Blooooooood - gah

You wanna know how drained I am of the good stuff? The excellent quality in my A positive is winging its way round all the relevant test units from psychiatry to university genius testing facilities. Masses of phials and more to go tomorrow. I am human guinea pig right now - hope they find something scientifically ground breaking and offer me a lifetimes supply of BG for the trouble.

Right after they have taken my super quality blood tomorrow I am off to Surrey for the weekend for the creative photography course being run by Natalie Oshea. Im going to teach appertures to the DSLR wielding maniacs of the south... Im so excited about it. I love the camera and help people learn how powerful it is.

Her Space/My Space is gathering so many interested newbies - I love sharing with all of the participants and seeing their little worlds too. So far there are german, dutch and french girls playing - come see! Also have you seen this ......its fantastic 3191

Had my first class for the DC proof read today which will be converted to our swish PDF's ready for launch on Monday. With a sharp rise in last minute registrants - there is room for EVERYONE in our online scrap club.

There is something wrong with my darn PC right now. Actually think the little sod is infected so this is my first Mac made overlay. Hope it looks ok - its sure seems it to me.

Download Splatter HERE

PS: To the lady who asked........ "clobber" in the UK means New Clothes!!! Belle was wearing new clothes for the shoot yesterday!!

Baby Lady Belle

Peach puff pie and yummo squishy things come from within my Belle. Here she is looking every inch the starlet in her new clobber and fabbo filmstar wringlets (natural of course).

Having a pretty bad start to the day which resulted in Belle starting school at lunch time, I fixed myself up ready for a shoot after school as the weather here has been gloriously spring-ful. Ellie is so hard to drag a smile out of - its not something she supplies unsolicited so out of almost 400 photos these were the pick. Sunglasses had to be donned half way through as the bright light was killing her. Still, she is super cute and all things squishvilles.

Let me tell you about TJC Designs - the owner, Traci, can talk the hind leg off a herd of donkeys. Traci has kindly offered to donate almost all her shop (!!) for the Scrap Your Hands Contest. What was meant to be a 20 second call lasted almost 4 years. Im very grateful for her generosity and ok, she is supplying a kit and NOT her shop - a girl can dream right? **waves to Clare bear too (and keisha xx)**

Her Space/My Space was based on the word Light. What will you come up with? Come join us daily for this fun fun fun photography inspiration motivator.
And finally - a squifferific swirlaciously scrumptious overlay for you to bag in your hard drive (just dont dare me to give away overlays everyday for a month again, ok?)

Download Torrent HERE

PS: Dont tell but Ellies jumper was only £3 in Sainsbury's!!!! Go get it!

uuuuuuuuugh, grotty bod alert

I am aching a LOT right now. I have something going on in my body that is making me ache and hurt. Dr Cohen thinks Mrs Wiseman has a stomach ulcer but due to her superb social behaviour (ie dont drink and smoke) he wants my blood to see why Im aching and feeling icky wicky woo woo as an ulcer cannot be determined. Ahem Blood? Do you know how hard it is to actually give a sample of blood in Wigan? Well cue ten miles travel, 5 days wait. Yuh-huh. I could lacerate my finger (a daily occurence with cutting knives), drip it into a prima bottle and post it quicker. The NHS is pants. Proper woolley, itchy and tight fitting pants.

Anyway, Ive been a good girl this past week by following a sensible diet and have lost a considerable amount of weight this week. Am one happy fat dodging goddess right now. I am hoping that by bypassing white bread (evil suckers that they are) and opting for wholegrain pasta (yum), a tonne of victoria vine tomatoes and onions, lean meats and even chocko, I might make my body better. My skin is looking spifferiffic and my cheeks look positively radiant. However, it hasnt got rid of this dreadful chest pain. Poo plop pants. Anyway, Im lighter but have a loooooong way to go before I venture west this summer :)

I have to say that is the first week in moons that I havent got my gnashers round a jaffa cake. I took this picture 3 weeks ago when a double pack were on offer for seventy nine god-darn-what-the-hell-lets-but-five-of-them pence. Here I am disguising the fact that its me hoding them. I look somewhat delecible with designer stubble, no?

I wanted to share this mini book that I did for my freind Roz at Lippy chick. She brought out the flip book a while back, then the flop book and now the flap book which I love best. I guest designed for her this month using Three Bugs in a Rug papers plus a little hand cut chicken and other bits and bots and bats...tra la la la laaaaaaaaaa.

Isnt this book cool? It even comes with its own plastic wallet which you can decorate too. I want to be a flap book. They are smashing. And flappy. Lubs to the Rozmeister.

I finally finished and have written up my class for Mondays DC class release. Its a "back to basics" class with a modern twist. I have to say I love it and the papers I used are my fave right now. Come see, come see.

Her Space/My Space today was based on the word Heart. I have a fair old collecsh of these and couldn't pick my fave so I dib-dabed each room and this heart won. She is lovely.

And finally two overlays today. I was in bed most of the day being icky wicky back painy poo so I made these whilst watching Phil and Fern (love those two).

I had to avoid being so-in-painy come school end as I had my classes to sort. The kids made note books out of scraps, easter cards and a mess. say no more! Anyway, come and grab Squiggly and Punch HERE and HERE.

Im outta here - need to flatten this sternum and knock out some zzzzzzzz.

**edited** Cant sleep so I surfed a little and nicked this off Shirleeens blog. The result of which actually describes an aquarian too. UNCANNY!!!

Your Dominant Intelligence is Spatial Intelligence

You've got a good sense of space and how the world around you looks. You can close your eyes and "see" images. You have innate artistic talent. An eye for color and shapes, you're also a natural designer. Since you think in pictures, visual aids and demonstartions help you learn best. You would make a good navigator, sculptor, visual artist, inventor, architect, interior designer, or engineer.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Contest ends 1st May

I dont think any of you realise how many prizes I have stashed under my stairs for this competition HERE. I also have GC for a ton of digi stores - uh huh!

Ive had some wonderful entries with more being posted each day, see here. This contest is open to anyone who paper or digi scraps ... even card makers. You just gotta make a page about your hands. How tempted are you when you see a pair of handprints and you feel the urge to put your hands up against them to "measure". Thats what I want my grandchildren to do - to know how teeny my hands were, to read lines, to see how long my health line wass. To just recognise a perfect image of me - my hands. My tools of all things creative, productive and conducive.

To download this fabbo overlay, somply called "Fancy" - go HERE.
You have until 1st May to send in your entries - I thought that supplying you with the cut off date would come in rather handy. Groan!!!

The DC has taken on more subscribers this week in the wake of the first classes going live on Monday next. Ive just finsihed my mini class which focuses on some of our neglected stash. I hope to get you all to rethink about using the old stuff we have sat waiting (No, DYING!!) to be used.

And Her Space/My Space is looking good for this week. Anita and I have chosen some inspiring words to get the thought process working overtime.

Laterz, got a stomach ulcer to contend with :(

Turning a over a new leaf

I am you know - its not just a fancy name for my fabbo overlay.

Grab her HERE whilst the sun is shining - did you have a warm, spring day today? We did. Almost bikini weather.

**Hey Digi scrappers** - whilst you are here, go HERE. Non digi scrappers go HERE too.

Off to make the most of daylight saving hours - an extra hours light started tonight... wooo hoooooo.

chillin out

Thats what we have been doing.

Well, here and there. Between little jobs.

Belle has stayed in her PJ's all day and has a face lit up like a million mega watt lightbulb. She loves lazy days, duvet days - whatever. Here she is surfing on Cartoon network whilst watching cartoon network! Hows that for double whammy in her cupcake pee jays?

Mark and I have finished decorating the little bedroom which we have turned into a storage room with our wardrobes neatly tucked in there, new carpet, lick of stone coloured paint and a little hairdrying corner for me so I dont wake the house up when I blow off my barnet - Mwahahahahahhahaha.

Lauren had a sleepover last night and we made a tonne of nick nacks using just left over scrap supplies. I made a minitaure clipboard for my office door and a cigar tin for ellie to keep her hairslides in. These were made literally from scraps. Loves my scraps I do. You know, when im out and about on the road and watch you all scrapping (and people can testamount to this) ... they will tell you the pain I feel when some scrapper chucks out massive pieces of paper and doesn't give a second look towards the bin.

SHRIEK you will hear me cry as I offer it back from the depths of the bin with ideas on exactly what you can do with just a 2 inch square of paper. Tut tut tut. Its SACRILEDGE - off to the gallows all ye who tosseth away patterend paper. So here are the results of small bits of BG gypsy paper and other small bits.

And this afternoon whilst waiting for the lamb to simmer down in my casserole (yes - I COOKED!!!) I made this overlay in 10 minutes flat on the kitchen worktop next to my chopping board. Call it virtual cooking if you will. It would be rude not to share, huh?

She is called Twirlington and you can get her for free - HERE

Her Space/My Space has gotten back on track if you care to take a peek. This is my dream diary of pictures that will be an online reminder of home when Im on the road. Anita and I are cataloguing our pics for a wonderul art journal - share the ride with us.

And finally the DC - you know what that means by now, huh? Well we have got our yummo classes ready to hit your in boxes. Care to be a part of one of the UK's most inspiring online class event?

Gotta go - I totally need a snug with mark on the sofa. Feeling somewhat deflated and need a big fat cuddle to cheer me up. Go and snuggle your loved ones right now... Im sure with bunny cubby snuggly energy we could power up the national grid for a few days ;).

Well go on then - GO SNUGGLE!!!!

dare s'up

I love being a part of the uk dares but recently, mainly due to teaching away, I have not been consistent with entries. But this week was free and the challenge was to use this title "Contents of". Mmmm as my fridge is full of boring salad and dressings and my bag is full of receipts and lippy I thought long and hard. I decided ot go with Ellies head. Its full of floaty light flowery fluff and love. Digi Credits to millions of people - if you need to know.. mail me and Ill hunt them down (not like - literally!!).
Gotta go - Lauren, Belle and I are doing makeovers and making stuff with left over scrap supplies. So much fun!
Ciao xx

My belle has got a dog

Can you believe that she is obsessed with this? Full of helium, cheap on dog food, no walking (=no poop scoop), no hairs, no wet dog smells. It gets my vote. But deep down she is aching for a real pup be it a Jack Russell or a Pug. We can't quite commit to a dog right now so Charly the helium daschund is the next best thing. Do you know, when we bought this her little heart was beating so fast and she couldnt stop saying how much she loved me. Ellie doesnt often volunteer this information unsolicitedly. Its usually a response to me saying it first. So you can imadge how heartwarming it is to hear it without questioning.

So charly remains glued to her side since last night and if she cares for this as much as a real one - then every penny spent on a pedigree will be worth the joy on her face.

Anway - compo details are in the post below and I urge to you take part. Layouts are trickling in slowly but surely and even digi layouts (all you have to do is scan your hands if you dont want to get the mucky). I had a wonderful collection of emails over the weekdn with more pledges from more suppliers for more prizes. The winner wont need to buy another scrap supply for at least 6 months. Its all good, kids.

Been doing it digi recently with the onset of some fabulous free kits out there. I have not spent a penny on digi scrapping yet until Im certain its something I want to take up seriously. I love it to bits and if I cant find it for free then I will make it. Saying that I will be making a purchase of some of Katies yummilish kits shortly as there are only so many freebies you can have without appreciating the high end stuff in the digi shops. Ive been a very lucky girly recently and was approached by Savannah Brentnall who would like me to take 20 of my digi layouts and turn them into a book. So the old wacom is on full burn right now.

Additionally I have just had 2 books delivered with 7 pieces of my work in. You wont be able to measure my absolute delight at such a feeling of being in a book. Ok, I write for periodicals and thats a wonderful buzz but a book? A real book!!! Im going to leaf through them lightly and then tuck them away for Ellie to own and appreciate when she is older. Its my legacy to her and Im more excited about my grandchildren seeing me in print than I am for actually seeing them in the flesh right now.

Her Space/My Space returned today after a few days break. Anita and I havea ton of scrapping comitments that have been polished off so go and take a sneak at what we are up to.

And finally - The Design Collective. erm WOW! We have had a enormous response and subsequent enormous group registration these past few days. Lots going on with pre-class challenges and a host of storage solutions for the classes made by the "13". Its mind blowing to see so many tastes and styles and ideas all in one little cubby hole. Come see, come see.

Filligree - pwitty pwitty

Pwitty overlays for your photos, layouts and stationery. Being white means you can change to any colour you wish.

SHARE you artwork with me and let me see how you used this baby.

Get her HERE - she is called Filligree

Contest Update

So have you made a layout using your hands for a chance to win prizes upon prizes upon prizes?
Both Digi GC to the value of $500 so far and paper scrap supplies looking so slurpable that I may just keep them for myself!!
CONTEST RULES and initial announcement HERE (don't forget the optional charity donation).

PRIZE DONATIONS from site owners, manufacturers HERE (more has been added and will continue to be so) - lots of digi stuff and I mean A TONNE of GC worth hundreds of dollars right now.

Anway - enjoy the entries so far. Closing date is 1st May. Judging to be done by a member of Muscular Dystrophy so I don't even get a say in it .... how would I choose anyway?

Quick one

I owe Petre so much for nicking her freebies - so this one is for you dolly xx And of course whoever drops by to collect one. I have to say a huge thanks to The Ikea Goddess too - your resource blog is my daily bread.

Get my Fountain overlay right HERE

Call back later - I have some fun things to share.

And well done to my blog buddy Marci Lambert on getting a HM in HOF 2007 - way to go. Im so happy fo you xx

Inspired by Hambly

I love hambly stuff and Im feeling a little digi inspired and had a little play with products from Shisheido. I got her permission to make an overlay with a LOT of hard work making this come to together. Phewey.

Enjoy her - she is called Quartet and you can get her HERE

Loving digi so much that I have kits planned in the next week for boys. Its called Fuglies. You will know what I mean when you see it. Its coolio. I'd love to see it as a paper product.

Outta here - bath running. Be back laterz.

Quick entry tonight

So many wonderful things happened this weekend - I think it took my health away to try and recoup today. Boy am I pooped.
The competition details will resume tomorrow and more prizes have come in - again, I shall let you all know tomorrow what is what etc.
Anyways, I had to share you a fragment of the photos I took this weekend. I met 7 families - all with great kids, bright clothes, wide smiles and huge hearts. I will share as many as I can but first let me show you the KIDS!!! (well, some kids, some teens, some ladies and gents!! - nontheless they are children. Aren't we all?) They are all beauties. Chepstow is definately the place to have children!!!!
My thirst for taking photos just gets bigger everyday. I had another wedding booking for next May - this is something so wonderful to be asked to do and as I only "do" candid wedding shots it makes me feel more comfortable that the photos that couples want are in my complete control. That control is only for them to enjoy the day - I will just try and capture that. My brother has asked me to shoot his wedding in October as well - that is my dream job this year as he and his wife to be are just GORGE.
Ahem .....My diary for May has 2 free weekend spots - what say you?

Overlay Overplay

Not been a well bunny cubby today.
:(
Mooched, snoozed and sipped tea. Laptopped my way out of illness hell and made this.
Use to edge digi layouts and yet simple enough for stationery, cards, posters etc. Change to any colour you wish.
Get her here: BOUQUET

LOVE SCRAPPING

I do you know.
I meet so many people through it and enjoy their take on life as much as my own.
Just got back from Chepstow in Wales (like, just within in spitting distance from Offa's dyke. Almost England but not. We are talking Severn Bridge excitement here)
Taught 33 girls in Chepstow this weekend and took 33 wonderful character memories back.
Met 7 fabulous families for photo shoots and brought 1400 photos back.
Chepstow was awesome and there is a natty little B&B on Beech Grove that has the best company and charm you could ever ever wish for - adore you, Lou and Co xx
Pam makes wickedy wickedly wicko lasagne and sneakily shoved butternut sqaush in the recipe. WOW!! Am no longer a butternut squash virgin. Loving the vegginess and cava hangovers are the BEST!! Not like Sauv Blanc.
I'll be back with pics tonight.
gotta go - cooking chicken.

Absolutely nowt to report - lets make stuff up

Have you come here to check the contest so far?

CONTEST RULES and initial announcement HERE (don't forget the optional charity donation).PRIZE DONATIONS from site owners, manufacturers HERE (more has been added and will continue to be so) - lots of digi stuff and I mean A TONNE of GC worth hundreds of dollars right now.

So - Today?

Just another day in the life of KW. Trudge, routine, same old, same old. Its been a fair old week with highs and lows and I know as soon as I depart for Chepstow tomorrow (via my darling friend Jo's house ... erm, click on the link if you like but the woman does not update her flaming blog much to my annoyance) Im off to visit George (anjya ;)) and Freya. Those girls light up my life just as sunny as my dort lights up mine. Need this break. Believe me.

Have decided to look at booking Menorca again this year. I cant get over how family orientated it is, no lager louts, no trouble. Good clean family fun. Im hoping our freinds from last year book again - they totally made our holiday. KAREN - we will consider end of august ;) I know that as soon as I book that holiday it will be a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Oh! I know what I can share with you today. Its really, really long but it is the most profound piece of wonderful I have ever read. Now, I dont know if you have read any of the "chicken soups" books but let me tell you this. Those books are so good for the soul and they really make you cry. They hold a wealth of hidden messages relating to self esteem, self worth, feeling humble, embracing life etc. So when my freind Jeanie sent me this today you have to believe that it moved me to floods of tears. I then re-read it to Roz over the phone and made her cry. Its a true story which makes it more heart breaking. Enjoy. I wanna know if you didnt feel "moved" by it.

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on aseparate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the comments.No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knewif they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved himtook a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded:"yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to aluncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it." Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times.The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him. "Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you cansee, Mark treasured it."

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home." Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album." "I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary" Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists" That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and all his friends who would never see him again. The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they arespecial and important. Tell them, before it is too late.

Makes you feel good, huh? Sniff sniff.

Gotta go but cant leave without posting a picture ok?

My belle. Ooooh she really shakes me out of my moods, I can tell you that for FREE.

Weeeeeeeeee!

Have you come here to check the contest so far?
CONTEST RULES and initial announcement HERE (don't forget the optional charity donation).
PRIZE DONATIONS from site owners, manufacturers HERE (more has been added and will continue to be so) - lots of digi stuff and I mean A TONNE of GC worth hundreds of dollars right now.

The stark contrast between yest and tud has been immeasurable. Dropped the Bellemeister off at school and came home to finish off a late deadline. Still felt considerably low until the doorbell rang. PARCELS!!! Wooohooooo. Obviously for the contest I thought, but no! Two scrummo things for me it would seem. One was a pack of papers from The English Paper Company. Very clean papers ideal for for a couple of projects I have in mind anf the other parcel had this wee hand written note in it and some Jibbitz. Look, I know Crocs are soo 2005/2006 but to me they are forever. They are so COMF. The mothers in our area on the school run clearly think I'm coco the clown in them but I don't care. I wont have bunions or calluses with these babies and certainly not now with my Jibbitz to decorate them. I'm overly delighted.

So rather than post on the various forums I am a member on - I need to
A: Thank you
B: Wonder who you are
C: Tell you how much Belle thinks I'm coolio acevilles in them
(No post mark on the parcel neither - im majorly confused)

Took an after school club today, instead of Tuesday (obv, as I had meetings from hell at school yest). The kids made mothers day cards - they made some lovely creations and the technique was stitching. So far these kids have covered stamping, UTEE, tearing, inking, making mini books, miniature exploding boxes (I mean miniature minuscule GORGEOUS). I love how Lauren, especially, just dives straight in there. Belle couldn't really give a fig half the time but given some sensible guidance - she will make some wonderful suggestions and makes up lovely little ways to dress up a book/card/page.

Whilst I was mid-teach the doorbell rang (5pm). We NEVER get visitors unannounced as we are quietly tucked away on a lovely littley cul-de-sac - away from passing traffic and cold callers. I had a right old moan thinking it might just have been a religious group that insist they will convert me. I'll convert when I'm ready, you know? Anyway, as I approached the door I saw pink cellophane which meant only one thing - FLOWERS!!!!!! Fla fla fla fla flarla's. Pretty flowers ruffling in the spring breeze. Suddenly my step went from trudge to floaty dance and my thoughts of being converted to a wacko religion in a darkened cell being fed only vitamin K and slug trail were diminished. I whipped them out of the delivery mans hands and inhaled. This guy must sense puzzlement because OBV I was not expecting them.

OK:
Not my Birthday - Check
Not Mothers day (yet) - Check
No blow out with Marko - Check
Pinched my body to check it wasn't dead (hence funeral bouquet) - Check

I looked at said delivery man suspiciously and smiled as if to tell him I knew who they were from - i could tell he was itching for me to open the little envelope. No way nosey pants - go home in your bright pink van that is cluttering my little road - but THANK YOU!!

The girls came into the hall and ooohs and aaaaahs were ringing. I lovingly detached the envelope in hope that Johnny Depp had finally seen the light and was wooing me accordingly. But they were not from Johnny (there is time yet, John boy) they were from Heidi Swapp. In loving recognition of my dedication to scrapbooking.

And then I wake up.

Even better - the flowers were from Natalie and Debbie and I swear to the great man above who is supplying us with a wonderful spring right now... they were perfectly timed for delivery. Thank you ladies - wubs.

Love that feeling of woe into weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Her Space/My Space is based on the word alive. As I don't "do" indoor plants as they die perilously from dehydration - poor sods. So I took pics of our pussy willow in the garden.

That is all for today in the Wiseman household. Drama more worthy of a script writers best in Eastenders.

Tuesday Bluesday

Have you come here to check the contest so far?

CONTEST RULES and initial announcement HERE (don't forget the optional charity donation).

PRIZE DONATIONS from site owners, manufacturers HERE (more has been added and will continue to be so) - lots of digi stuff and I mean A TONNE of GC worth hundreds of dollars right now.

UPDATE: I received a wonderful donation from Craftables by way of a beautiful Karen Foster Baby page kit (I want it)

HOT NEWS: I have received a wonderful email of support from Renee Pearson today would also like to contribute a page to get you all inspired. Thanks Renee

So Today?
Crumbs - isnt it weird we are on top of the world one minute and down in the doldrums the next?

Had crappo events to deal with Ellies school today. Upshot is that she cant be statemented as she is not technically "retarded" enough. OMG. How hideous is that expression? Blessed in a way of course but she still cant write properly, needs a scriber - they cant afford it on the money she has been awarded. Im going round in flaming circles. Still, steps are taking place to ensure her transition to high school in september will be smooth and problem free. One hopes. One must remain to have faith in the british education system (rather much like the NHS, the MoD and other government pockets that work so efficiently and without problems. lord help us) So you can imadge I have had a poo plop day.

I have dug out a picture of Ellie I took before christmas being really delighted in having yet another camera poked in her face as she devours this treat I brought her back from Liverpool Docks one afternoon!! I laugh so hard at this picture - it tells me so much about her funny little face xx

Im preparing myself for a day full of teaching over in Chepstow with the Pink Ladies this weekend. Louise Burton and her gang of pink wielding tools of Mass Construction (and adequate chardonnay, darling!!) invited me over for a day full of what I can only imagine to be a day full of fizz and fun. Im awful excited about it and I have Ellie and Lauren helping me pack 3 sets of 33 kits on Thursday armed with low fat snacks (boring but have decided to go back to my better eating regime to fight the winter chubby rib syndrome!!) Im really looking forward to it - even the 7 photo shoots on sunday. Yeeks. Do Compact Flash cards go up to 32gb yet?

Her Space/My Space based on the word plastic today. Anita's is a super cool effort today - mine is a cheap hairclip shot - bonkers what we can come up with huh?

The Design Collective has gone into overdrive - love meeting keen scrappers who seriously want to enjoy the journey as we take them step by step through scrapping perils, scarey rides and the nightmare of paper tearing/crumpling etc. Don't worry ladies - we will guide you every step of the way xx

Have you come here to check the contest so far?
CONTEST RULES and initial announcement HERE (don't forget the optional charity donation).

PRIZE DONATIONS from site owners, manufacturers HERE (more has been added and will continue to be so) - lots of digi stuff and I mean A TONNE of GC worth hundreds of dollars right now.

UPDATE: I received a wonderful donation from Angela Angel Crafts today with yummy papers, cardstock and blooms. I have also received a promise of 3 months free kit subscription from the amazing Mandy Parr at Mod Scraps (worth £90). Please show your support and visit these store. Angela has almost the entire hambly acetate range - ER!!! FABULOUS.

HOT NEWS: I have received a wonderful email of support from Elsie Flannigan today who will make a layout to encourage you that yes - you can scrap your hands. Im so grateful she is taking time out of her hectic and I mean HECTIC schedule to this this for us.

So - today!!

As you know I have not shut up about the Design Collective. Awfully nervous about how well it would be received on the day but I was blown away to see almost 150 people sign up. We have interest from the US too which is encouraging. The forum is a hive of eager students right now - pop along and join in the launch party. Nibbles and cake is being served freely (although virtually - think of the calorie free factor darlings) so come and chink your glasses with us :)

Also today I did a photo shoot of this hot momma! Isnt she gorgeous? This is Julie and she runs Cucumber Cottage. Sounds so cool, the name just rolls of your tongue - you think? Julie is a professional in the teaching of textiles and related artwork ... I want to learn from her. She is a wizzy wizzo. We got on like a house on fire - I just love her warmth, amazing blue eyes and honest smile. Im so pleased she likes these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Her Space/My Space is gathering momentum for those wanting to be challenged and practice their photog skills. Todays prompt was the word Blue. Showed off my chunka malunka real wood bracelet (as opposed to real diamonds!!). Love this daily challenge. Wakes me up and zings up my day. Come play.

Om outta here - its midnight and i can see my butt changing into a pumpkin. Nice. Ill leave you with that thought.

Lauren Part Deux

Have you come here to check the contest so far?

CONTEST RULES and initial announcement HERE (don't forget the optional charity donation)PRIZE DONATIONS from site owners, manufacturers HERE (more has been added and will continue to be so) - lots of digi stuff and I mean A TONNE of GC worth hundreds of dollars right now. Update: I already have a selection of layouts coming in from both the paper and digi field of scrapping. I urge you to go HERE to see the UK scrappers selection of layouts. When I receive more and more layouts, Ill run a slide show here for you to enjoy.

Contest Blub

I really am soft as muck when it comes to containing emotions. Last years contest had me crying all the time with beautiful journalling that came from the depths of souls and from the corners of hearts. This yes, it would seem, will be no different.

Let me tell you about a girl I know. Her name is Karen and she scraps really beautiful pages. Ive met her a few times and she is always up for a laugh. Ive never met anyone so lively and SERIOUSLY - I have never ever seen her with a frown upon her face. She hand cuts and machine sews her layouts with ease, she creates so many new little bits and pieces for me to feast over and her "Victoria" layout (I cant show it - Karen... mail me it!!) is one of the most intriguing layouts I have ever seen. Karen scraps with so much vigour and she has know I have always admired her.

So come on Kirsty - whats the catch?

There is no catch but I wanted to share something so wonderful that when I received this layout (below) in my mail box I burst into uncontrollable tears. You see, Karen has only one "normal" hand. The other is not particularly a hand. Karen was born with a congenital defect similar to that you find with a child whose mother had been subjected to Thalidomide. So Karen prints both her good hand and her bad (but equally well utilised crafting companion!!) hand and I just know how courageous it was for her to do it. This girl amazes me that she can scrap so GORGE with one hand and I often struggle with two. Isnt she amazing? So what is stopping YOU now?

Karens layout, around the edge reads 'My hands are unique.....special....mine' and the jounalling reads:
There’s no such word as can’t!

"I can still hear my family saying this to me! I have a congenital (present at birth) absence of my right hand. I was always taught to be independent, I had to find my own way of adapting to things and I know my family taught me the correct way. Through childhood I had to encounter the bullies, mindless children who didn’t know better but I was strong and had my sister and best friend for support at school and family at home. The bullying stopped when I reached High School. I used to wear a prosthetic hand, I had a few to choose from, a cosmetic, myoelectric and interchangable! When the myoelectric first came to the UK, there were 10 children who tested it, 5 from Roehampton and 5 from Manchester. I was selected from Manchester and I went away for a week with my Mum to do several trials on it. I don’t really remember many of them but one that I had to do was crack an egg!! That was fun, trying to crack and egg with an electric hand!Thankfully having one hand has never affected my confidence, I did quite well at school, learned to swim and ride a bike, achieved my Duke of Edinburgh bronze award, learned to play the trumpet then went on to college and achieved my NNEB. During college I learnt to drive and passed my test shortly after I qualified. I have met and married my wonderful husband and run my house with no external support whatsoever, I am very proud of that!As I was growing up I had an adult friend who used to joke that one day he would find something I can’t do. . . . .he never has unless you count the time when we bumped into him whilst shopping and he asked Mark if there was anything he’d noticed, imagine my reaction when his reply was cook!!!!!! "

Lauren's Shoot part deux. I struggled with the metering on Thursday's shoot (see below) of Lauren purely because her top being quite pale. I begged that next time, could she wear something bright and funkorama. Little did I know that Lauren had gone shopping yesterday for "said" top so today we venture to my secret hidey hole to take more pictures (secretly a goody for me - love to practice). I cant tell you the amount of fun we had today. It was overcast (perfect for photo shoots), a little chilly but with Lauren dancing round like a loon - it was all too soon forgotten. So Im sharing Lauren with you as I am delighted with the finishes.

Enjoyed a good old sunday roast today (which mark cooked) but can you believe I made creamed leeks to add to the mix? I normally am the sunday roast guru with Yorkie Puds being my speciality (I am from Yorkshire - what could you expect, else?). We had a tonne of leeks left over from two weeks ago so we decided to utilise them amongst the french beans and carrots. So I sauteed them, sweated them down, added a drop of our Cava apperitif, cumin and pepper then creamed them and OMG - I so love them. Completely loaded with heart attack inducing properties but equally balanced out with the fact they are vegetables. Im doing good right? LOL.

Her Space/My Space today is based on Brick. Ok - nothing ecstatic about a brick. I hate our house brick colours so I sneaked in both the air vent brick and our washed out numbers. Some days with this blog inspiration is that you win some and you lose some. Still - they are OUR bricks and they provide a haven for our cosy cutch.

And finally OMG - The Design Collective SO goes live in the morning. Im nervous - more nervous than the night before my wedding. Share my pain dudes and send us warm sprinkly lovedom. Infact, get yer butts over there and discover what all the fuss is about :)

Ecstatic few days

Have you come here to check the contest so far?
CONTEST RULES and initial announcement HERE (don't forget the optional charity donation)
PRIZE DONATIONS from site owners, manufacturers HERE (more has been added and will continue to be so) - lots of digi stuff and I mean A TONNE of GC worths hundreds of dollars right now.

Update - First paper supplies came in today from First Class Crafts and Clever Cut. First Class Crafts sent the most yummiest primas and ribbons (I WANT THEM) and Clevercut sent a huge (OMG) HUGE amount of scrap style stamps. Journal Blocks, corners, punctuation, alphabets, perspex blox and even inks and powders. My house will be overflowing at this rate. And can i just add - this is only from two prizes of the many shops pledging their kindness. Please show your support by checking these UK stores out. Im awful grateful xx

This is me today - ecstatic.

Overwhelmed by the stream of donations coming in for this huge contest. I haven't even started on the manufacturers yet but the Digi and paper shop suppliers in both the UK, US and Aus are being overly generous. New pledges for digi include Diamante Designs with $10 GC plus 25% discount for all entries (email me for your code if you want it). A $6 digi GC from Becky Vosburg. Maggie (of unknown origin - help me maggie!!) has offered $25 GC in her digi store. Kate the marvellous digi queen Hadfield has offered $30 in her store at the Lily Pad. I have also got to tot up the awards from the gilrs over at Digi Shop Talk - I cant keep up. I need a secretary!! Truly!!

Anyway, to grab some fresh air we, as in my lubbly hubbly and belle went geo caching today in Southport. I loves Southport. Its a coastal resort where the rich and over 60's retreat to live out their days. Its affluent in places and we love to discover hidden barn conversions tucked on the back roads en-route. I think we managed 7 today although some had been muggled (thanks to J K Rowling for that feature. Muggled, in geo cache terms, means that the cache has been found by non geo cachers and lost forever :(). Mark is up to 114 finds so far and really, if you and your family need a "get out there and adventure" type hobby...... DO THIS. Ellie's and my cheeks are so pink right now from the bracing breeze on the sea front. I love that feeling and glow. It was magic to spend so much time together and fight over the map, lose our tempers when we couldnt locate the cache and throw a fit when the other one finally did find it. SUCH FUN!!!! Here is Mark on a find that we almost gave up on.

Here is a carousel that Ellie practically begged her heart out to go on. As a teeny 11 year old, her despair on mounting those horses put the fear of god in me let alone her - so she wimped out on the boaty thingy.

Went over this fab suspension bridge that truly combines the old fanciful southport and modern art. Hardly ground breaking stuff but momentous all the same.

Im not sure if some of you know but my Belle is quite a serious character. Its so hard to achieve those LOL moments with her and when we do its priceless. She had just finished munching Candy Floss so her lips look like she has applied pillar box red lippo - let me assure you that no photoshopping did that. I only screened the picture (the beauty of an 85mm means very little editing anyway) but have a look at her darling, darling laugh. Such a toothy grin and wild hair from the wind that cleansed away the cobwebs of slumming it at home. These pictures are so precious to me - you couldn't measure how much even if you tried. I want to cry! Here she is from serious to playful to delirious - isn't she magic?

You can't ever imagine how much we love this kid. Never ever ever. Amen.

Other stuff - Go and bag yourself a view point spot over here at Her Space/My Space. Its fabulous how many of you are taking part and getting to really think about how to achieve that depth of field, jaunty little pic and using that fab imadge of yours. Mwah mwah. This is my take on the word "play". We had the best time today as a cosy family on the coast. Our space today was in the car. This was a layby next to a Jewish cemetery when mark found a geo cache nearby. I took a peek into the graveyard as Id never seen a Jewish cemetery. Our surname is Jewish (very much so - lets say Mark got kind of accosted in Egypt as his passport says Mark David Wiseman!!) But we are not Jewish but are of descent. Fascinating cemeteries - the most endearing of obituaries and strangely no flowers. I wonder if someone could tell me why no flowers lay on Jewish graves. I think the tradition is usually rocks but I saw none in there.

Two days afore the Design Collective goes live - we have set up a spanking new forum to compliment the classes and serves as a place to share your own inspiration as well as use us as a help desk. Always happy to help, you know?

Im out of here dudes - got a date with Brangelina. (That's a Mr & Mrs Smith movie date with hubs plus chocolate and still wearing my pink cheeks. The perfect end to a perfectionalisticarama dayment)

How was your day dudes?

Taking it steady

Have you come here to check the contest so far?
CONTEST RULES and initial announcement HERE (dont forget the optional charity donation)
PRIZE DONATIONS from site owners, manufacturers HERE (more has been added and will continue to be so) - lots of digi stuff as well as paper scrapping stuff. Even a hand made necklace, 3 months paper scrap kit subscription and 6 months online classes subscription. The last two alone worth £150 (OMG!!)

Today
Besides an overwhelming response to yesterdays contest announcement (and I mean ....ooooh, how can I word it. Dont know. the biggest word you can imagine that could possibly take your breath away. you get the pict-ch!) I have been busy making a tonne of stuff. Deadlines have been and gone, The Design Collective artwork completed, The Speshal Dares almost completed. Im all out of herma!!!

Anyway, I promised Lauren a photoshoot a while back and seeing as the nights are getting lighter, Belle and I took her to our favourite haunt at the 3 sisters park. Lauren has a wonderful nature with Belle and they get on so well - so Ellie didnt seem to mind (deep down she would rather have NOT been at the shoot) so I had to bribe with a fat ronalds and a diet pepsi. I dont know how this kid manages to go to school neat and come out looking like she had been dragged through the hedges. But I so love her wild hair!

Lauren is a natural in front of the camera and luscious skin (damn the skin of the youth!!) See for yourself.

I have to say I love the last picture (above) - I much prefer natural shots like this and the one of Lolly carrying Belle makes me wanna BWAH!

Anyway......go and check out todays photography inspiration challenge over at Her Space/My Space - I AM LOVING doing this. I need practice everyday and my faithful 85mm is going to blazes with action right now. Love love love Anita for collaborating on this project xx

And finally - Oh man. The Design Collective had a board meeting this evening (on Msn, you hear?) So many juicy maluicy things going on and Ive seen some of the projects. Like nothing you seen before girlfreinds. Uh uh uh!!! Registrations on monday 9am sharp. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Laterz

Prizes come rolling in....

Scrap your hands contest details HERE

Prizes being pledged fromthe following companies:


A Trip Down Memory Lane


Sarahs Cards Ltd



Lippy Chick


Angel Crafts - page kit


Craft Emporium


Crafty Pastimes


Craft Island


Clever Cut - tonnes of fabulou stsmaps, inks, blocks and powders


Scrapbooking Castle


Bubbly Funk


Papermaze


First Class Crafts - beautiful primas and scrummy ribbons


Jem Craft Memories

Cucumber Cottage - a stunning 12x12 album

Hand made Necklace by Trish


$25 Digi Vouchers by Betsy Tuma who will alsogive EVERY participant a 50% off voucher
(email me for the code)

$30 Digi Vouchers by Kate Hadfield

$25 Digi Vouchers from Maggie


3 months worth of monthly KITS by SCRAPAGOGO

3 months wotth of monthly KITS by Mod Scraps


6 months membership to The Design Collective - inspirational online classes


A free custom hand print font (how cool!) from Darcy Baldwin from Blueflombingo

Open Competition with GREAT Prizes

Almost this time last year I set a competiton to encourage women to pour their hearts out on a page to reflect honesty in their Book of Me pages. It went absolutely crazy with entries from all over the world - I was stunned. I roped in support from our favourite scrappers who represent inspiration by their name alone from Rhonna Farrer to Cathy Zielske and Ali Edwards. These women spared their time to create for a lonely cause. That lonely cause is ourselves. I am strongly attached to this crusade as I live in fear of my heritage not knowing who I really was. I want to leave an honest reflection for my family - a true stamp of my choices, emotions, events, feelings, good days and bad.
So this year?
This year is to use your hands - literally. But why?
Well, last weekend my friend Roz set a challenge to create a page using hand prints. I was so taken aback by this challange that I put my heart and soul down on that page and added my own personal flourishes to make the page mine - great idea Roz!!! We had to write around our hands using words to describe how, as a mother, I used them.
I encourage you to make a page about your hand prints and interpret it how you wish. Be colourful, be monochromatic, be digi, be arty, be plain, use doodles, use whatever the hell you like but make it personal.
This is open to EVERY scrapper in the world. Postage of the prizes is covered and hopefully Nikon will be involved. I do know that there will be excellent prizes from both the digi and paper field.

Closing date is 1st May and a rolling gallery will be added here of EVERY single entry. There is an optional donation of £1.00 british pound sterling (to find your countries equivalent go here) to be donated to a charity very close to my heart - Muscular Dystrophy. My daughter suffers with a type of this condition and I would love to tie this in with our fundraising. But it is OPTIONAL. My fundraising continues regardless. Paypal donations is easier at this address. I can assure you - this charity is a very worthy cause indeed with several of my scrapping buddies also having children with a form of this condition. Mail your low res entries here - every participant is already entitle to a 50% off digi voucher from Betsy Tuma. Coolio xx

**Important note to my digi pals - before you download**
I average 1000+ downloads on these overlays and whilst I have caught 1000 of your attentions - please join in the above challenge!! You can scan your hands and digi them up. I encourage you tecno wizzes to play for amazing prizes which is open INTERNATIONALLY.

Download this wonderful overlay here. Don't forget, my overlays although created in white are easier to change the colour of, making them as versatile as something erm, very versatile!!! Lol

I have an overlay everyday coming up to help spread the shout on this competition. Its very important you start doing those pages about YOU instead of the kids/pets/holidays etc. Why hide behind the camera girls? - its time to make your mark.

The daily photo challenge on Her Space/My Space challenge is based on the word "read". Mine is used in the past tense as I showcase a small segment of my other hobby - collecting Enid Blyton books. She wrote over 600 you know and I have over 300 including rare copies of magazines, books with original dust jackets, The dated and controversial Three Golliwogs and all the famous fives and secret sevens. Do you remember those good old reading days with Enid? I can't quite grasp Happy and Gay like I used to but my childhood was spoilt with her story telling.

And finally - the Design Collective goes live on Monday for registration. We have updated the home page for you to familiarise yourself with the team. please go and see what's what and we look forward to Monday as we go completely live - wooooooo hoooooo xx

This lil lady

here, reading my favourite magazine in the world (The National Geographic) is such a funny thing. Look at her tongue as she scans the pictures before she reads the article. I love her so much. She told me not to look at one particular page because it might upset me.
"Why darling?"

Thinking the worst and that Heidi Swapp had denounced scrapbooking and that everyone must take up macrame instead.

"Because there is a nasty picture of an elephant with his head chopped off".

Yup, she was too right I wouldn't want to see that. Elephants are my favourite animal next to giraffes. My lounge is scattered with them on cushions, wall hangings and ornaments. But she took it all in and read up on the ever increasing ivory trade and is as topped up as any nat geo fan. Her dream of being a vet really is a dream at the moment so for now she has plans to be a massuese. Good - I get freebo head massages in return for her keep!!

My belle loves to watch the animal planet (ahem, as well as cartoons but we have waged a cull on that in favour of the history and nat geo channel). She will watch Meerkat Manor, our beloved Steve Irwin on the Croc Hunter plus various pets and vets programmes. Only last night she came bounding into my office with news about how a hurricaine had threatened to wipe out a zoo and that the zoo keepers were struggling to put the animals to safety. She was awful concerned and I went into the lounge to see how the story ended. All were safe but they didnt have time to remove the crocs however they had magically survived the weather system.

Im not sure if you know but my belle struggles at school big time due to her difficulties. However belle's teacher admires her determination as she will offer to stand up and recite information she has gathered from such programmes by explaining the full ins and outs of being a Blue Tongued Skink to a desert Lynx or a tree frog. My daughter (although not einstein) is such a plucky little thing whose memory for obscure information lilts towards the amazing qualities of an autistic child. I love this child. Ooooooooooooooh, I could just eat her. Do you ever look at your kids/pets and want o squish them real tight that you feel you could just suffocate them with love? Thats me with belle.

I love her as much as hot buttered toast, tea with cake and herma with 12x12 paper. This child, who applies my toothpaste to my brush every morning (she cleans her teeth first thing, I have to wait until I have eaten - much after she has gone to school) to perform this task. I only took this picture today to show you because I had to snap a picture of a Tap for the Her Space/My Space challenge. The little things like this everyday does not become too apparent as they are routine. I can't believe I havent shared that until now - but its true. She cannot open the lid of a toothpaste tube (she brings it into me in my room as Im dressing) but her sweet nature is as sugary as pure love itself.

My Belle, my little love, My little bag of funny things to share. xx

Anyway.....

In continuance of sharing yesterdays artwork, i thought Id share some of my recent makings for you. One layout was taught by Elsie in Bristol last year. Although I have not actually copied the class, I used her elemets to make the page up differently to make my own mark on the layout and I love it. I have been doing more BOM pages in my crusade to encourage more of the worlds scrappers to leave their own legacy in addition to their families albums. It hurts so much when people scoff at BOM layouts. I certainly wont leave this world in fear that my daughter and grandchildren didnt know me better. Plus, when Im 60 and in an old folks home trying to find my marbles, my pages will be a reminder of my youth. I cant wait to snuggle up to mark when Im old and look back at my days in colours I chose and with a style I felt was relevant at the time.

I have another BOM challenge coming up again (likE the one I ran last year) with some great prizes being donated from Nikon this time. Its time to get BOM-ey again xx

Ciao Bella's

Its time to reap the zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's

Things to share

I have been a busy marmalade these last few weeks - making layouts, cards, digi stuff. I am obsessed and truly I don't feel deprived of living a normal life!!!

After a fabulous weekend with the girls at Luxurious Angels at Lockerbie Manor. I received two very special extras whilst there (gawjus tulips from from Heather and a set of 24 Jo Sonja's paints to add to my ever growing collection of these AMAZING paints - thank you ladies)) I am really knackered and have started to feel the strain so much. But I will always love going away, teaching, laughing, making things, (drinking, whoops) and meeting like minded scrappers who are ALWAYS up for having the best time being away from their families and absorbing themselves so completely into learning new techniques. Meet the Luxurious Angels below and the best restaurant north of Carlisle (yummy scrummy food!) It had to be one of the best venues that was aimed at being good for the soul and involved far too many laughs for my bladder to handle.

Today, I thought Id share some of the work I made there and previously for various mags and DT's. I haven't shared so much work in a while so please let me show you some ickle bits and pieces.

I have a tone of layouts to share but here is one for now. Am feeling so inspired to make, make and make more and more cards and layouts at the moment plus some digi kits for a new venture starting soon. Lets say my days are never ever boring.


Here is my Her Space/My Space challenge for today based on the word craft. I am really enjoying hand sewing on layouts these days - this was for a CJ for my freind Charlotty. I hope she loves it as much as I enjoyed making it

And finally, in a few days time you will be able to sign up for the Design Collective monthly project club. May I remind you that this is something you pay for on a monthly basis but you are able to opt out any month you wish. this is so YOU feel the benefit of the quality and not be tied into something you are unhappy with. We feel this is an excellent choice in which you decide to continue with and one we feel certain you won't want to anyway ;)

I is Baaaaaaaaaack

I neeeeeeeeeeeed sleep
I really do
I made a tonne of stuff at the retreat which I will show later, laughed so hard I thought Id suffer a heart attack, met friends old and new - ooooooooooooh I love Luxurious Angels retreats. My camera suffered sufficently and I even snapped the Blood Moon - how awesome was the lunar eclipse last night?
I'll be back later but I thought Id post as I had so many wonderous scottish ladies worried about my journey.
Och - Im fine!

I twicked you!!!

Oh lordy - I totally misled you all about LA (so sue me, right?!!)

Im off to LA this weekend but not in California. Im going to Luxurious Angels retreat in Lockerbie - mwahahahahahaha. You all fell for my twick. The luxury of going to the real LA comes at the end of the year though. Sorwy folks.

I wanted to share some pictures of a lovely delivery I had today from little Mel. ( I think she is the spit of Jennifer Love-Hewiit) The ladies were very fortunate on saturday at my photograohy day. I was expecting them to take pictures of each other to use in a class later that afternoon but I guess deep down thay were relieved when I offered so you can guess I had 39 very happy women with pictures to atke home like this one Mel had taken.I met this sweet lady at my retreat this weekend and we chatted, as you do, in the ladies loo. Such a gentle sweetheart whose heart was there for all to see on her sleeve. She is probably one of the youngest scrappers I have taught (oh, except for kirsty - Lorraine at Scrapagogo's daughter - at bonanza last year. Oh and Loz, my assistant on saturday but she was my 13 year old guest at my retreat and oh shut up woman.) I think mel was feeling a little lost in a room full of scrappers not her age (you really want me write that they were older??!!) so I told her not to be so daunted and to put her "doubt" energy into creating something positive. What a darling! And then in the post today I got these - one for me and one for ellie and a beautiful card. Mel - there was NO NEED to do this but thank you all the same. Ellie fell in love with her new bunny and has called him Coffee (unconventional name for a bunny, personally Id call it Crusty Pie). I am very grateful. seriously, a little email is enough but thank you xx

Then my awaited treasure of a delivery came at stupid oclock from our wasteful postman who delivers in non postman clothes (I will report him cos I love a man in uniform!!). I have been after pink crocs forever and they never have a size four (yes, i have dinky feet). I bought fake-o orange ones in spain for seven euros and although they look EXACTLY the same, they are not.

So here are my pink crocs forwarded on by Sue. Im a chuffed croc wearing photographising paper and digi scwapping teacher who loves being a mormy. Coolio. AND I refuse to believe they have gone out of fashion - so shut up. la la la la la la - I cant hear you.

The Her Space/My Space inspiration continues with the word Dusty today. I am a clean freak to be honest but did notice some dust left over from some baking this weekend on my shelf which covets a wonderful crockery set given to my by Anita herself. Whats dusty in your space today?

And finally - a spangly sprinkle of newsdom...................

- in response to several enquiries with the Design Collective we would like to confirm that subscriptions can be taken out on a month by month basis to suit financial commitments and with Mothers Day coming up you could always put a subscription on to your wish list.

You gonna sign up? Are you, are you? huh? :)

AND - OMG

Danielle Thomson is blogging again. there is a god.

Pre LA jitters

Im off to LA this weekend - Im absolutely so very very excited.

I have my class to finalise, camera in hand, laptop by my side and my bags almost packed.


To celebrate, here is another overlay in which I repay by digi chixter buds for sharing the digi luuuuuuuuuuuuuuurve.

Download me HERE

Laterz