest and I have missed you all. I will see you soon.

I promise I won't leave it so long next time.
Cx

On the road

2011-07-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

We are off to Southport tomorrow for a few days. We usually go once a year, this time we are meeting my parents up there, Mum hasn't been there before so it should be a nice little break for her. Then on Saturday Charlotte and I are going back with them to stay at there's for about 10 days. I'm looking forward to catching up with family and friends and have several days out planned. We are off to Great Yarmouth, hopefully punting in Cambridge with friends, visiting the Salvanian Families shop, going to a local lavender farm that Sue Deacon recommended. Dad is then bringing us back to get ready for our holiday to Croatia, although if you ask Charlotte what she is looking forward to the most she will say Southport, all she wants to do is go on the carousel!!!. Oh to be 6 years old!!

Whilst we are away our bedroom is being decorated so as well as packing for 2 weeks I've had to pack all my craft stuff away (mainly it's all stacked up in Charlotte's room). We have been in our house 8 years in November and is the only room not to have been decorated (some other rooms have been decorated several times since). It is a large room with loads of dark wood, awkward angles and I have hated how it makes the room dark and depressing for ages. We have decided to paint it white so it should lighten the room up no end. I'm so looking forward to seeing the end results. As it's a large job we have got a decorator in that Les knows to do it. So here is the before shot and then I will post the after shot when I return home.

Last week I signed up for Shimelle's new class Explore, I haven't really managed to get started with it. I have some good ideas but just need a few more hours in a day. I did manage to complete the sketch on Friday though just need to add some journalling under the flowers. I love Shimelle's work and I find her so inspiring, I was clearing some of my old Scrapbook Inspiration magazines out and tore out loads of her layouts and sketches which I plan to scrap lift. I really miss that mag and in my opinion it was the best.

We have just recently joined the National Trust and plan to see as many as places we can in a year. Last Sunday the weather was lovely so we went over to Droitwich to Hanbury Hall, it's absolutely stunning and well worth a look even if you aren't a member. The gardens were amazing and so well cared for.

Righto I'm off to the shops for garlic bread cos we can't possibly have pasta without it!!!. lol.

Take care all.

Don't faint.....

2011-07-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Your eyes do not deceive you!!! Twice in one week that's pretty good for me. This week has been very busy and I promised that I would share with you the crown I made for Charlotte's themed morning on Thursday. She looked absolutely gorgeous and seemed to be enjoying herself, we had a few tears at school but she done well. As normal if it is out of the routine she panics and doesn't know how to respond, to give her her due she seems to be getting better at it.

Here she is, such a darling and I know I'm biased.

On Thursday we received Charlotte's school report. We are so pleased with her progress she has made in all subjects, she really does seem to enjoy school, let's hope it stays that way for the future.

I even managed some Scrapbooking this week, I decided to set aside a morning so I could sit down and craft. I really enjoyed it, and even managed to keep the mess and stash to a minimum and cleared away as I went along. I had seen this sketch on Kirsty Wiseman's blog last week and loved it. I had just got some photo's developed and they were perfect for the sketch.

Yesterday was an Inset day at school so we decided to go out for the day. We hadn't been to Oxford for a while so we caught an early train to make the most of the day. We bought lunch in the indoor market and walked down to the river to sit and rest our weary legs. We watched people trying to punt along the river some really didn't have much of an idea and then others looked like pro's at it. Charlotte and I love milkshakes and very often share one when we are out, we came across Moo Moo's which I think my Sister in law has told me about. I have never come across so many flavours before Charlotte chose the Cadbury's caramel and it was very moorish the little bit I had of it!!. It was a very long day but really enjoyable, hence today has been spent chilling out.

Have a lovely weekend.

Cx

Yeah I know, where have I been again?

2011-07-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm hopeless at the moment,I don't seem to be in the mood to create anything much at the moment, although I am enjoying taking pictures. I think this time of the year life is really busy especially working at the school as well as all the other things that come with having a 6 year old. Last week was a busy week with a Birthday party, sports day, meetings, and having friends round.

So Sports Day at Charlotte's school went really well, and the weather behaved itself, only one heavy shower. I managed to divide my time helping out serving tea and coffee and watching Charlotte in her races. She done well and tried hard, not sure whether sport is really her 'thing' but she joined in and had a go, which is what it's all about.

I mentioned we had friends round at the weekend. Well we always eat out as it's so much more enjoyable, we went to a local hotel and had a fantastic buffet and the desserts were to die for. The grounds were fantastic with old trees, colourful shrubs, and loads of things for the kids to do. It was so lovely siting in the sun sipping a cold drink, what a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon? The best thing is that it's 5 minutes down the road from us, so we don't need to drive.

As I say I have been enjoying taking pictures. I took some photos of Charlotte one evening in the garden, she had just had her hair washed and it looked so beautiful.

Not much creating has been going on at all, I want to and have the best intentions but somehow it just doesn't materialise into anything, shame really as I am happiest when I'm creating. Although I don't think it has helped people visiting the house I've wanted to keep it as tidy as possible and having my craft stuff in pretty much every room of the house (apart from the bathroom) doesn't help. I just wished we had a spare room that I could store everything in it would be so nice, still I have to be grateful for what I have.

So what else, I'm still running, definitely got the bug and am going every morning and still enjoying it, I've increased the route. I did invest in some new running trainers at the weekend, what a difference it makes, it's like running on air now.

We are going into school on Thursday to see Charlotte's work, there topic has been castles and have worked really hard. We had to go and get a dressing up dress for Charlotte as they are allowed to go as Queens and Kings. Most of yesterday was spent making a crown, very pleased with it I am to, obviously pictures to follow with that.

Right enough of me waffling on, if you have made it this far thank you.

Take care.
Cx

Sorry blog

2011-06-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a while again (whoops). The hours in a day just seem to whizz by at the moment. I can't believe we are at the end June next week. I wish this weather would improve and warm up just a little, am I really asking to much??

Well what have we been up to. Before half term I decided to walk every morning after taking Charlotte to school, only I felt the need to run so that's what I have been doing most mornings for the past 7 weeks. I'm really enjoying it and feel great (if a little out of breath) once I have achieved my planned route, and I try not to be too hard on myself if I'm a little slower one day, as long as I keep going.

What else, half term Charlotte and I went to Mum's for the week. I think I mentioned that we were all going out as a family for a meal to celebrate Dad's 65th Birthday. Dad didn't realise that there was a present waiting for him. Now myself and my Brother had been so looking forward to seeing Dad open his present, knowing that it was an iPad inside. He opened the parcel so gingerly (all eyes on him, me nearly wetting myself with excitement) taking his time, still a blank expression on his face. He finally opened it and said 'oh it's an iPad'. Poor Dad I could see the fear in his eyes, the cogs in his head going over, thinking 'am I ever going to be able to work this thing'. I'm so relieved to say that he is quite a pro on it now and even sends me emails!. I was so impressed when I played on Dad's that I treated myself to one. I love love love it. It's the best purchase I have made in a while.

I have also been taking part in the Christy Tomlinson 'she has 3 hearts' journal coure. I haven't even had the time to watch all the videos yet but I'm sure I will find time over the next few days.

Les flew out to Singapore on Sunday to do his yearly exhibtion over there. Mum and Dad were planning to come up to keep me company but sadly poor Mum went down with this sickness bug which seems to be doing the rounds at the moment. So it's just me and Charlotte this week. I do have to say though that she is a really good girl and is doing more jobs around the house to earn an extra pound this week, so she can spend her money in the Salvanian Family shop in London, which is planned in the Summer holiday.

For a while Les has been wanting to go to Croome Park which is just about 10 miles from here. So when we had an offer in the local newspaper to buy one adult ticket and another gets in free we couldn't really say no. I loved the daisy meadows and took some lovely photos of Charlotte sitting in them.

We saw these rain clouds coming and thought it was time to head home!.

Charlotte wanted to take some photos, I have to say I thought they might have been really wonky but she managed to capture this one, which I really like.

I downloaded the Sketches2Scrapbook app on my iPad which is ace. I had some time on Saturday night and thought I would use my time creatively. I took one of the sketches and came up with this, I used some of this months Scrapagogo kit to create it.

Thanks for the lovely comments on the previous posting, they are so much appreciated.

Sarah's card sketch challenge

2011-05-19T03:33:00.000-07:00

As I said in my previous post, I'm loving sketches at the moment and again I haven't played along with Sarah's card challenge for a while.
I used some of the new Jillibean Soup papers (Dutch Mustard soup) and embellishments on this layout. I have opted in buying the 6x6 mini pads as they are also ideal for the 'She art' girls as the patterns are slightly smaller. I love the colours and think they compliment this photo of Charlotte really well.

This photo is rather mystical, I could imagine fairies floating by in the background.

I hope you are all having a good week. I can't believe that another week is nearly through, there just doesn't seem enough hours in the day at the moment, one more week and it's half term again. yay.

I will be back soon to share another 'She Art' girl.

Cx

This spacing is still driving me nuts!!!!!!

Pencil Lines Sketch 237

2011-05-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

I'm absolutely loving playing along with sketches right now. I joined in with last weeks Pencil lines sketch and created it with some new and old patterned paper. I'm finding that storing my papers via there colour works really well for me, it enables me to find the fight colour and pattern for the layout.

These photo's are of Charlotte in the sea at Lyme Regis. We had spent a scorching hot afternoon fossil hunting and what better way to cool down than to go for a paddle. She loved it, I had to keep calling her back as she kept going in to far.

So today, Les and I have been married for 6 years. It's gone so quickly, I can't believe we have been together for 10 years. This isn't a terribly good photo, and that is my only regret about the day is that we didn't have any professional photographs taken. Charlotte was 6 months in this photo such a cutie, although I think she was teething as she was miserable for most of the day.

Right I'm off to organise packed lunches and Charlotte's school uniform for the morning.

Thanks as always for stopping by.

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-05-11T02:12:00.000-07:00

It's a special day today as it's my Dad's 65th Birthday, it seems quite a milestone in his life and he's looking forward to a long and relaxing retirement. :)

Isn't this the cutest picture ever? I love it, apparently my Nan was behind the box with her arm up his back supporting him to sit up.

As some of you are aware, I'm not lucky enough to have my family five minutes down the road, it's a 2 1/2 hour trip (it could be worse). Most days I get on with it, and deal with it and get on with my life, but on a day like today it's hard, I really wish I was able to go and see him to drop off his cards and presents and spend the day with him. But hey I have happy thoughts and I'm so looking forward to us all catching up in a couple of weeks and going out for a meal.

I do this blog to obviously share my layouts and other creative things with you all, but I also do it for my family so they can see latest pictures of Charlotte and so I feel it bridges the gap slightly. Although I do get nagged if I haven't updated it lately (which I guess is quite often).

So today I'm dedicating my post to YOU Dad for all the love and support you give me, I love you to bits.

P.S Sorry just got a bit gushy there :) Hope you are feeling the love!!!

Pencil Line Sketch 236

2011-05-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. We have just got back in from visiting friends in Droitwich, we see each other often and enjoy going out for dinner, we have given up on cooking at home, it's just to much work and takes all the enjoyment out of it for us girls. So we went to the Nailers which does a fantastic carvery and a fantastic cherry cheesecake for dessert, my poor waistline I guess I'm back on the Rivita's this week!!.

I haven't played along with a Pencil lines sketch for ages and to kick start my mojo I thought I would take part in last weeks sketch. I really enjoyed getting back into the swing of it again and have treated myself to some new papers to help my mojo along a bit, (not that I need anymore).

These photo's were taken at the Black Country Museum back in February. It was my Birthday and it was so cold.

A little close up shot.

I used some of the new October Afternoon papers for this layout, and some old stash too.

Do you ever get that Sunday evening feeling?, just knowing that we are back to work and school in the morning. The thing is that we haven't had to work a Monday for quite a while with all these Bank holidays, still only 3 full weeks at school and then it's half term again.

Have a good week and thanks for stopping by.

She Art

2011-05-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

I hope you are enjoying our long weekend if you are here in the UK. Did you watch the wedding on Friday, lovely wasn't it?

This is just a short post today but I said I would share my 'She Art' girls with you. I am in love with doing these girls at the moment, loving getting paint everwhere and really taking on Christy's motto which is 'she is what she is'. So here they are.

My first attempt. In hindsight I really should of started with a smaller canvas as the girl looks lost.

Love the red stencil in this one.

This girl is my favourite, love her dress, although it was a little tricky.

I finished this one off last night. I took a photo around 6 years ago of a huge row of beach huts so that was my inspiration for that canvas.

Well I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend what ever you may be doing.

Thanks for stopping by.
Cx

Howdy

2011-04-26T03:15:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a great Easter weekend. We have had a lovely couple of weeks off and hasn't the weather just been the best. The first week of the Easter hols was spent down at my parents, visiting friends and generally catching up with family. Last Sunday we set off from Mums heading for Windsor were we spent a lazy afternoon by the river and just chilling in the park. We had booked into a Premier Inn (at a cheap rate) at Heathrow so we could easily go off on Monday morning to Legoland.

We had lunch in this little cafe.

We cashed in our Tesco clubcard vouchers and ordered 3 tickets for Legoland. It is so much cheaper to do it that way and most of the people in front of us had done the same, as it is so expensive to go into these places. Les and I had been to Legoland before we had Charlotte so it was great this time going with a child, although she didn't want to go on any of the water rides!!

It's hard to tell from this photo that it's all made out of Lego.

I loved this little fellow, which was on the crazy golf course.

Crazy was definately the right word when this little one was attempting to play golf!!!

The clown was my favourite figure and thankfully in the shop you could make him up.

On Tuesday we headed down to Bridport, which was a bizarre little place, but very picturesque. The weir and marshland was on one side of the road, and then you crossed over to find the sea and Harbour. Again another warm and sunny day, sitting eating fish and chips at the seaside is just the best thing ever, love it, although my waist line doesn't. haha

In the afternoon we went to a little place called Broadoak were we had booked into a real working farm for a couple of days. Again the views were breathtaking and of a night time it was so quiet and peaceful, but by nine o'clock it was pitch black outside, because of course there was no street lighting.

This is the view we woke up to.

The last photo (promise) is of Charlotte on the beach at Lyme Regis.

I am running out of time and do have some 'She' art girls to share with you as well as a layout, I know I can't believe I have created so much over the weekend. I definately think we need more Bank Holidays for us crafters.

I will be back in a couple of days to share my stuff with you all.

As always thanks for stopping by.

P.S I don't know what is going on with this spacing it is driving me crazy. If anyone knows what is causing this leave me a message, pleeasssseee.

Another week has gone....

2011-04-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

by, I think I must be getting old as the weeks just seem to disappear. Last week saw parents evening. We were able to look through the work Charlotte has been doing and the amount is unbelievable, these children work so hard. Her report was very good, and is gaining confidence all the time, she also likes to help organise her teacher by doing jobs for her.

I've had a few projects on the go, but to be honest aren't really pleased with any of them and am not prepared to even show the layout on here, unlike me really but I just seemed to have lost all enthusiasm at the moment. This is one of them, that isn't really finished but I'm just left it as it is for the time being.

The 'She workshop' starts on Monday and I'm looking forward to watching some of the videos and techniques, although I won't be able to play along as I will be at my parents house and need to travel really light this trip :( So I'm off to Mum's on Saturday for a week. We are then taking Charlotte to Windsor and Legoland which she is looking forward to, Les and I went around 9 years ago and had a fab time. She is going to love all the models and buildings built of Lego, I'm not sure whether she will want to go on any of the rides, but we will see how it goes. From there we are spending a couple of nights on a farm just outside Lyme Regis, it looks fab, you can help them collect the eggs in the morning as well as watching them milk the cows. It should be an experience to say the least!!. The real reason for going is that I want to go fossil hunting again, I have been before up North and it's such a buzz, this time I have booked us onto a tour and then plan to go independently at a different beach.

This Friday is the last day of term (thank goodness) and as it's Easter they have asked the children to make a decorated bonnet. This is what we have come up with, naturally I have helped quite a bit, but I'm pleased with it, and she looks so cute in it.

I hand stitched the little chicks on so hopefully they will stay put.

Right be good everyone.

Were did the weekend go to?

2011-03-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

I guess it always does when you're having fun. We set off for Hay-on-Wye on Saturday morning, weaving our way through the countryside which made such a pleasant change, rather than travelling on the motorway. Although, there is a downside to going on the little rural roads, poor Charlotte suffers from travel sickness which isn't nice for her, luckily we were nearly at Hay before she was feeling really rough.

What a lovely little place Hay is, I just loved all the book and vintage shops. I managed to pick up some old books, maps, music sheets, buttons and some cotton reels. It's a place were you can mooch around and has a very relaxed atmosphere. I shall be going back!!!.

Look what I found, buttons galore!!

We saw this viaduct at Ledbury, not a brilliant photo as it was taking from the car whilst moving.

As we all know it's Mother's Day this coming Sunday. Which has got me thinking about my relationship with Charlotte and also with my own Mum. So last week I made this canvas of me and Charlotte, using the saying 'A Mother holds her daughters hand for a while but her heart forever'. I know she is still young but as she gets older she needs me just a little bit less as she gets more and more independent. Anyway I have another busy week ahead with Parents Evening on Thursday and yet another meeting at school on Wednesday. I have nothing planned tomorrow morning so I plan to craft and hopefully create a layout.

Take care all.

Arrgghh this spacing is driving me crazy, please excuse the gaps between the text and photos.

Thank goodness it's Friday

2011-03-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love Friday's?. I love to sit here knowing that I haven't got to get up early for the school run, or make sandwiches, reading books, spellings, need I go on? It's been another busy week, I think I should have a bed at Charlotte's school, it seems like I'm spending more time there than I am at home at the moment. lol. Charlotte had her class assembly today, they were acting out 'Where wild things are'. They were fantastic, it's amazing what the teachers get them to do in such a short space of time. Tomorrow we are off to Hay-on-Wye nether Les or I have been there and we both love books, we are then spending the night in Hereford which isn't that far away from us but far enough that you feel like you've had a break away. I just hope this gorgeous weather we have been having holds out for us. Charlotte has been asking to go and ride her bike at the local woods for the past few weeks, but what with one thing and another we only managed to go last Saturday. She has had her bike for a couple of years, but is only really showing interest in it now, so we are trying to encourage her to use it and ride it as much as possible. It's the first real time that I've been able to use my new lense outside and I'm loving experimenting with it. I love this shot as it looks kind of mystical, shame there's a strand of hair floating by her eye. I love her eyes in this one, her hair looks so long. She had it trimmed on Tuesday it looks much tidier. Les took this one of me, I think I was watching and listening to Charlotte moaning about it being hard work pedalling such a long way!. This layout is based from the sketch from Shimelle's blog. This month we had to use 2 4x6 photo's, it should start to get interesting as each month another photo is added. I have done a few other bits but haven't had chance to take a photo of them yet. Have a lovely weekend. Cx

I've done it again

2011-03-15T03:13:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a while have I, in my defense it has been rather busy as Les has been away on business and family have been here to. So as you can imagine this little lady was super pleased to see her Daddy on Thursday. Just look at that gappy smile, the tooth fairy had to come again over the weekend!!.

Whilst my Mum and Dad were here my Mum was showing Charlotte how to knit, she picked it up extremely quickly and was really keen. She wants to knit her dolly a scarf, it's such a shame that I'm naff at knitting, I can remember having the same lessons from Mum, but think I was more interested in pieces of paper and glue!!. Somethings never changes.

I haven't had much chance to craft although I did go to the Bromsgrove Cropaganza were the lovely Kirsty Wiseman taught some classes. My favourite was the canvas and this is my take on it, it's slightly different to Kirsty's as I have put a photo on mine.

I did also manage to complete a layout that I had started from a Pencil Lines sketch.

I have been admiring altered art work from Christy Tomlinson. I missed out on the first 'She Art Workshop' but have enrolled on the second one which starts in April, I'm so excited. Sarah at the Bromsgrove crop showed us some of the art work she had created and it was stunning, she really did inspire me to have a go. The thing is that I had itchy fingers and couldn't wait for April, so I watched a couple of Christy's videos to see some of the techniques and came up with this. By golly I have a long way to go but I'm pleased with my first attempt.

Right enough of me rambling on. Thanks for popping by.

Cx

Happy Hump Day

2011-03-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we are half way through this week and the children have been back at school for 3 days already. Time just seems to fly by at the moment. I have to admit that I have been neglecting my blog, really since the start of the year, so I shall try harder to update it a little more often.

Last week was half term so I travelled down to see Mum and Dad and spent the week with them. I do enjoy catching up with my family as well as some close friends I have known since school. So lots of eating out, lots of Mum's cooking (can't beat a bit of Mum's cooking, especially her roasts, yum). As you can imagine not much crafting happened last week, but I guess I like the freedom of that if I don't want to do anything one week it's not a problem and I do find I'm much more refreshed with more ideas. I did visit a couple of craft shops whilst at Mum's and do have to say that I love Scrap Revolutions in Baldock, it's not a very big shop but has loads and loads of up to the minute brands. Go check it out here for a nosey. I've seen quite a few things that I wished I had purchased but didn't, so I might have to place an order this week. :)

Well Les is off on his travels again, all very last minute, flights only booked Monday flying today. He's off to Indonesia and then off to Malaysia, he will be back late next week. We had a really busy weekend planned too so I have had to call and cancel friends on Sunday :(. Saturday I'm going to the Cropaganza over at Bromsgrove were Kirsty Wiseman is teaching, I'm very excited about this and really wasn't going to miss it. So I've had to persuaded Mum and Dad to come up and look after Charlotte for me (not much persuading really they love to spend time with her) whilst I go to the Crop.

Here's a layout I created before I went away. I can't get enough of these black and white photos of Charlotte.

Made this sweet card, not quite sure for who.

I've had this blank pendant for years and finally got round to doing something with it. I filled it with a cardstock heart with some vintage papers and then added a metal crown, however the colour has come out of the metal and turned it green. At first I wasn't sure but now I think that it adds to it. The metal flower were cheap children earrings which were on sale at Asda for 50p I have another 2 pairs too.

Right I'd better think of something for tea, any ideas anyone?

Take care and thanks as always for stopping by it is appreciated.
Cx

21 Again

2011-02-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I celebrated my Birthday. Lucky for me we had an Inset day from school which allowed us to spend the day together. I have always wanted to go to the Black Country Museum as I've heard so many people talk about it and say how good it is. I enjoyed the day but it was so cold, to warm up we tried the fish and chips that has such a good reputation, they were very nice but I still think the chips from the Market in Great Yarmouth take some beating!!.

Thankfully some of the houses had there ranges going so it was so nice to go and have a little warm up.

We had a ride on the bus but the trams weren't working which was a shame.

We went into the school and showed Charlotte what it was like in the 1930's.

I loved the wireless shop. I have a little Roberts radio which I love and use every day.

I haven't taken part in Sarah's card sketch challenge for ages. I loved the sketch and thought I would have a go, here is my take on the sketch. Charlotte baking with Daddy a couple of weeks ago. Not a particularly good photo as the light is terrible.

I'm off to Mum and Dad's tomorrow to spend half term with them. I'm looking forward to catching up with family and friends and paying a few craft shops some visits.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T02:30:00.001-08:00

So did any of you receive cards from your loved ones or from anonymous admirers this morning?? For some reason it's been quite an occasion in our house this year. For most of the afternoon yesterday I was banned from going into the kitchen due to Charlotte and Daddy creating something very special for me. This morning we were woken by Charlotte saying that it was 7am and was time to get up. Lots of cards to one another and this lovely little heart box that Charlotte had painted and then decorated it with hearts and stars. So precious.

Ever since I was a little girl I have always given my Dad a Valentine's card and some sort of chocolates or sweets. This year was no different. Thanks Dad. X

It's been quite a weekend, Les returned from Dubai late Saturday evening and we spent most of yesterday just chilling out. I didn't manage to create much last week, but don't think I have shared these layouts I done a couple of weeks ago.

This layout was done with Shimelle's 4x6 photo love online class. Every month you will create a layout with 4x6 photos. January was 1 photo, February will be 2, March will be 3 etc..

I don't normally work with dark colours but this MME paper was lovely and the coloured flowers complemented it perfectly.

I'm going to take a stroll to the post office as I missed the postie this morning with my Scrapagogo kit.

Thanks as always for stopping by.

Cx

Pencil line Sketch 222

2011-02-04T03:03:00.000-08:00

I hope you are impressed two posts in one week, that's pretty good for me. I haven't taken part in a Pencil line sketch for ages so thought I would have a go. Here is my take on sketch 222. Again I have used these bright sunny colours and a photo of Charlotte taken a couple of years ago, it's hard to think that she hadn't started school when this picture was taken.

I made some of these little flowers with some of the patterned paper and then finished them off with a button and a gem.

I love these resin flower from Maya Road, again perfect just to add that little more dimension.

I had a little time this morning to take a few snaps of Charlotte using my new lens. So from this sweet little girl.....

To this little monster....

These photo's look so much better in black and white, as the back ground and the lighting weren't great.

I'm so glad it's almost the weekend, it's been a long week. Les is off to Dubai tomorrow for a week, bless him he's full of cold, but I'm sure the dry heat will help to clear it up.

Right I'd better get ready to go to work.

Take care and have a lovely weekend all.
Cx

Golden Girl

2011-02-01T01:30:00.001-08:00

Hello Blogland. Another grey morning out there today, doesn't it just make you feel like going back to bed? I know it does me, although with the cold I've got at the moment, I wouldn't sleep anyway. Right I've done the British bit and complained about the weather!!.

Last week I managed to create some more layouts and I have to say that I'm loving it, maybe having a break really done me good as the ideas seem to be flooding my mind at the moment. This one I started at the weekend, just loved the sunny colours, and chose to use a black and white photo so as it wouldn't distract against the colours. The photo quality isn't great as the light is terrible. Now as most of you know I'm not that inventive when it comes to titles for the layouts and I very often ask Les what he thinks. He came up with 'Our Golden Girl' which I thought worked perfectly on several accounts, obviously the colours and secondly as she is achieving so much at school and is trying really hard. I have to say that I've started to dread Monday's as she comes out of school with spellings that need to be learnt by Friday. Now I'm not talking about little words but damn great words like, driftwood, although, thought, suddenly and speechless (which it left me). I know when I was at school we started with the smaller words and then built up with the larger ones. By Friday I'm exhausted, goodness only knows how these kids feel!!.

A little close up shot. To begin with I wasn't sure what to use the bread(less) tabs for but think they help to add dimension. I remember these little tabs on bread from when I was growing up, I bet you do to don't you??

This layout I used the Prima 'Jack n Jill' collection I bought some of this collection at the end of November and thought it was about time I got stuck into it. Really sweet.

I've had crackle glaze for ages and hadn't used it so I thought I would try it out on this lovely big chipboard flower.

I'll leave it there for now, thanks again for all the lovely comments.

Take care

No title (cos I can't think of one)

2011-01-25T02:38:00.000-08:00

After last weeks post about loss of mojo and why I scrapbooked, I was really touched by all the lovely comments that was left on my blog. Thank you to everyone who left a comment, it means so much and it truly brightens my day.

So I set about creating some 12x12 layouts. I had ordered some of the October Afternoon Campsite papers as I had some pictures of Charlotte camping in my Mum and Dad's garden last summer, really it was a trial to see if she liked it and whether she would settle. She did and she loved it, although I'm not sure Les enjoyed being woken at 5am!!. These papers were perfect for what I had in mind. The idea for this layout woke me one night last week, does that ever happen to you?

Just loved the little owl.

For this layout I used mainly my Scrapagogo kit. Again this photo of Charlotte had been waiting to be scrapped for a while and this months kit was perfect for it.

I added a few bits and pieces from my own stash.

I even created a card, using the free stamp on last months Craft Stamper magazine. The idea of stacking the cups was from the magazine, which really sparked my imagination. So sad that I've only got small scraps left over of these papers, they were really pretty.

We booked our summer holiday last night. We are off to Croatia for a week in August, we have fancied going there for a couple of years now but opted for Disneyland, Paris last year. A whole week away with some sunshine, oh I can't wait.

Not much else to report, just the same old same old really school, work, housework etc, need I go on!!.

Thanks again for all the comments.
Take care all.
Cx

It's finished...

2011-01-18T03:05:00.000-08:00

my Christmas journal is done and I'm so pleased that I have managed to complete it. Ok some of the pages are a bit samey but I'm just so chuffed that I have completed it. The journal tells a story about past and present Christmases. As you can see I'm loving tags at the minute, they are so versatile, the one below I added journaling to the back.

I haven't done any 12x12 scrapbooking for weeks now and to be honest it feels a little daunting. I have loads of photos and stash so that's not the problem but I feel like what's the point of this crazy hobby. Afterall I create a page, then put into a box waiting for it to go into an album for it to sit (at the moment) at the back of my wardrobe taking up precious space. Oh I don't know maybe I'm just having a funny five minutes (as my Mother would say).

I was lucky enough to get a new lense for my camera over Christmas and I have been trying it out. I have a long way to go, and I can't wait for the better weather so I can try some shots outside. Getting the right lighting inside can be so difficult. Anyway here are a few photos, of my willing model.

Just love the eyes in this shot.

This one is slightly out of focus, but still love it.

I know I'm biased because I'm her Mum, but isn't she lovely?

If you have made it to here thank you for looking.

Take care all.
Cx

Sketches 2 Scrapbook

2011-01-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas you may remember me writing about taking part in the new Sketches app for IPhone etc. I can now share with you my layouts. I'm looking forward to the app for Blackberry's which is being developed as we speak. My layouts were created down at my parents house during the summer holidays so I was a little restricted with stash and supplies.

Here's the first layout:-

Here's the second.

I just love the photo of Charlotte explaining to me that the naughty goat nibbled at her hair.

Why not get your hands on a copy of the iPhone app, by clicking onto the link http://www.sketches2scrapbook.com/ Both my layouts were made with one of the sketches from Sketches 2 Scrapbook.

I'm still working on my JYC and only have 5 more pages to complete. I'm so proud of myself for completing it, and think it is possibly the first journal I have fully completed. I really enjoyed it and I think I will have to make a few more during the year.

I will share some more pages of my journal real soon.

Thanks for stopping by and thank you to everyone who has left me a message I really appreciate it.

Back to Normality

2011-01-06T02:59:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and are now getting back to some normality, although it does come hard doesn't it?

I know I have been a bad blogger and haven't posted since Charlotte's Birthday, but the last week in December before school broke up was just manic. I so enjoyed Christmas even if we did get huge amounts of snow and did at times wonder whether we would be able to make it down to my parents. It was in actual fact a very easy drive so I was thankful for that. We caught up with friends and family which is always good fun.

I am still creating layouts for my JYC and I'm so happy that I have managed to keep going, as usually with mini books they don't tend to have many pages in them, not quite sure what happens, I have this great idea but then some how it all fizzles out. I think what helps is that you get a prompt everyday from Shimelle which for me encourages me to carry on. I have around 9 more pages to do and have written a list so I keep a check of what pages are left. I just need some bigger book rings now as the album is expanding rapidly. Here are a few pages from it, but please excuse the photo quality the light here is so poor at the moment.

We have Charlotte's Birthday Party on Saturday at Frankie and Benny's, we prolonged the party as to organise it before Christmas would have been crazy and I'm not sure how many would of been able to make it due to other commitments. She is very excited and looking forward to it, it will be hard work for Les and I and I'm not quite sure what we are going to do with them for 2 hours!!!.

Right as usual I'm running out of time.

Thanks for popping by.

Cx

Birthday Girl in the house

2010-12-16T02:45:00.000-08:00

That's right my sweet little girl turned 6 today. Bless her it was the first time ever that she was really excited about her Birthday. Last night she was so excited it took her an age to get off to sleep. Although her Birthday is so close to Christmas we always make the effort and decorate the house for her. She has been an extremely lucky girl, my parents bought her a dolls house, part Birthday and Christmas (I don't normally combine presents but due to it costing lots of pennies we agreed this year). She has had money, vouchers and presents and some still to be opened after school. She went off to school really happy this morning telling everyone it's her Birthday wearing a massive badge to prove it!!. Here she is this morning looking very sleepy. I asked her this morning what it felt like to be 6 and she said 'I feel really big'!!. Thank you to everyone who thought of her today.

It's been another busy week. Tuesday I went with the school to watch Cinderella at the Pantomime, it was really good and the children were really well behaved. The school organises the event perfectly and so safely which is not an easy task when you have the whole school attending.

At the beginning of the week they had Party day at school they could wear party dresses and smart clothes. Well Charlotte isn't really a dressy girl so we bought her a new top and leggings to match and she looked really sweet and she was comfortable which is the main thing.

The school production last week went really well, she done herself proud and stood up and spoke into the microphone clearly. On the last but one line she had a bit of a wobble but she carried on and got her words out. We have been on such a journey with her and I didn't really think that she would be able to do it, I know she could, but emotionally I was unsure whether she could cope. She done it and remembered all her lines. We were so proud of her. We are all ready for Friday, we are all so tired and ready for a break. Les has next week off to so I'm looking forward to having some lie ins!!!

I am just about keeping up with my JYC, I'm on day 14 at the moment so I'd doing alright. On a couple of days I'm waiting for photos which I'm hoping will be here soon. I will take some picture when I get a spare moment.

I'm running out of time again.

Take care all.
Cx

2010-12-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

Firstly I'd like to thank everyone who left me a comment encouraging me with my JYC, it so appreciated it. I'm loving it, I'm trying to keep up on a daily basis as much as I can. Today's is about past Christmases, and I need some photos from my childhood, so hopefully Mum and Dad are bringing some with them at the end of the week. Here are some promised pictures. I still need to take quite a few photos of the previous pages, but the light has been poor today, will try again tomorrow.

The story or Manifesto, I'm keeping to it so far.

We had such a busy weekend. On Saturday Les dropped me of at the Bromsgrove crop, I haven't been for several months (due to commitments), but I do enjoy going they are such a nice bunch of ladies. I managed to get rather a lot and finished including Charlotte's Birthday card ready for next week. I also took part in Debs card class which was ace, such funky designs with great ideas.

Yesterday was spent at IKEA and picking a Christmas tree, it only took 20 minutes which is pretty good for us. As usual it's big but we love it. Charlotte loved putting all the decorations on it, it's probably the first year that she didn't get bored half way through.

This is the one!!

Charlotte needed a little helping hand with the star, it was so tall we had to chop a bit off the top!!

The finished tree, the photo's a little dark as it was taken in the dark.

I'm trying out some different photo's, I was quite pleased with this one although it needs to be a bit crisper, I even managed to get in the picture too!!

It's Charlotte's big day at school tomorrow. It's the first showing of the Christmas production, I'm extremely nervous for her. She has had several wobbles over the past week and isn't happy to stand on the stage. So they have opted for her to sit on a bench in front of the stage. Apparently she done her lines fine in front of the rest of the school. I've got everything crossed for her that it goes smoothly.

Right I'm off to wrap some presents. Thanks for stopping by.
Cx

So excited

2010-11-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

I have taken the plunge this year and have decided to JYC (Journal Your Christmas) with Shimelle. This looks amazing and I'm so looking forward to it, I have already created my journal cover as well as the story page. I love the month of December and what's a better way than to record all the special things that happen. I also want to remember the past Christmases and all the traditions that go with it. I just really hope that I manage to keep up and don't get to far behind, I have loads of ideas so I really want to complete it. I hope you are all going to keep a close eye on me :)

The other exciting news is that some of you may of remembered that I was part of the Twisted Sketches team earlier in the year. Anam who creates all the sketches and runs the website had a fantastic idea to have an App for scrapbook pages so no matter where you are you can always be inspired. I was so pleased to be asked to create some layouts as examples for this new app. Unfortunately, it is only available to download onto Iphones, and as I have a Blackberry I have to wait a little while longer before I can have a copy as they are still developing the software for other phones. So watch this space. The link to purchase the App is here

So how are your preparations going for Christmas? Just a few last bits and pieces needed now. Charlotte is still working hard on her lines for the production next week. She had a little wobble last week and she got very upset but I'm hoping that she has got that out of her system and will cope okay when it comes to the big performance. To say that I will be nervous will be an understatement, but immensely proud!!

I will be back later in the week with an update of how I'm getting on with my JYC.

Wish me luck!!

Cx

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

2010-11-22T03:33:00.000-08:00

I've had the best weekend ever. We spent it with my old school buddie Suze and her new husband Huw. She hasn't changed at all, still the same Suze I knew at school, we spent loads of time together in the sixth form and got up to lots of mischief together. We were both doing the same business course and have lots of happy memories. We lost contact as you do when you are young, but then earlier in the year thanks to Facebook we were able to chat and to catch up. I was honoured to be at her wedding back in September and to share her special day with her and Huw, who is just the funniest guy. She is a very special person and I'm glad we have found one another again and to hopefully carry on our friendship.

Huw sulked when I didn't get in the photo, but this is what happened when I did!.

So Christmas isn't that far off is it? Can't quite believe how quickly it has come round again. I love all the hype of Christmas and love all the special things that happen in the run up to the big day. I have loads to do and as I had a quite few moments this morning I thought I would make up the gifts for Charlotte's teachers. I had this idea and already had the cellophane I didn't really want to just give them chocolates as everyone tends to do that. I bought some really lovely notebooks from Paperchase and wrapped them up with a few chocs too. You can't really see them that well in this photo, but they look okay and a little different.

I saw Delia Smith advertise her Christmas cake on tv last week. She is selling the cake with all the ingredients already weighed out, which I think is a brilliant idea, as it tends to costs a fortune for all the stuff you need, and I always end up with loads of left over fruit etc. For £10 I was happy to give it a go, all you have to add is 5 eggs, butter, orange and lemon. Charlotte has an inset day from school on Friday so I plan to bake it then.

I haven't managed to do any crafting yet, but I'm hoping for a crafty morning tomorrow.

Take care all.

Children in Need Day

2010-11-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

As if you didn't know it's Children in Need day and the children at Charlotte's school had to dress in something yellow or spotty. I found this slightly difficult as I always think that yellow is a spring, summer colour so she had no yellow tops, she had no spotty tops either. I didn't really want to buy anything new just for one day so I decided to improvise. Last year I used my circle punch to punch out different coloured spots and then popped some double sided tape on the back and then stuck them on. This year I wanted to do something different, and thought of buttons, I have literally hundreds of them so I sifted through them and choose all different sizes and sat and stitched them on. Here she was this morning full of the joys.

Think this was her mean and moody look!

Then it all got to much and ended up like this.

This layout has been on the go for over a week so I sat down last night to finish it off. It was one of those layouts that just didn't flow right, if you know what I mean. Fairly happy with the finished result and just love the photo. Just look at Charlotte's face loving her Daddy. This was taken on our last day at Disneyland back in July. We were waiting for our transfer back to the airport when I snapped her with Les, she just couldn't leave him alone.

Little close up shot of the detail.

Have been busy sorting the house today as we have friends staying over at the weekend. I'm so looking forward to it, especially not cooking tomorrow night, off to the local curry house for a Balti.

Anyway take care all, will be back next week.

Cx

Photo overload

2010-11-17T02:44:00.000-08:00

I promised some layouts and here they are. I just love the pink and lime green on this layout, although the colour isn't very good as the light hasn't been brilliant over the past few days.

Another layout with this photo, it's my favourite at the moment and I just love it in Black and White. Again the red is more of a dark red than it is on here, but you get the idea. Loved using lots of Jenni Bowlin products on this one.

With this layout I used lots of old stash which feels great. A couple of weeks back I had a mass sort out of my crafting stuff and re-organised how I store all my stash, it seems to be working a lot better. I've filed my papers by colour rather than brand, put all my chipboard into one big bag and it's good to have a rummage knowing that they are all together.

Of course that big occasion is just a few weeks away now and so I have made a few cards.

A huge welldone to my Mum she has finally got to her target weight, the last 1/2 stone has really taken a while to shift but she has stayed so focused. I don't think I have ever met anyone who has been so determined so welldone Mum. X

A couple of posts ago I promised you photos of the quilt Mum is making for Charlotte's bed. It's growing everytime I see it and to think that she has stitched it all by hand.

I think that's quite enough photos for one post.

Thanks for popping by.

Catch up

2010-11-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

It's been a while and whilst my machine is still not right I have managed to download some photos using the camera card placing it directly into my p.c which seems to be working fine. Better than putting it back to factory settings which is what the Techguys suggested, I have no faith in them what so ever.

Had a fantastic time in Blackpool, even if it did chuck it down with rain. I loved the footie I love the live games but can't be bothered when it's on the television. The illuminations were great and believe that everyone should see them at least once.

Charlotte is working hard at school for her Christmas production and she has a rather big part, she is one of the narrators, I just hope she doesn't get stage fright and freezes. I can't wait to see her but she has a fair few lines to learn so we are going through them every evening when she gets back from school. Bless her I'm so proud of her, she has come so far in such a short space of time. I really can't fault her new teacher she is working so hard to boost her confidence.

We have had a lovely weekend going to Cheltenham to do some Christmas shopping I have really broken the back of it now so I'm relatively happy. Just need to get bits and pieces. Today we had good friends round for dinner which is always so enjoyable if a little tiring.

I will leave you for now with some layouts that I done weeks ago. I have 3 more layouts and some cards to photograph and will update later in the week.

Thanks for your patience, take care all.

Cx

I'm back (well sort of)

2010-11-04T02:27:00.000-07:00

with a working laptop, yay. I would of had it back sooner only it was returned un-fixed and so it had to go back again. This firm have been mentioned quite a bit on Watchdog just recently so I was a little concerned. Anyway I had a call last week whilst on half term at my parents to say that it was fixed. Bearing in mind it was only the back lights on the monitor which had gone, when I switched on the laptop they had removed my antivirus protection which has now been resolved, but the biggest issue is that I now can't download my photos onto my computer. A document has been damaged on the registry. Not sure what this means but a little trip back up to the store will be made tonight to see what they are going to do about it. So whilst I am back with a computer, I can not share any of my layouts or cards I have been busy making whilst without my laptop.

Was it just me or did October just whizz by in a flash??. I have a feeling that November will be the same, every weekend this month we have something on. We have friends visiting, Birthday party's, football matches to go to. This weekend we are going up to see Blackpool Illuminations, I can wait, I'm so excited, it's the last weekend they will be on. We are meeting family up there, in the afternoon, we will go and watch the Blackpool v Everton football match. My family are all avid Blackpool supporters (well you just get swept along with all the enthusiasm you can't be of it) and Les is an Everton supporter. It should be good, I just hope Blackpool play well and give them a good fight.

What else has been happening, well last week was half term which was a really needed break, I went down with the lurgy the last day of term which meant I didn't go into school at lunchtime. On the mend now though and it didn't spoil our plans last week. Charlotte and I went down to my parents, then Les followed down on the Tuesday evening he had work commitments that he couldn't get out of. Wednesday Les and I went to Norwich for a couple of days which was great, we saw the castle, went to the cinema and dare I say it started some Christmas shopping. Charlotte had a great time with my Mum and Dad, but have to say that my poor Dad looked exhausted when we went to collect her on Friday.

Whilst at Mum's I took some photos of the quilt she is making for Charlotte's bed, I'm just sorry that I can't share them just yet, but they will be worth the wait. It's growing rapidly and has all been stitched by hand. Such a talented Mum I have. On that note I'm so proud of Mum, she is nearly at her target weight, it's been a tough couple of weeks as the weight hasn't wanted to move but she only has 1/2 pound to lose. So good luck Mum for next week.

The last week of term we went to see Charlotte's teacher, she is doing so well especially in her reading she is achieving way above what she should be for her age so again I'm so proud of her. She seems so much happy in year 1, probably because they are learning more rather than just playing. Just waiting to hear what this years Christmas production will be, as well as the Christmas panto to. Such a lovely time of year coming up for the kiddies.

Thanks for your patience.
Cx

I maybe some time again

2010-10-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

A really quick post as my poor laptop has had to go into repair as it looks as though the back lights in the monitor have gone. I'm just so glad that it's still under warranty, it's only 10 months old!!. So it means I'm without a laptop for the next 2-3 weeks. The only good thing is that I'm managing to complete layouts rather than browse the web!!.

Anyway take care all.
Cx

It's been a while again

2010-09-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe how quickly September has flashed by, only another 3 weeks and it will be half term.

As you know I have been part of a team on UKS since January and have enjoyed my time with a group of lovely ladies, but of late I have found it hard work to always contribute to challenges and didn't always have the time to go on to chat. So last week I came to the decision to leave the Crafty Magpies. Although this wasn't an easy decision to make I know I have made the right decision for me. I am so enjoying making cards especially using the Magnolia stamps, and almost feel as though I have come full circle as that is were I started almost 20 years ago, I would save my pocket money to buy them which at that stage were quite expensive. I'm still learning, and have along way to go to get them looking spot on but I'm generally liking my finished cards, which I guess is the main thing.

I made this card using the sketch over on the Magnolia website, but I'm not that brave enough to post it on there yet. I have to say a big thank you to Deb Hickman who let me stamp this lovely Tilda bunny months ago but I have only just got round to colouring them in!! I guess Deb that it's you that has got me hooked onto these sweet stamps. haha

It's my Mum's Birthday tomorrow (21 again Mum!!) and made this card for her. I made it with a slightly bigger card and I'm really happy with the way it's turned out. I'm so looking forward to tomorrow as Mum and Dad are coming up to spend the weekend with us. I haven't managed to share Mum's Birthday with her for years so it will be a lovely. On Saturday as a special treat we are off to the NEC to the Dollshouse Fair.

This is another layout that I have managed to create last week. I have got loads of photos from the summer to work through and this October Afternoon paper is just perfect.

I feel so relaxed with my crafting at the moment and it's great that I can do what I want when I want, I have started a cross stitch kit to, it's relaxing to sit here of an evening stitching until my eyes can do no more. My Mum has started to make Charlotte a hand stitched quilt using all Cath Kidston material which I know is going to be just beautiful, I hope to see it really soon and will post a picture really soon.

Anyway thanks for listening and thanks for stopping by.

Take care
Cx

This and That

2010-09-17T02:03:00.001-07:00

Again the weeks have just flown by, I can't believe that Charlotte has done her second week at school. She has amazed me again, she has settled into school life really well, when the school bell rings she lines up and walks in, doesn't give me a second glance which is just great. I can't believe how quickly she is growing up and has lost yet another tooth.

Here she is all gappy!!

Managed to create this layout using the new Cosmo Cricket papers, the little pixies were just perfect for this photo.

We are off to my friends wedding tomorrow and I'm so looking forward to seeing her and sharing her special day with her. Last weekend we went shopping, Charlotte chose a new dress with some silver shoes, she really is changing as she would never have worn a dress a year ago. It was so nice to wander around the shops looking at accessories to go with her dress. I will post some photos from the wedding next week.

I made this card and to be honest it hasn't really turned out how I planned but I'm sure she will like it. The flag book I made her to remember her hen night by was a real hit.

I have also created this layout, using the new October Afternoon papers, I just couldn't resist them as they were seaside theme they were just perfect to use with all the summer photos I have to scrap. This photo was taken in Hastings down by the fishing boats, Charlotte was only to happy to pose with her Grandad.

I will leave you with this photo I took from our back garden on Sunday evening. If you look closely you can see it's a double rainbow.

Thanks as always for popping by.

Cx

Back to school....

2010-09-06T10:33:00.001-07:00

for Charlotte today. Here she is in her new pinafore dress that I never thought she would wear, just goes to show how they can change in a year. I assume that her first day back went okay, she didn't really tell me much, apparently this is fairly common in children. I really missed her today and really enjoyed having her off for 6 weeks, if I'm honest I didn't really want her to go back but she had to go, so back to the old routine.....

I'm enjoying making cards at the moment and I do feel they are improving. This one I made for my Mum last week.

This one is my favourite, think I might have to make another one of these.

Just love the Magnolia's. A few new stamps have just fallen into my basket!!!

This mini flag book I made for my friend Suzanne to remember her Hen night by. I think I may have to make another one as I really enjoyed making it from scratch. I made one back in February at the Scrapagogo day event in Coventry.

I done mine slightly different as the previous one I made we used playing cards.

Need to put Charlotte to bed now.
Cx

So much to share

2010-08-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

Well were do I start. Right I think I'll start with my Mum, today she has won Slimmer of the Year within her class at Slimming World. My Mum started a year ago today and is only a few pounds away from her target weight. She has done so well and I'm so proud of her as it's not easy but she is so dedicated and once she sets her mind to it she just does it, she is a real inspiration. Welldone Mum.

I had a fantastic night on Saturday as an old school friend had her hen night in Cambridge. It started by punting on the river Cam, chaffeured I have to say with cocktails. It was hilarously funny and I enjoyed meeting all Suzanne's friends. Some of them I knew from school and I was a little nervous in meeting them all again, but I really didn't need to be as they were such fun and made me feel really welcome. We then went on to Revolution Bar to learn how to make a cocktail which again I loved. There were so much choice but I chose a Woo Woo and a Tutti Fruity they were lush but didn't drink them all. Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm not a big drinker but I can still have fun with out getting drunk. A few of the girlies including the bride to be felt a little unwell at one stage and had to sober her up a little before we could think about dancing the night away. It was such a lovely afternoon and evening, and I'm really looking forward to wedding in a couple of weeks time.

I think this was the Woo Woo!!

Love this photo of us all, with one of the Colleges behind us, can't remember which one it was though.

Scrapping wise well I have been doing quite a lot. I managed to create a layout last week as well as making a little flag book for Suzanne so she can remember her Hen night, still have to put the finishing touches to it but hope to get that finished this week. I've also made a couple of cards too, the first one is for our neighbours who are celebrating there first wedding anniversary today.

I used the new Cosmo Cricket papers for this layout.

Right will be back later in the week, thanks as aways for the comments they are appreciated.

Cx

Summer Hols

2010-08-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

The last four weeks have been so busy, but I'm so enjoying the Summer holiday. I must admit though I'm glad that we now have the next two weeks at home preparing for going back to school on the 6th September. We had a great time last week meeting up with my Sister-in-law, in Southport. I so love that seaside town. On the Wednesday we took the train to Liverpool as Joan hadn't been there lately. Les and Joan lived on the outskirts of Liverpool when they lived at home so it's always nice for them to catch up and remember the 'good old days'. I love to hear them telling there stories which the other one maybe had forgotten about.

The Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, where Les worked for a year before joining the Army.

There is an awful lot of development happening down at the Docks which to my mind is really spoiling the look of the place. Such a shame that this black building blocks out all the original buildings standing so proudly behind.

Friday and the rest of the weekend was sorting Charlotte's bedroom out. We had bought some new wardrobes and a new single bed for her. Bless her she was still in her cot bed which she was so rapidly growing out of. Here she is sound asleep the last night of her little bed. The decorating went well with only a few blips along the way which we overcame relatively quickly.

Here she is on Monday night in her new bed.

We still have to put up the curtains, pictures and some shelves for her but the basics have been done which is the hard work. I might even get some bunting to go in the corner overhanging her bed, what do you think?

Now onto the crafting. I did this layout whilst down at Mums it's a sweet little layout which I really quite like. The photo was taken at Plymouth whilst on holiday in June, she loves the froth on the coffee!!

This layout I made with this months Scrapagogo kit the papers were so pretty and unusual colours. This co-insides with this weeks weekly challenge to.

I hope to share some more layouts really soon, being back home is great as I get to craft whilst Charlotte is happy playing. I have just purchased two of the new ranges of Cosmo Cricket, all I need now is for my photos to arrive from Snapfish.

Thanks as always for popping by.
Cx

Bad blogger

2010-08-16T11:36:00.001-07:00

Sorry I've gone AWOL for a while, things have been so crazy but very enjoyable. I have spent the past two weeks at my parents, going out and about and catching up with friends and family. The first week I caught up with my best mate, who has been having a rather tough time of it just recently, but she was so positive and seems to be getting her life back on track. Went shopping in Cambridge, I have been eyeing up a pair of boots for a while, so I just had to try them on and of course fell in love with them!!. The first weekend was great, Charlotte spent the Saturday night in the back garden in my brother's tent with Daddy, a trial run really she loved the adventure. Not so sure that Les was that keen on being woken up at 5.15 in the morning!!!.

We took Charlotte to Great Yarmouth, she loves it there. She even went for a paddle with Nanny. I have to say that my Mum has lost over 3 1/2 stone in weight and she looks fantastic. She has been nominated for Slimmer of the Year, which I believe she deserves to win. In all the weeks she has been doing it she has only gained twice, which only amounted to a pound. Goodluck Mum I'm so proud of you!.

Charlotte lost another tooth, I can't believe the speed that they are falling out. So the tooth fairy had to come again. Luckily for Charlotte, Nanny has fairies at the bottom of her garden!!!.

Dad took this photo of me and Charlotte on the Audley End miniature train, our annual trip, I still love it as big as I am.

Last week we stayed at Hastings for a couple of nights. I used to live in Hastings, well St Leonard's for about 18 months. It was an interesting place to live, but I have some fond memories of the place. It was very strange going back without Les, but I did show Charlotte where we used to live.

And told her that we used to wake up to this every day.

Sadly the pier is closed as it's unsafe. Such a shame as it was a nice pier with shops and a cafe on it as well as holding a French market on there a couple times a year.

I'm off to Southport for a couple days tomorrow, to see my Sister-in-law. Will be back soon, with hopefully some layouts to share.

Thanks as always for popping by.
Cx

My final sketch

2010-07-29T11:12:00.002-07:00

for Twisted sketches has gone live. The twist was 'joy' which I thought was fairly apt for this photography of my Mum and Dad who have just celebrated there 40th Wedding Anniversary last weekend. I think it's quite an achievement now a days to get to 40 years, at times I'm not sure how they have got there but I am sure grateful that they have stayed together.

So we arrived back from Disneyland, Paris late on Tuesday night. We had an absolutely fabulous time, getting the most out of the few days we had there. We had dinner with Mickey which was great, to begin with Charlotte was a little uncertain but she soon relaxed into it and enjoyed it.

These were my favourites, I'm not sure whether it was Chip or Dale but I was very excited. I did however have to remind myself that it was just some person dressed up in a costume! lol.

This one is for my Mum who loves Eeyore.

We watched lots of shows and even went on some rides (which we never thought Charlotte would want to do) but she loved the thrill of the adventure and she showed real confidence towards the end.

and of course it would have been really rude not to have had some Ben and Jerry's ice cream.

I'm off to Mum's for two weeks on Sunday were we are hoping to go on some day trips to the beach and to Hastings for a couple of days to show Charlotte were we used to live. So I hope to be able to share some more photos with you all.

I hope you are all having a good summer holidays.

Be back soon.
Cx

A little update

2010-07-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad blogger again. Things have been so busy around here that I've barely known whether I've been coming our going. Roll on Friday I say. Les has had to go away again, it was all very last minute mentioning on Thursday that he may have to go to Kenya. Sunday very early in the morning he was off. I just hope there are no delays on his flight on Thursday night as we are flying off to Disney Saturday morning!!!.

It's been very busy at work, with my colleague leaving on Friday, we are managing and all the children are all fed and watered all within the time scale which is the main thing. We had parents evening last night, which went very well and I'm so proud of what Charlotte has achieved this year.

This layout I have incorporated with one of Shimelle's sketches as well as last weeks UKS weekly challenge. I really haven't managed to play along massively with Shimelle's classes but I have printed out the sketches and aim to have a go at them at some stage.

Thanks for stopping by.
Cx

School report

2010-07-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Its been a really long week, but luckily we have tomorrow off as the school is closed for an inset day. Les and I went to watch Charlotte in her school assembly this morning, which was fab and again she done very well. We also got her school report today and to be honest we couldn't expect anything better from her. We just have to work on her confidence with her but she is only 5 and has come so far over the past year. Funnily enough her teacher said that she was very creative!!. Do you think that's got anything to do with my influence on her?

Twisted Sketch went live last night and here is my take on the sketch. The twist was texture. Check out everyone's layouts here.

A close up shot of all the details, I loved making the twirly bits I used florist wire and curled around my piercing tool.

We have been picking these from the garden, but haven't seen many of them as this little tinker has been eating them!!

We have had our first crop of runner beans too which we had for our tea last night. I love runner beans and there is nothing better than to go into the garden pick them, prepare them and then eat them. I just wish I had a bigger garden so I could grow more veggies.

I'm home alone tonight so I'm going to finish of my last Twisted Sketch.

Take care.

Monday blues....

2010-07-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have the Monday blues?? We have had such a busy weekend that waking up this morning and realising that it was Monday, and wondered how quickly it had came round again. We've been busy thinking and buying new bits and pieces for Charlotte's bedroom. Bless her she is still in her cot bed and is rapidly running out of space in it. At the moment she has our wardrobes (which are huge) and a futon in her room, so we have figured that we have got to downsize the wardrobes and get rid of the futon. Yesterday was spent at Ikea purchasing new wardrobes and thinking about storage. We live in a two bedroom house which comes with pretty much no storage at all, which makes life very difficult at times. We couldn't believe that the delivery cost was only going to be £5 which in all honesty made us pull our fingers out and order them. There is just a small issue of were all the stuff is going from our old wardrobes. I know we have to do it, but this does mean a mass sort out which being a hoarder isn't easy!!.

I did manage to finish my layout from last week. Really like these pictures of Charlotte on holiday sitting amongst the buttercups. Again I have used several brands of patterned paper.

Several months ago when I took part in Cheryl Johnsons beginners photo course I took a photo of Charlotte but I was just not completely happy with it as it was slightly blurry. So today I asked Charlotte if she would pose for me and see if we can get a good photo again.

and it all ended in this................

On Saturday we walked down to the river as it was the annual river festival. Charlotte saw loads of her little friends and the atmosphere was great. Had to take these photos from the bridge as I couldn't get the depth I wanted by the river.

Right I have to fly as I need to collect Charlotte from school.

As always thanks for stopping by.
Cx

Sports Day

2010-07-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Charlotte's first sports day. Sports day at her school is a full day of activities and is a really family day out with bouncy castles, icecream van and even a pig roast for the adults. After I dropped her off at school in the morning with her waterproof jacket I really thought it was going to be a wash out, but it soon warmed up and became very hot for them. She took part in all the activities in the morning and seemed quite happy with everything. I obviously can't post any photos on here for legal reasons, but did manage to get some snaps of her without any other children beside her. We are rather fortunate that we are allowed to take photos of our children, as some schools have banned cameras and video recorders.

I have been struggling all week with my eye. I have had two trips to the doctors two lots of drops and it's still causing me problems. Yesterday it felt as though it was improving and it wasn't causing me to many problems, but when I woke this morning it felt so sore and painful. The Doctor is treating it like conjunctivitis with antibotics (although I don't think it is that as I don't have any of the symptoms) and so I can't work at the school until it is cleared. If it's not better by Monday I've got to go back and they will then refer me to the eye hospital, I really hope it doesn't come to that but if it feels like it does now I'll be back down there. It's so frustrating.

I hope you all have a good weekend. I'll be back next week with something to share with you.

Take care.

Cx

Have you seen the new

2010-07-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

Charlotte 100 camera!!. It's made with a box, an egg box, milk bottle top, length of wool and some coloured paper. Bless her Charlotte was rummaging through the recyling bin pulling out a pizza box and a milk bottle top to make a camera. So this is what we ended up with and she is thrilled with it. It's amazing how a child gets so much pleasure from a box, although I am thinking of putting a padlock on our recycling bin as I keep throwing it out and it somehow ends up back in the house!! lol.

On Saturday I went off to the Bromsgrove crop and had a fantastic time. After my last post on here feeling a little down about scrapping I suddenly realised sitting amongst friends on Saturday that this is why I scrap. I have met some lovely people through this great hobby and I'm very grateful for that. It was a very productive day too, I managed to get a CJ and a weekly challenge done. For this challenge you needed to use circles, more than two things, to use some bling and to use a Shakespeare's quote. My Mum came up with this quote and said it would be perfect with a picture of Charlotte asleep. I have used the new Girl Paperie collection which I just love (so much so I have ordered some more). The colours look very wishy washy on here but it looks really soft and sweet in real life.

Right I'm off to make a cuppa, anyone want one???

Take care

Nothing much to share although....

2010-06-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

I have this weeks Twisted sketch to show you. The twist this week was the colour red (which is one of my favourite colours) so I enjoyed this one. Do check out the rest of the team for there great interpretations of this weeks sketch. I only have two more sketches left with the team so if you would like to be in with a chance of being part of an amazing team then check out the website and have a go.

Things have been busy here, what with Les returning from two weeks in Singapore and Malaysia and of course all the washing that goes with being away. Mum and Dad sadly went back home last Wednesday and I'm still missing them, and I know Charlotte is to, she still gets upset and tells me that she misses her Grandad. Bless her it's so hard for her to understand.

As Mum and Dad have been up for the past couple of Tuesday's I didn't do my voluntary bit at school, but I went in today and enjoyed being with the kids. I was doing spelling tests with groups of children. I had to do 45 words with them which of course some of the children found difficult, it's so hard not to sound the words out for them, but they needed to do it for themselves so the teachers can assess them and to find out which groups they will be in when they return in September. Next Thursday it's sports day so that should be interesting.

Well I have been struggling of late, I just can't seem to settle on anything maybe because Les has been away and Mum and Dad being up, I'm jsut not sure what it is. Scrapbooking has been the same and I have really questioned why I do this hobby and even thought do I want to continue with it. I feel my layouts are very samey and uninteresting. I have been browsing through issue 2 of Scrapbook Inspirations magazine and feel a little more inspired, I just love Shimelle Laine's work and have decided that I perhaps need to change my mindset with regards to patterned papers. I think I need to store the papers by colour rather than manufacture (which I'm doing at the moment). Does anyone else do this? Below is a layout that I scraplifted from one of Shimelle's layouts, using lots of different manufactures and using colours that I wouldn't of necessarily put together. I can honestly say that I feel refreshed from this, I just hope it lasts. I think I need to allocate more time for scrapbooking for me rather for everyone else if you know what I mean.

I'm planning on going to the Bromsgrove crop on Saturday, haven't been for a couple of months so I'm hoping I will be able to complete some more layouts to share.

Thanks as always for popping by, you brighten my day when you leave me comments.

Cx

P.S I know the heading says the 29th but I didn't actually post this until the new Twisted sketches had gone live.

Twisted sketch #52 and #54

2010-06-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

I had forgotten to post my Twisted sketch layout from the week I was away on holiday so here it is below. The twist was to use 'chipboard'. Although it looks a fairly simple layout it too an age to do.

and, this layout was this weeks Twisted sketch, the twist this was 'Bold'. I love this photo of Les, which was one of the pictures I took for Cheryl Johnsons photography course. I enjoyed doing the doodling on this layout, very therapeutic. To see the rest of the teams layouts, please click here

My photos have now arrived from Snapfish so I have started the pages for my mini book.

Have a great weekend.

Bits and pieces

2010-06-15T02:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the get well messages I am feeling a lot brighter now and I'm trying to keep up my iron levels to try and beat this off which I believe is viral and not bacterial tonsillitis.

I am slowly getting back into the swing of things. Les flew off to Singapore on Friday for at least two weeks, which has meant that I've had the evenings to myself and haven't really bothered with the television as I'm not really interested in the football (I know shame on me)!!.

With all that time on my hands I managed to complete last weeks weekly challenge over on UKS. You had to use bold colours, I'm just loving the teal with the deep pink at the moment just love the combo. Use a title or lyrics from an Elvis song (which was easy as Les is an Elvis fan) and to use something silvery or a crown. When we are in the car we have an Elvis CD on sometimes, Charlotte and Les love the song 'I just want to be your teddy bear' which is what I wanted to call this layout first. I asked Les's opinion and the first thing he said was it's got to be called 'Love me tender' so here it is:

I have also started a mini book for all the photos from our holiday, I very rarely do anything like this for myself (it's normally for other people) so I've made a start. I'm waiting for my photos to arrive from Snapfish so hopefully today the postie will bring them. I've done the front cover were I have used Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride range which I just love and perfect for a holiday layout or a mini book.

I'm also hoping that the postie will bring my eternity ring which Les bought me while we were on holiday. The size wasn't quite right so it's been taken down a size as the last thing I want is for it to fall off and lose it. It's a dainty little ring as I only have small hands and fingers, as soon as I saw it I just knew it was the one.

Oh I can't believe it, the tooth fairy had to come out to Charlotte again last night. For several days she had been asking me to pull the tooth out as it was at a funny angle, I kept saying that it will come out on its own. Yesterday it was hurting her so I finally gave in a pulled it and out it came.

I'd better go and do some housework as Mum and Dad are on there way to come and keep us company for a few days. Charlotte is looking forward to seeing her Grandad as when Les goes away she looks up to him as the father figure that she is so desperately missing.

Right enough of me.

Take care all
Cx

Feeling Poorly

2010-06-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

I know I said I would update my blog with more news from last weeks holiday, but I've come down with tonsillitis so I'm feeling tired and drained. I thought I would pop on some of my favourite photos instead.

We went to Pennywell Farm (which I believe was on Countryfile last Sunday) really for my Sister-in-Law who just loves pigs. What was great about this farm was that you were allowed in the pens with the animals and there was no holding her back in she goes no fear, Charlotte picks up on how much confidence she has and in she goes too. She loved it, especially tickling the sheep and pigs tails and they then reacted by twitching there tails.

Love this little fellow, it looks as though he is smiling.

In this photo Charlotte was telling me how a naughty goat came up behind her and started nibbling at her hair. Very funny to watch and thankfully Charlotte didn't seem to phased by it.

These steps all 113 was what we had to trek up and down to get into town. Not to bad going down but going up them was a killer.

This photo of my Mum and Dad makes me chuckle, Mum had a burst of energy and attempted to overtake Dad. Dad was having none of it.

Just loved how these daisy's grew, some of them pink some of them white.

For some reason my SIL called this lighthouse the 'lampshade'!!!

Brixham as the sun starts so set.

There were lots of people fishing for mackerel.

Phew photo overload there I think. Haven't managed much scrapping other than my Twisted sketch for next week which obviously I can't share just yet.

Thanks for stopping by.

Half term heaven

2010-06-07T02:27:00.000-07:00

We are back from our week away in Devon and what a lovely time we had, even if it did go far to quickly. Our journey started after I collected Charlotte from school on Friday and headed for the M5 South. The traffic was particularly slow around Bristol which ended up taking 1 1/2 to get through but we stayed in good spirits, every few minutes being asked by Charlotte if we where there yet!!. We arrived at the house which had great views over Brixham town. The house was spacious with enough room for everyone, the only downside was that there was only the one bathroom which as you can imagine with 7 of us got a little tricky at times!!!!!.

Saturday we woke to rain but we were all determined to go out and about, we ventured to Torquay to have a mooch around the quay and shops. We then moved onto Cockington Forge to see the old thatched houses. Cricket was being played on the green and it was a perfect picture postcard of a traditional English scene. Dad could of quite easily sat and watched them playing cricket for the afternoon, but soon got him moving as we were off for a cream tea, well it would be rude not to, we were in Devon after all.

This little girl is so lucky to have such two loving Grandparents. They really do dote on her.

Just love how this place was so unspoilt, loved all the buttercups growing wild.

Sunday we drove to Plymouth to spend the day there as this was probably the farthest point that we would go during the week. They had a half marathon on and some of the roads were closed but we managed to get parked and headed for a coffee in Starbucks.

We walked around, Charlotte was being dragged around everywhere not complaining so I decided to reward her good behaviour. In the shopping centre there was a Build a bear and thought she might like to go, so she chose the bear filled the bear with stuffing not forgetting it's heart and Charlotte Amy was born.

Later on in the week my brother and his wife went to Exeter especially for the Build a bear shop and this is what they came back with. Ollie the owl (which is mine) and Fred the Tiger (who is SIL). Charlotte then enjoyed playing schools with Uncle Paul and Auntie Nikki but loved the sports day event the best.

So as you can see good fun was had by all. I will be back later in the week with more photos from our holiday. Don't want to bore you all silly!!.

Take care
Cx

Before I go......

2010-05-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

on a little break away, I will leave you with this layout I have made from this months Scrapagogo kit which as usual is just lush. The photo of Charlotte I have had for quite some time, we were off to Worcester woods to look at the bluebells, the day after we went of to Weymouth for a week were she came down with chicken pox. It's funny the things that stick in your memory.

I love these blossoms. The colours look a bit wishy washy on here but are quite vibrant in real life.

I have been busy packing and making sure we have everything for holiday, I just hope the warmer weather comes back. I did manage to make this banana bread which our Crafty Magpie leader gave us the receipe for, it's really handy if you have ripe bananas, and with the kind of weather we have been having just recently they go off really quickly. Both Les and Charlotte aren't that keen on bananas, but they love the bread. Soon after taking this photo the end piece accidentally fell into my mouth, oops.

Righto I'm off to collect Charlotte from school.

Thanks as always for the lovely comments received on the previous posts. Just love your views.

Just because....

2010-05-25T10:52:00.001-07:00

I could, I scrapped this layout a couple of weeks ago just for me. This is one of my favourite photos taken at Christmas with Mum and Charlotte. I have inherited being crafty from my Mum although when I sit and think about it my Dad is good at making things, so it stands to reason that I'm going to be creative.

Little close up shot I love these embellishments.

So have you all been enjoying this glorious weather? Charlotte has been loving the weather and has had the paddling pool out for the past three days, it's a lot cooler today and really need jumpers back on. I like this photo of Charlotte I know she isn't looking at the camera but just love the concentration on her face, she only normally has her hair up for school but allowed me to put it up so it's away from her neck and tried to keep it dry..

Thanks as always for stopping by.

Never to old to have fun.

2010-05-19T01:46:00.000-07:00

That was my title for my layout for Twisted Sketches this week, the twist was 'old', check out the rest of the design teams work here. The first photo on this layout was of me on the carousel at Southport last year (which I'm hoping to go on again in August). The second is of me on another carousel at Bressingham, Norfolk aged about 8. This is one of my mum's favourite photo's of me growing up so I hope I have done it justice.

Not much else to share at the moment, as usual I'm playing catch up and my list of things to do is growing constantly. I just can't wait for next Friday to come, so we can have a week off from the everyday routine and just relax.

Thanks as always for stopping by.

5 years ago.......

2010-05-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

we got hitched. It was a sunny day with a gorgeous blue sky with not a cloud in sight. We don't normally tend to celebrate our anniversary but it feels as though we have reached a little mile stone. Les did try to organise lunch at the place where we got married but when he went to book a table, the Hotel was closed for maintenance.

This was taken 5 years ago, don't I look young??. I had managed to slim down a bit as I only had Charlotte less than 5 months earlier.

So today we fancied doing something a little different, I have always wanted to go to Batsford Arboretum which is only a few miles away to see all the blossom and magnolia trees in bloom. We wasn't disappointment it was a lovely morning to walk and see all the different trees and plants.

Notice the gap in Charlotte's teeth? Yep she lost her first tooth on Thursday afternoon, very upset about it but was quite happy yesterday morning to find that the tooth fairy had came.

Charlotte sitting amongst the bluebells and wild garlic.

The views were fantastic, with all the different colour of the trees.

We noticed this little fellow sitting on some stone, I don't think he was too well as I managed to get up really close to it. Is it some sort of vole?? If anyone knows leave me an email.

And finally this is my layout for this weeks weekly challenge over on UKS.

Hope you having a lovely weekend.

Cx

P.S I've just had a look to see what the little mousey thing was and I think he's a field mouse.

Happy Birthday........

2010-05-11T02:30:00.001-07:00

Dad, hope you have a smashing day. Just wish I was with you today to share your special day with you. Since having Charlotte we have managed to have a short break away around Dad's Birthday, but with Charlotte now at school that's just not possible. We have booked a cottage in Devon for half term week with Mum and Dad plus my brother and his wife. I can't wait, we all need a break from the routine of everyday life. So we have that to look forward too.

This is a layout I created last week for the weekly challenge on UKS.

A little close up shot. One of the things was to intertwine some ribbon which made me think outside the box for once.

It's the third week on the photography course with CJ and I'm finding it really useful and again making you think about how you want your finished photographs to look. This week it's all about light and not using a flash and to use reflectors. Really interesting and for £15 for 4 weeks it's pretty good value for money. I just love this shot of Charlotte. It's certainly not perfect and it's a bit blurry, and if I raised the ISO on my camera it would have turned out better. This was taken in the bathroom as it's probably the brightest room of the house!!.

Thanks for stopping by.

I'm like a bus.....

2010-05-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

you wait for one to arrive and then two come at once!!. It's a bit like me and blogging really, haven't posted in a while and then when I do, I do it two days in a row.

The Twisted Sketch #48 has gone live click here to check out the layouts the rest of the team have created. This weeks twist was handmade. I made the flowers on this layout and really enjoyed making this one. Especially the paint, really like the effect it gives and on patterned paper I just feel that it softens the paper and doesn't feel as busy.

We have friends coming for a Sunday lunch in a couple of weeks time, and I never really know what to cook. The pressure is on as Anne is a really good cook and she never disappoints us when we go to there house. I was talking to my Magpie friends on UKS the other day when Karen our team leader suggested that I try a lemon meringue pie for desert, so as I had most of the ingredients in the house I thought I would have a go. Now I love lemon meringue pie (I think it's one of my favourites) and have only used those packet mixes which are okay, but sometimes they can taste a bit chemically. I have to confess that I didn't make the pastry case as I really didn't have time yesterday afternoon, but if I'm honest it didn't taste to bad. Here it is anyway, very impressed the way it turned out and think I will be making another one for when Anne and Matt come. Thanks Karen for the receipe.

I know that when my dad sees this he is going to say 'can you make one when I come to stay in June'. The answer is 'yes' Dad I will.

Thanks for all your lovely comments.

Take care.

Cx

I'm all behind!!.

2010-05-05T02:42:00.001-07:00

It's true I'm all behind this week with things in the home as well as crafting. As we had the Bank Holiday Monday off, and tomorrow I have Charlotte at home as they are using her school for voting. It really throws you but I kind of like all these days off! :)

So I have just completed last weeks weekly challenge over on UKS. So here it is, to gain the points you had to create your own patterned paper, so I used a Heidi Swapp butterfly mask and my glimmer mists. It looks very pale on this photo but it is darker in real life. We also had to use bling, the colours blue, red or white, and to either use the number 2, 4 or 9.

Just a really quick post as I have loads to do before I head off to school to do my lunchtime bit.

Take care all.

Cx

Spring clean

2010-05-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

So are you all enjoying your long weekend? We are so far it's been very relaxing doing lots of sorting out and clearing cupboards. It feels really good to clear out the clutter. The weather hasn't been great today and we had lots of rain last night, the temperature has dropped so much that we have put our heating back on.

I have been playing with my camera quite a bit and really looking at things and objects differently now I've been taking part in Cheryl's Basic Photography course. I got inspiration from one of the ladies on the forum who took the most fantastic photo of a dandelion clock, which spurred me on yesterday afternoon to go and find some to take pictures of. Love this one as you can see the individual seeds, which will eventually blow away and re-seed.

Not much scrapbooking has been done, only layouts that I can't share just yet. I did make this Tilda card for my Mum, which Charlotte put her mark on it too. I took inspiration from the Just Magnolia's blog and Denise with her card.

Anyway I will be back with some layouts to share really soon.

Take care and as always thanks for your comments they are so appreciated.

Cx

Summer dresses

2010-04-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

As the better weather has been upon us just recently Charlotte had decided to go to school in her summer dress today. Oh she looked so sweet just look at her here.

Just look at those plaits and those little socks with red bows on.

I went to the hairdresses this morning and I'm really pleased with how she has cut it, and it feels so much better to.

I'm really enjoying Cheryl Johnsons photography course it really does make you think out of the box. We are learning all about composition at the moment, really good fun and have even managed to get my camera manual out too!!.

Been a busy couple of days and haven't managed to get any crafting done at all. Charlotte has an inset day on Friday so I'm hoping to get some crafting done then. In fact I asked Charlotte what she wanted to do and she replied 'maybe you can do your crafting and I'll do mine'. Sounds like a perfect day to me. :)

I'm gonna have to dash as I've got to collect missy from school and let the carpet guys in to lay our new carpet. yay.

Take care of yourselves.

British weather

2010-04-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend, with the weather being really warm on Saturday. We spent most of Saturday afternoon in the garden giving it a bit of a spring tidy. With the hard winter and heavy frosts that we have had this year a lot of things have died off so I need to get some bedding plants to brighten it up a bit.

In the meantime I have really been struggling to get this layout finished but was determined to get it done so I can claim so more points for the Crafty Magpies.

I love these little clear dewdrops, perfect to look like water droplets.

I have a busy day tomorrow as I stay on at school after doing the lunchtime duty to help out in year 1. Wednesday I'm off to get my hair cut, which is well overdue so I'm looking forward to that. I really must think about putting a colour on it as the old grey is starting to show through!! Then in the afternoon we are having our carpet laid in the living room. Finally after 6 months the living room will be complete.

Will be back with hopefully some more layouts to share later in the week.

Cx

100 Posts

2010-04-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I have reached 100 posts on my blog, time certainly flies by. Anyway I promised you a layout earlier in the week and this is what I have come up with, if I'm honest I've been lacking in creativity this week but have managed to get this one finished. Again it's not what I had hoped it would look like but I'm fairly happy with it, the papers and embellishments were from this months Scrapagogo's kit which were lush. The embellishments were right up my street with pins and vintage buttons from Jenni Bowlin.

Not a great photo as there are lots of shadows, though I'm not complaining as the weather has been lovely hasn't it?

Since I was a little girl I have loved taking photos and can remember for my 8 or 9 Birthday my Dad buying me a camera. I loved that little red camera and had it for many a school trip and for family holidays. So last year I was lucky enough to purchase a Nikon D60 (thanks Mum) but haven't really got a clue about using it to its full capacity, for some reason I haven't ventured past auto (I'm sure I'm not the only one)!!!!. So I thought it was about time that I found out how to really use the thing. I have enrolled on Cheryl Johnsons Basic Photography course which runs for 4 weeks. I guess you need to start with the basics so that you can progress on further. I will let you know how I get on, but will leave you with this picture of my bleeding heart plant from the garden.

And of course my post wouldn't be complete without a picture of this little cutie.

Right my bed is calling.

Thanks as always for your comments they are appreciated.

Cx

Touchy Touchy

2010-04-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

The new Twisted Sketch has gone live and here is my interpretation of the sketch. This week the twist was touch, which if I'm honest I struggled with but ended up putting the word into the title. I love the new October Afternoon papers and I'm working my way through them.

Not much else to report, have been busy completing CJ for my Magpie friends (which obviously I can't share with you) and have a layout which is work in progress, so I will share that once I've got my act together and finished it off.

Thanks for looking.

Cx

Bad blogger

2010-04-18T04:11:00.000-07:00

I've been away for the past week at Mum and Dad and it's been great. I've hardly done any crafting, haven't been online much but everytime I did manage to a little voice would say 'is it my turn now?' The weather was kind to us last week but it was really windy and quite chilly at times, but we enjoyed going out and about. I saw my Nephew who passed his driving test a couple of weeks ago and he came to show us his car, it doesn't seem five minutes ago I was pushing him around the garden on his tractor!!.

I did manage to complete this weeks weekly challenge over on UKScrappers. I'm rather proud of the fact that I'm managing to use up lots of old stash, which is just great cos now I can justify buying new stuff!!!!.

This little one got spoilt rotten by Nanny and Grandad and of course lots of this....

I have to say that my Mum is looking fab she has lost over two stone in weight and is doing so well. Keep it up Mum I'm really proud of you, because I know that it's not easy.

Right I'm off to do a bit of blog hopping now.

I'll be back later in the week.

Cx

Use it up challenge

2010-04-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Firstly I must thank everyone who has sent me sweet messages regarding Toby, I'm feeling much better now knowing that he is not suffering anymore.

I haven't taken part in Sarah's Cards challenge in a while, but when I saw that this months challenge to use old stash on a layout I thought I really had to have a go, I have so much stuff to use up. This is what I came up with and I must say that I really did enjoy making this and looking back at the baby photo's of Charlotte.

A little close up shot. I used beads for the centre of the flowers, along with beads on the little tags. The little silver charm I have had for an age so it was great to use them on a baby related layout.

I hope you are all having a good weekend so far. I'm off to pack a bag because I'm going to spend next week with my parents.

Thanks for stopping by.

What a day........

2010-04-08T11:26:00.001-07:00

It's been a real mix of emotions. I've had to take Toby our hamster to the vets today to be put to sleep. He had been going down rapidly since Christmas and whilst he could get about and eat and drink I justified his being. What a tough decision to have to make, to say that I'm gutted is an understatement. I will miss this little fellow, he had a great character and was really tame and quite happy to be handled. Charlotte has dealt with it really well, a child's attitude is so simple she turned to me in the vets and said 'can we have some of Uncle Paul's fishes now'?!

Anyway on a lighter note it's been a beautiful Spring day today really warm and Charlotte has been playing out side for most of it. Just look at this silly sausage, how could you not love her???.

Right I'm off to put the kettle on.

Thanks for listening.

The Tangerine Army

2010-04-07T12:38:00.001-07:00

The Twisted sketch #44 has gone live and this is my interpretation of the sketch. This weeks twist is to use orange. This photo is a rare one, of me and my family and there is a story behind it. My Dad has been a Blackpool football supporter since he was a young boy, when they won the FA cup in 1953. He had never been to a home match so for his 60th Birthday we organised for him to go to Blackpool for a long weekend and for the 'boys' of the family to go and watch the footie. The girlies went shopping and had to carry everyone else's shopping back to the B+B. Just as well there was a pub along the way!!! hehe. I called it The Tangerine Army as that is one of the clubs nick names.

I really enjoyed cutting the flowers and layering them up and then adding diamond glaze to add a bit of dimension.

The top corner looked a little bare so I thought I would add this little detail, to make it more balanced. I'm so pleased with this layout and really like the way it turned out.

Thanks as always for popping by.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T05:16:00.001-07:00

I am just taking a break from decorating the living room, waiting for the first coat of paint to dry off. The place looks like a tip but it will all be worth it, Les has now ordered the carpet which will be put down in a couple of weeks. It should look really good once it's all complete.

So I came down this morning to find these from my hubby, it seems he really did read my last post!! :) Did you all get eggs this morning?? The chocolate chick is from my best friend, so thanks Nat.

Yesterday was spent at the Bromsgrove crop with a great group of ladies. It was quite a productive day as I managed to complete this layout I had been working on all week.

I took part in Debs card class at the crop and here is the finished result. I'm really enjoying making cards at the moment, and Debs is a real inspiration, she made the most amazing Tilda card yesterday.

This was this weeks weekly challenge over on UKScrappers. I flipped the sketch slightly and added squares of paper rather than photos. I still love that range of October Afternoon papers, so bright and vibrant.

Anyway I've got to dash.

Thanks for stopping by.

A quick post

2010-04-01T11:08:00.001-07:00

as it's been a bit of a week here, but I shall not bore you all with it. I've made another Tilda card which I thought I would share with you all. I really am enjoying these stamps but once I've made the cards I don't want to give them away!!. I think that's why I took up scrapbooking at least I can keep the finished layouts.

I'm so glad that the Easter Holidays upon us, we are all in need of a break. We are off to Cheltenham to the cinema to watch Nanny Mcphee tomorrow which we are really looking forward too.

I have ordered the new October Afternoon ranges which are now available at Craft Emporium which look just lush, can't wait to get my hands on them and have a play. I haven't had much chance to create this week but I'm hoping over Easter to have some time to myself.

Anyway have a lovely Easter everyone, don't eat too many chocolate eggs!!. If you are reading this hubby I don't mind which egg I get as long as it's Cadbury's!!! :)

Cx

The Easter bunny is on it's way.

2010-03-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

What a crazy day it's been today. I have hardly been in the house. I have just dropped Charlotte back at school as they are having a film evening at school, they had a choice of 5 films and she chose to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks. They went in there pj's and took a cushion to sit on. She really is gaining more confidence and it's fantastic to see her going off doing things without me with her.

So we went to see Charlotte's teachers on Thursday and to say that we are proud parents is an understatement. Anyone that has been reading my blog or that knows Charlotte will know that she is very shy and lacks in confidence but just over the past couple of months she has really started to come out of her shell. As she lacked confidence so much the teachers couldn't really assess her and see what she was capable of doing, but now she is more willing they have moved her up 2 groups, she knows all her high frequency words (and is learning even more), is whizzing through the books, she is even trying to write sentences and stories. I'm so proud of her as this hasn't been easy for her. I have to say the school and the teachers have been so patient with her.
Not much is happening in the way of crafting apart from this quick card that I made for a friend of mine. She is going through a really tough time at the moment and thought this might cheer her up. It's quite sweet but there is still room for improvement, so I'm hoping to learn a few tips from Debs at the Bromsgrove crop this Saturday, were she will be teaching a class. Her cards are fab so will share the results next week.

I have to say that I am looking forward to Easter. We have booked tickets to go and see Nanny McPhee on Good Friday afternoon. In the morning we have to go and buy our hot cross buns (so Charlotte has told me).

I hope to share some layouts soon.

Twisted sketch #42

2010-03-25T04:24:00.001-07:00

Twisted sketch #42 went live last night and here is my interpretation of this weeks sketch. The twist was flight. This photo was taken at Stratford Butterfly park taken a couple of years ago and have to say one of my favourites.

Go check out my other fellow twisted sisters layouts http://www.twistedsketches.com/.

We have parents evening tonight to see how Charlotte is getting on at school. Will let you know how we get on at a later date.

Anyway just a quick post for now.

Cx

The eyes have it

2010-03-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

What a strange start to the week I am having. I have had Charlotte off school yesterday and today as she has had conjunctivitis and a cold (again). She is back to school tomorrow, I joked with Les last night saying there is NO way I could home school her she just wants to do stuff all the time and is SO demanding. So over the last few days we have read stories, coloured pictures, made a castle (not a real one) from a kit she got for Christmas, painted clay things that she had made a while ago, played on the computer, had a whole box of beads dropped on the floor, baked Easter cakes and she now has a wobbly tooth!!!. To say I'm tired is an understatement, how these teachers manage with 30 children in a class I don't know!

Here is the lady herself with her Easter cakes. They taste pretty good too. yum

I felt the need to be crafty on Saturday night so I created this layout. Love the pic of Charlotte and I together which was taken the other day at Broadway. I used the new Sassafras Lass papers, which are just lush. I decided this time not to buy the whole range just the papers I really really liked.

We have been looking into what we are going to do for a Summer break. Its so expensive to go abroad for a week in the summer holidays and to be honest I begrudge spending silly amounts of money and falling into the trap. So instead we have decided to take Charlotte to Disneyland, Paris for a few days and to say that she is excited is an understatement. We managed to get a really good deal getting 40% off plus the hotel is on the Disney park. Les and I went to Disney around 9 years ago when we started seeing one another and it was great fun, but to be able to take a child will be fab. Can't wait to see her little face when she see's some of her favourite characters.

Anyway enough of me gabbling on.

Thanks for stopping by.

I'm in love.......

2010-03-19T07:28:00.001-07:00

with these Tilda stamps. I just can't get enough of them at the moment, I'm so enjoying painting the images with watercolours and then making cards. This one I made for my Mum for Mother's Day. I've said many times before I'm not much of a card-maker but enjoy having a go. Mum liked it anyway.

This one I made for my best friend Nat (so if you are reading this Nat look away now!!) Again a really simple card but really pretty.

A huge thank you to everyone (including my Magpie buddies) who have left comments on the previous post it is really appreciated.

Time is passing by so quickly today, time to collect Charlotte from school now.

Have a good weekend what ever you are doing.

Do you ever...................

2010-03-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

look at a completed layout and think I'm not sure whether I really like it?. Well I have had those thoughts with this layout, the photo I really love, it's of Charlotte with my handbag when she was only 18 months old. Charlotte still loves bags now and I have lost a few of my old handbags to her!!. The new Crate Paper - Paper Doll range is lush but I just don't feel I have done it justice, what do you think??

I was lucky enough to win a copy of Anna Bowkis new sketch book on Sue Deacon's website last week. If you haven't got yourself a copy yet then go and order one, the book is bright, fresh and the layouts are just gorgeous really inspirational, which is what I need right now.

Right I'm off to start dinner.

Mother's Day and Towers!!

2010-03-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you 'Mummy's' out there, especially to my Mum!!. So far my weekend has been lovely, we went to Solihull yesterday to do a little light shopping were my lovely hubby bought me a jumper from Republic as a Mother's Day treat. I also had some Birthday money left over so I treated myself to a nice shirt that I can wear in the Spring time (hopefully it won't be to much longer).

This morning I was treated to breakfast in bed, I received two lovely cards from Charlotte, one she had made from school and the other that Daddy had helped to pick. Les knows that I'm not really a flowery person (they die far to quickly for my liking) so he got me some Creme eggs, and an Easter egg without the packaging. Perfect. I just love to crack into an Easter egg and I think it tastes different some how, yeah I know I'm strange. :) After breakie we went over to Broadway tower we haven't been there for about 18 months and it's just nice to have a wander and to see the Vale of Evesham below us. The views are amazing.

The Tower!

I took this photo through the gate, looks like it has a frame round it, love it.

Wales is in the distance.

Me and my girly.

I have managed to complete my weekly challenge for the Crafty Magpies again. This week you had to use some old stash (mine was from over a year ago and it was scraps of paper literally), use fabric, and to make an embellishment. This photo I took nearly 9 years ago, it was the first trip Les and I went on as a couple!. If you click on the layout you will be able to see the Effel tower in the background. The light was just right for this photo and I still love to look at it, in actual fact I have blown it up and a copy now hangs in my dinning room. I think my Mum has a copy in her bedroom too.

My hand made flowers, very shabby not much chic to them!!. lol. Check out Beki Norman's blog as she creates the most gorgeous roses.

Anyway I'd better start to think about dinner.

Thanks for leaving me messages they really are appreciated.

Twisted sketch #40

2010-03-11T01:19:00.000-08:00

The new Twisted sketch has gone up on the website http://www.twistedsketches.com/ and this is my take on the sketch, this weeks twist was to use staples. I really enjoyed doing this layout and loved the photos which were taken last year at the beach. I used lots of metal charms, twine and for once used some ribbon. The patterned papers are the new Cosmo Cricket which are just lush.

That's about all for now, I'm off to create a layout using the new Crate paper paper doll range. yum.

Thanks for stopping by.

Walk in the woods

2010-03-08T11:35:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we went over to Worcester woods for a Sunday stroll. It was a glorious Spring day although it was cold in the shade, it was so nice to see the sun and a bright blue sky. Even though it had been dry for most of last week it was still very muddy in parts, I'm so glad I wore my wellies!.

Charlotte collecting sticks for the fire!!

My little smiley girl.

Came across these Catkins

Saw a little bunch of snowdrops, Spring is really in the air.

I created another layout 'just for me' last week. I used some of the new Cosmo Cricket papers which are just lush the colours are so vibrant. I spritzed the paper with Glimmer mists first and really liked the look it gave me. The photo of Charlotte was taken in 2007 watering a friends garden, I just love the concentration on her face.

A close up shot. Love the strawberry with the little face on it.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cx

Untidy crafter

2010-03-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

I confess to not being the most tidiest of crafters, but just look at my kitchen table yesterday afternoon!!. So who do you think all this crafty stuff belongs too??? Answers on a postcard please.

So Les got back from Dubai late last night safe and sound. Today has been spent doing all the boring stuff like food shopping, but I have managed to have some time completing my layout for my weekly challenge so I can get some points for the Crafty Magpies. These photo's of Charlotte are a few years old now, taken when she was 18 months old on our first foreign holiday as a family. The start of our holiday in Madeira didn't go according to plan, the airline lost our luggage with all of Charlotte's clothes in, so we had to go to a local shop to buy her some souvenir t-shirts, she did look very cute in them even if they were a bit big for her!!.

Hope you are all having a good weekend

Thanks for stopping by.

World Book Day

2010-03-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Today is World Book Day at Charlotte's school, so the children had to dress in there favourite book characters. Charlotte chose Alice in Wonderland, and she looked fab. We had tears this morning because it was out of her routine but she dealt with it really well. If anybody asked me a year ago if she would of been settled in school and taking part in things I would of laughed at you, she has done so well. It might not sound much to other people but we know that she has achieved so much over the past few months. I can't tell you how proud I am of her. Just look at her here, I took a photo of her before I put her hair in a plait as there is head lice in her class at the moment.

All the Teachers and Teaching Assistants were all dressed in costumes too. The dinner ladies were also in t-shirts so I thought I would join in at the fun. No laughing you lot!!!!.

Not much in the way of scrapbooking is happening at the mo, Les is due back late tomorrow night now so I'm looking forward to seeing him and catching up with our news.

Righto I'm off now.

Cx

A layout for me!!

2010-03-02T03:04:00.000-08:00

Last week I really wanted to create a layout just for me. Now I love following sketches and doing my Twisted sketches but I just needed to create a layout for me with out any restrictions. This is what I came up. The picture is of me and my brother when we were small, I was about 3 and Paul was around 7. This photo comes with a bit of story, the dress I was wearing was new and you can see the big white collar on the dress, well I was playing at my Mum's dressing table looking at my Mum's nail polish when I opened it and managed to spill red polish down the collar. Mum was not happy but was able to save the dress by taking the collar off the dress.

A close up of the detail.

Really enjoyed doing this and really must try and do this more often as it makes me happy.

Anyway I'd better get going as I've got to go into school soon.

Take care and thanks for all the comments on the previous posts they are appreciated.

Weekly Challenge and Scrapagogo

2010-02-28T03:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Debbie and I went to the Scrapagogo Game over day event at Coventry. Wow what a great day we had, the Gogo girls did some fantastic layouts for us to create, which I will photograph and post later in the week. I loved at the end of the class if there were any spare papers or embellishments left they would come and hand them out free of charge, a really nice gesture and one that is appreciated.

So Les is at the airport whilst I type this, he is off to Dubai on business for the week and is due back on Saturday. I know he has to go away but I do miss him and never really get used to it. Mum and Dad have come up to keep me company but more importantly to see Charlotte. She loves to play with Grandad and to sit and craft with Nanny.

So this is this weeks weekly challenge. As you will know if you are a regular of my blog, this photo of Charlotte has been scrapped so many times, I came across it again this week and just couldn't stop myself creating another layout with it.

I loved this little fellow, really cute.

Thanks as always for stopping by, be back later in the week.

Cx

Hump day!!

2010-02-24T06:23:00.000-08:00

Here is my take on this weeks Twisted Sketch #38, this week the twist was to use stripes. I love this photo of Charlotte in the bath she just looks so lovely. I was actually in the bath beside her but thankfully you can't see any part of me, thank goodness for photoshop. hehe. Be sure to check out the other Twisted Sisters work this week, they are really awesome. http://www.twistedsketches.com/

Charlotte has returned back to school after being poorly at the weekend. I really missed her yesterday and was thankful when I had to go into school to do my voluntary bit. I'm still really enjoying Tuesday afternoons, the children are lovely and the involvement is great. For the past couple of weeks I have been in the classroom helping out, some of the children are a challenge but I love it and the kids are just great.

I have been working on a layout this morning as I haven't been feeling up to much I just hope that I'm not going down with whatever Charlotte had. I watched daytime television (which I never do) and scrapped and it was bliss, I must do this a little more often. For once I haven't followed a sketch and wasn't restricted in what I could used. I just have to stick everything down and then I will share it with you.

Thanks for popping by.

Cx

I'm back

2010-02-21T02:40:00.000-08:00

Well we are home now from having a great half term with Mum and Dad. I really enjoyed myself catching up with friends and family it was good fun, but now we are back poor Charlotte is not well. We have been up since 4am this morning with her as she has been sick, poor mite, I do hate it when she is poorly.

Anyway I have managed to create this weeks weekly challenge gaining more points for the Crafty Magpies. This layout symbolises the changes that my life has taken since Charlotte has started school last September.

Right I'd better get dressed and get to a Supermarket if not we will not eat this week.

I will be back later in the week when things have calmed down a little.

Thanks for stopping by.

Birthday treats

2010-02-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

I'm really enjoying my week down with my parents, and with my Birthday looming tomorrow I have met up with my best friend Nat last night just look at the delish things she bought me for me. She also treated me to dinner too, so I was really spoilt. I'm so lucky to have a friend in Nat we have known one another since nursery and have been friends ever since. We have supported one another through difficult times in our lives and have always been there for each other. My friendship with Nat is like no other and I trust her with everything. She feels more like a sister to me than a friend.

Look at these gorgeous things.

We both love Paperchase!!.

Not much in the way of scrapbooking going on, and any that I have done I can't share just yet. I'm of to Capture the Magic tomorrow for a little look around.

Anyway I hope you are all okay?

Be back soon.
Cx

Love

2010-02-12T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here is my layout for this weeks weekly challenge over at UKScrappers. This week you needed to use a song title or lyric with 'love' in it. I chose 'I will always love you' by Whitney Houston. For another 10 points you had to include a heart (be it a small one in my case) and for a further 10 points you needed to use the colour red. I think that's another 30 points for the Crafty Magpies!!.

I am off to spend the half term week at my parents. I have a few things planned, catching up with my best friend Nat for a drink on Tuesday and Thursday it's my Birthday. Charlotte asked me this afternoon whether I was over 18, when I said 'yes' she replied actually Mummy you are over 30. Thanks Charlotte you know how to make me feel good. hehe

Thanks for stopping by.

Twisted Sketch #36

2010-02-11T01:29:00.000-08:00

The new Twisted Sketch is now up go check it out http://www.twistedsketches.com/. Here is my take on the sketch, this week the twist was pens, pencils and markers. I chose to use a photo of Charlotte on her graduation from Playschool last July, again these photos have been waiting to be scrapped for a while but never got round to it. I used Imaginisce and October Afternoon paper using the pencils and stars from the School Report range.

Close up shots of the layout, I used lots of bright coloured brads.

Be sure to click on the link above to see my fellow Twisted Sisters layouts they are all very talented.

Bye for now.

Cx

This and that

2010-02-10T02:50:00.001-08:00

Why is it that the week seems to be getting shorter? I seem to be chasing my tail this week. It's been a busy start to the week, obviously going into school every lunchtime but then having a Safeguard meeting on Monday after school. Arranging child care for Charlotte was difficult but hubby managed to get some time off work to look after her. Yesterday afternoon I do my helping out at school, which I really enjoy, although yesterday was spent sharpening pencils!! I now have blisters on my thumb and finger such a high life I lead!! hehe

The weekend was spent in some fab company at the Bromsgrove crop on Saturday. Morag Cutts was there teaching classes, some I opted out of as I had so much to do and deadlines to meet. I did however make the organiser at home on Sunday, I really like it and think I'm going to give it to my momma. Not a very good picture as the light is so poor, but you get the idea.

Look what I won in the raffle at the crop! I had a quick play last night and the results are lush.

I made this card for an old school friend. We have just got back into contact, it's been a few years but we are enjoying catching up with our news.

I made this Valentine's card for Les at the crop, I also made one very similar for my Dad. It's tradition now, I've made my Dad a card since I was a little girl and I'm still doing it now. I think I always will. If I'm lucky I might get a card back.

Be sure to check out Twisted Sketches tonight as there is a new sketch, look out for my layout, leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

Thanks for stopping by.

Weekly Challenge and Scrapbook Trends

2010-02-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling so much better for taking a few days out from scrapbooking. I have managed to complete this weeks weekly challenge for the Crafty Magpies. This week you needed to use pink paper, use old stash and use either bling or a crown, I have included all these things so that's another 30 points for the team. I love this photo of Charlotte at Great Yarmouth last summer and have been meaning to scrap it but never seem to manage to get round to it. It was a lovely summers day (yeah I know we don't have many) and she was very warm so we told her to take her nice white linen trousers off. Such wise words, as my Mother found out that when sand is smeared onto light coloured trousers it stains!. This photo really does make me smile, her little legs oh and those pants!.

I had a nice surprise today, I received my copy of Scrapbook Trends and was really shocked to see my layout in there that I done of Mum. I emailed it off to them a while ago and never heard back so you can imagine the delight when I saw it published. Here it is:-

I'm looking forward to Saturday as it's crop day at Bromsgrove. This month it's even more special as Morag Cutts is coming to teach some classes, I just hope I don't get in too much of a muddle like I normally do. It should be a good day. In the evening hubby is taking me out for a Chinese for Valentine's Day, yeah yeah I know it's early but we will be travelling down to Mum's that weekend and won't be together for that day.

Twisted Sketches went live last night, with some of the new design team ladies creating there first layouts. I have had a nosey and they are all lovely, a real inspiration, go check them out www.twistedsketches.com I have completed mine for next week and I am happy with what I have created. Join in with us, you never know you could win it one week and take part in the sketch.

Anyway I'd better get my skates on, I need to collect Charlotte from school.

Thanks as always for popping by.

No mojo (again)

2010-02-02T02:15:00.001-08:00

yep that's right no mojo again. I have been doing so much recently that my creative juices have dried up somewhat!!. I'm taking a few days breather and hope that it comes bursting back after a little break. Thankfully though I have made a good start on my first Twisted sketch that goes up next week.

I had a great weekend meeting up with my family in Coventry. My Dad, Brother and me went to watch the footie, Blackpool playing Coventry. Now I can't stand watching football on tv I get bored with in the first 5 minutes but watching it live is a different matter, the atmosphere is amazing. The supporters for Blackpool are fantastic, travelling up and down the country to watch there team, regardless of whether they win or lose, they will be back the following week. Boy do they make loads of noise too, they have a drummer who really gets the spectators going, you just can't help but sing along. When they scored I got so excited I jumped up bashed my knees on the seat in front, so I'm now nursing big bruises, but it was worth it.

So on Friday before meeting up with the family I decided to make Dad some coconut ice, he has a very sweet tooth and we make this once in a while for him. I filled the container full, but I know that when I see him next, the box will be empty. :) It's really easy to (I can remember making it with my mum) make and tastes so much better than the bought stuff.

340g Desiccated coconut
340g Icing sugar
400g Tin of condensed milk
Red food colouring

Place the condensed milk into a bowl and add the icing sugar. Beat well then mix in the desiccated coconut. The mixture will get firm and difficult to stir but persevere until everything is combined.

Divide the mixture into two (add food colouring) and spread into a square tin.

Righto I'm off to see if I can remember how to update my slide show. Wish me luck!!

Thanks for stopping by.

Liverpool

2010-01-28T03:05:00.000-08:00

How fast has this week gone? Thursday already and I don't feel like I've managed to achieve much at all. I have managed to do this weeks weekly challenge over on UKScrappers. This week you had to use a photo other than people, which I found difficult as I normally scrap Charlotte, but I had a great picture of Liverpool that had been waiting to be scrapped for a while. You had to use a sketch so naturally I looked on the Twisted Sketches site and found a sketch that I hadn't taken part in. Journalling, well as you know I don't tend to like my handwriting all that much and I feel it detracts away from the layout, so I tend to put the story on the back of the layout but for this one I have added some. Ribbon, again I don't use lots of this, but found the perfect piece. Bling, I've only used a few gems but I've still put some on. So I think that's another 30 points for the Crafty Magpies!!.

There is a story behind this layout, my husband is originally from Liverpool (although you would never know as he has no accent), and we spent a day there last year whilst visiting Southport. We couldn't believe how much it has changed and is changing all the time, there is lots of work taking place especially along the Docklands. It's a fine City and if you think about the history of Liverpool in the Second World War it had a real pounding, but just look at it now. The shopping centre is amazing and I could spend lots of money there. Now there is an issue about the red and blue side of this layout, my husband is an Everton supporter and would have been very upset with me if the whole layout was red, so I added some blue to make him happy!. The plectrum (I think that's what it's called) I bought from the Beatles shop, buying it in mind for this layout.

Anyway I'd better get a wriggle on I'm off to school to do my dinnerlady bit!

As always thanks for popping by.

I'm a new Twisted Sister.......

2010-01-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

it's true I have been luckily enough to be offered a position on the Twisted Sketches Design Team for the next 6 months and I can tell you that I am bursting with excitement. I have been playing along with the Twisted Sketches for a while now, so I'm looking forward to taking part and being one of the team. Click http://www.twistedsketches.com/ to check out the rest of the other very talent team. I would like to congratulate my fellow teamie Debbie Harrison on also being a new Twisted Sister to. This is my interpretation of the sketch.

A close up shot of the detail. We are now fondly known as 'The Crumpets' due to a little girl I listen to read on a Tuesday afternoon. She can't seem to pronounce 'Crompton' so she calls me Mrs Crumpet instead. This has stuck and I have even received mail through the post with 'The Crumpet's on it. Thanks Nat!! hehe

Thanks for stopping by, will be back later in the week.

Cx

Stubborn

2010-01-21T01:48:00.000-08:00

So this week has brought a brand new routine to my life. I'm enjoying my new role as lunchtime supervisor and it has gone fairly smoothly. Even though yesterday it was wet play and me and another lady had to deal with the hot meals as well as the packed lunches, we managed fine and all children got fed and watered by 1.10pm.

I have managed to complete this weeks weekly challenge again, over on UKScrappers. The aim was to use an old photo and to document it. I chose this photo of my Mum aged about 7 or 8, she was sitting in the back of her Dad's car and refused to get out as she didn't want to see her now Sister in law's father apparently he wasn't a kind man. So Mum being Mum decided to stay put she looked quite happy wrapped in a blanket in the back of the car. I know she talks fondly about her Dad's car and the trips they had and even remembers the smell of the leather seats, all these things would be lost forever if we didn't write them down and scrapbook them.

I had another nice surprise when my fellow teamie Debbie informed me that both Debbie and I had won a weekly sketch over at Twisted sketch. Mine I had done quite a while ago as I was scrapbooking Charlotte's first day at school, not sure whether you can remember it so here it is

Take care and thanks for stopping by.
Cx

Sarah's Cards Sketch

2010-01-17T07:43:00.001-08:00

As I won the Sarah's Cards' sketch challenge back in December I am the guest designer this month. This is my take on the challenge. It looks quite wonky but I think that is the way I took the photo. I really enjoyed taking part and plan to do so again. The photo doesn't really do it justice but I have cut out and layered all the hats and mittens and then attached them onto the semi circle using 3d foam. This photo of me and Charlotte was taken on Boxing Day last year, we took Charlotte to the park at my mum's and there were some ice patches still left around from the snowy weather they had before Christmas. She enjoyed sliding all over the place, a bit dangerous to be honest especially in a childrens play park!.

I finally heard on Friday afternoon that I was one of the lucky people to get one of the lunchtime supervisors positions at Charlotte's school. I start tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it, I love being with the children. Another mum from Charlotte's class has also got one the positions and like me she helps out voluntarily to.

I've been busy over the weekend making a circle journal for the Crafty Magpies. I have nearly completed it ready to be handed onto Debbie in a couple of weeks. This is all new to me, but I am really enjoying the involvement with the team, and asking lots of questions when I'm unsure, they are being really patient with me!!. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's weekly challenge and getting some more points for the team.

I will be back in the week with some more layouts.

As always thanks for stopping by and for all the lovely comments you leave for me. I love it.

Take care
Cx

Chocolate or Fruit????

2010-01-14T03:13:00.000-08:00

So we are slowly getting back to some normality here (thank goodness), Charlotte went off to school today. She wasn't to happy to go and I had a few tears from her, but her new teacher was really sweet and just walked her into the classroom, I had a little look in the window afterwards and she was fine. It has been so unsettling for the children and for a child like Charlotte who thrives on a routine has suffered quite a bit. I hope this is it for the weather now, but before we know it they will be breaking up for half term!.

So I have managed to complete my weekly challenge over on UKScrappers. This week was all about forbidden fruit. This photo of Charlotte at my brother's wedding last May was perfect for this. She enjoys fruit but loves chocolate even more (well who doesn't). 10 points for using ribbon and 10 points for using either blossoms or bling, I chose bling.

I'd better get my skates on as I'm off to school to see about this hot meal thingy and how it's going to work, which is due to start on Monday. I just hope I have one of the lunchtime supervisor positions.

Hope you like the layout.

Cx