Thursday 28 February 2008

Giggle giggle..

Oh I feel great today! Thanks Nikki... me and my chum from Docrafts had a right giggle this evening on the phone.. we put the world to rights - amongst other things - and it was a right hoot! We must really catch up more often and eventually get together face to face again. What a lovely lady.. she has just started her blog here, so go and take a look.. add a few comments and let her realise that blogs are definatley the way to go!

We have also decided when chatting that we must have a go at creating our own set of papers - - - watch this space! Trimcruftz coming shortly! lol.

Wednesday 27 February 2008

Tagged by Hazel

Hazel tagged me a few days ago and I've only just got around to doing it..
Here are my answers:

What were you doing 10 years ago?
Blimey... ten years ago.. I think I was bringing up a one year old baby girl, along with the rest of the family, and we bought our old dog Asti, who died this year with cancer. I was also working at the chippy in the evenings and weekends thinking there was definately more to like than coming home stinking of fish cakes!

What were you doing 1 year ago?
Oh now that was easy... I realised there was more to life than working at the chippy. I had been working in my amazing job as a demonstrator with Docrafts, when I went 'more' freelance and got a few other jobs coming in. Started having work published, and thoroughly started to enjoy my work days again!

Five snacks you enjoy:
oranges, scones with jam and clotted cream(should I just say clotted cream? stuff the scones!) I really love hazelnut yoghurts, chocolate sometimes, last but not least, meringue!

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
Oh my.. where to start.. My ultimate ambition would be to have a Spaniel rescue centre, to help as many dogs like Scooby that I possibly can! I would also love to have a house in the country, a craft shop to call my own, where I could play all day! Can't really think of anything else.. as long as I have my health and happiness, family and pets, I think I'm pretty sorted!

Five things you like doing:
Definately walking the dogs.. that's my morning constitution sorted!, I love sitting in my shed doing a bit of tidying and crafting... I really love doing my demo's for the most fantastic companies ever! Two more? Are you sure?? Spending time with my family, walking along the beach, going on holiday.. Life is what you make it.. and mine's more or less perfect!

Five things you would never wear again:
was that 'would' never, or 'could' never? If it was a could never, that would be anything that fitted me years ago! **blush**. I don't really know.. I would never wear a wedding dress again, batwing jumpers (stripy too.. what was I thinking!) Jeans, a bomber jacket, and last but not least, bay city roller trousers!!

Five favourite toys:
Oh really!!!!! I'm far too old!
Now if you mean serious crafting equipment, that would have to be my die cutting machines, alongside my laptop, my foot spa (SOOOOOOO refreshing!), cuttlebug templates (does that count?) my dishwasher (I know.. i know... I'm sad.. but wouldn't be without it!)

Now.. I need to tag five people.. so this could be
Jackie
Jo
Julie
janice
Elaine

Got that Wednesday feeling!!

I've been up most of the early hours finishing this commission that I had been given.. This is the finished result....
Nothing too technical, but finished it eventually!! I managed to get the layout done yesterday after fiddling with the floral border, but the gent who asked me to do them made a few changes last thing, so fiddled some more this morning.. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is okay!

Other than this.. not much in the way of production this week.... although I got some fantastic new papers from Trimcraft the other day... sat and stroked those for a while haha, and had a delivery of kit from Docrafts - Christmas came early!!! The kit is amazing - the vellums are wonderful, the papers are to die for (especially the raspberry) and the stamps are really pretty! Although, I did have to go and increase my stock yesterday (oooohhhh little shed fairy... where art though????)

BUT... I was also being very organised and went to the local wholesaler who is closing down (Zed Cards, Doncaster - can't believe they're closing!) and bought some gridding for my walls and some euroslots to put things on. I also got a paper storage rack, for A4 cardstock, (will take photos later!) to divide up between me and me chum, Jackie. (blimey.. she needs organising just like me.. hahahahaha.. ssshhh in case she's reading!)

So come Easter, when I have some well deserved time off, I am gutting the shed and starting again .... watch this space.. that's the plan for now!

Well.. happy crafting folks.. I feel like I am some sort of happy hoarder, and no craft creator at the minute!

Monday 25 February 2008

Pat on the back for me....

I have had a really fab weekend... and morning...

I had a demo at my local shop, which wasn't overly busy, but it was nice and steady all day.. everyone seemed quite interested in the projects I did.

This morning, I was doing a private workshop at a local Centre, and I had a grand total of 27 ladies to entertain.. It went absolutely brilliantly! I loved it.. but then I love to share my knowledge of crafting anyway.

Apart from the busy weekend, I have just been out walking the dogs, sorting out my kits in the shed and trying to find a replacement for my OH's shed which blew down last week in the gales.

Also, I am delighted how my projects look in the new Docrafts Creativity magazine.. they look pretty good even if I say so myself!

Well, that's it for me... I'll be back soon!!

Friday 22 February 2008

don't 'ya sometimes.....

wish things were different?

Certain people - who shall remain nameless - are really starting to drive me up the wall!!!!!! (Janice, I'm sure you know who I mean!)

That's all I'm saying... rant over ... but I'm so glad my nose is normal coloured! Hehe.

Wednesday 20 February 2008

I'm home!

By 'eck I'm tired!!!

I have been down at the ICHF trade show, demonstrating for a brilliant lady called Phyllis. It was a busy three days, the last two being quieter than Sunday. I got chance for a couple of wanderings around the show.. met various people.. and saw loads of people I knew... Hi Dawn, Elaine, Mand, Annette, and all the rest of you .... nice to see you... I hope you all had a great show!

Will update later... I'm tired today as I hadn't slept all that well whilst I was away. The traffic coming home yesterday was horrendous! I left around half four, and didn't get home until around half eight! It is normally around an hour and half journey! Oh well...

Speak soon!!!!

Thursday 14 February 2008

thursday titter!

Asda diet

I was in ASDA the other day buying a large bag of Pedigree for my dog, and was in line to check out. A woman behind me asked if I had a dog......... Duh! > > I was feeling a bit crabby so on impulse, I told her no, I was starting The Pedigree Diet again, although I probably shouldn't because I'd ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care unit with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IV's in both arms. > > Her eyes about bugged out of her head. > > I went on and on with the bogus diet story and she totally believed it. I told her that it was an easy, inexpensive diet and that the way it works is to load your pockets or handbag with Pedigree nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The package said the food is nutritionally complete so I was going to try it again. I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was by now enthralled with my story, particularly a tall guy behind her.> Horrified, she asked if something in the dog food had poisoned me and was that why I ended up in the hospital. > > I said "No..... I was sitting in the street licking my bum when a car hit me".

I love this!

9 WORDS WOMEN USE

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when theyare right and you need to shut up.
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half anhour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been givenfive more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something,and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothingusually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statementoften misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are anidiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here andarguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning ofnothing.)(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a womencan make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hardbefore deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Justsay you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true,unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is notthanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' .. that will bringon a 'whatever').
(8) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying F**K YOU!
(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement,meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do severaltimes, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Saturday 9 February 2008

A Paddling we will go.....

We have had a lovely day today at the coast. We drove for a couple of hours to our most favouritist beach ever! We go every year, and at the most, you see a couple of people.. it's brilliant! Especially for the dogs to have a run.

I am being really good at placing photos where they are supposed to be and all photos from today can be seen over on my other blog (link in complete profile bit!).

It was lovely to see the pupsters enjoying themselves..the sun was shining, the wind blew a little, the beach was empty - perfect! Although it was a bit sad.. it was the second time we've been back without Asti, and she loved that beach so much!

Oh well... off for a lovely warm bath now.. pupsters are asleep, family fed and watered.. so now it's a bit of 'me' time!

Friday 8 February 2008

Work in progress!

Time is really flying this year!!! February already and a couple of weeks of making samples left until the NEC show.. I can't wait!

Here are some more cards that I made this morning - puppies were very very good and just played at jumping in and out of the pond! Thank goodness there's no fish!

This is a belt card, made with beautiful kiwi and raspberry cardstock from here. It is really beautiful double sided pearlescent cardstock and such a lovely weight to work with too! The papers are Dovecraft, as is the brad. The flowers are dunelm specials!



This is my new album.... closed, above.. and open below.. I have used a dark pearlescent card in a deep plum colour.. and dressed the card up with Dovecraft papers. The insides are also dry embossed with little flowers..


And last but not least.. just a quickie with dry embossing, outline stickers, and again the beautiful beautiful cardstock from here

That's all for now.. more soon I promise!

Enjoy!

Wednesday 6 February 2008

Och aye! The nooo...

Well.. we've booked ourhols.... we're off to Scotland..
This is where we're stopping (the red dot is where our cottage is I think... )


Tuesday 5 February 2008

Great Valentine cards by Jo Kill

I don't do valentine's cards, but have been asked to make a few... so I've been out there looking for inspiration... I came across the blog belonging to Jo Kill.. I do love her work. It's very fresh looking and vibrant! Anyway.. half way down her blog are some 'lovey' cards.. Great!!! what a good bit of inspiration!

Enjoy!

Peaceful Pancake day!

Oh what a nice day.. the sun is out.. the pupsters are asleep.. bliss!! I'm sat here thinking that I really need to go out and buy some eggs for pancakes later - not a big pancake fan myself.. I can eat part of one before I start to feel yucky.. but the kids and husband can eat loads!

So... in anticipation for the pancakes, we've been out this morning for a looooooooong walk in the woods, where Holly found a friend who I think was called Bertie. He was a big black standard poodle, and very very cuddly! We have seen him before and they always get on well, but today me and his mum were stood having a talk for a little while. There was noone else about - very quiet!

When we got back, I decided to go out and make a few cards - which didn't go very well because the wind was starting to get up again outside, and I have two wussy doglets who were stood cowering in the corner.. they do make me laugh!!! I felt quite sorry for them, so bought them back inside..

I did however manage to make a card - but just can't show it at the minute because it's a birthday card for someone.. will show you all in a few days time when they have recieved it.

Here are two that I made yesterday. I hope you like them.


Sunday 3 February 2008

I just love this!!!!

I just love this........

Just in case you were starting new lifestyles in the new year
.HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise . Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?A: You're not listening....Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable. It's the best feel-good food around!!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape! !

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"

What's got 20 heads and 80 legs?

Loads and loads of Springing Spaniels!!!!

Been out on a 'meet' today with our fellow Springy friends...Holly and Scooby absolutley loved it! They're both flaked out on the sofa recovering from the very tiring day.. I've got a bad migraine, so just going to bed for an hour... hopefully that'll move it!!!!

We went down to the coast, in Lincolnshire, and it was a lovely and blustery day! Great for the cobwebs...not good for the head! lol

Speak soon.. xx
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