Blazing Sunshine? Is this for real?

Yest was so hot and such a good excuse to amble over to my friend Jane's house in ever-so-posh Wilmslow.
Belle was NOT in the mood as we set off early afternoon until we arrived and went straight to the local park where every momma and child was out soaking up the fact "we could play out"! Jane and I talked cameras and I gave her some help with her Nikon D70. I love my D70 so much (more than the D200) so it was like for like comparison. I took these of my lil lady as she cruised the entire park in her own sweet way, choosing to stop by on various little amusements and never once complained that it was too bright. **warning - overload of belle pictures ahead**

My lil ladies spirally curlies are beautiful. David (Louise's hubby), who we went to see last week in Chepstow said to Belle "You hair is so charming". Belle told me on the way home she liked the way he said it becuase it was so fancy!
Hunting conkers in late July is a no-no but belle wanted to open one anyway and fell in love with the baby conkers. and at last - Her Space/My Space starts back again tomorrow. here is my little starter for the new season. Come on over and play

I think we have to give masso thanks to Courts and Kat for the loan of this hat which went abso perfect with the outfit she was wearing. The kids, Jane and I spent three hours there which truly felt like one second - time went by so fast. I even managed to catch up with Dyan who I havent spoken to for like, 34 years, in a call with Jane. I LOVE catching up. Gossip in the park was never this good when I was a kid!
After the park we spent the evening at Janes scoffing a feast of artery clogging yumminess with the kids before Courts and Kat dozed off from tiring themselves out. Belle was wide awake as always and we decided to stay for BB. Then BB turned into Wii. Belle has never played on one before and its looking like a Wii purchase is coming on. She was thrilled with it although I did take a pasting from Jane on the Tennis courts. Of course that was down to Janes incessant practice on the game where as I had only just mastered the handy heldy thingy. I didn't want to leave at erm, midnight! Neither did Belle. But its always a sign of a good day when you don't want to leave.
I have one hundred and forty seven things to organise before Friday. As I am a list maker at heart, Ive gone onto two pages of things to do. I wish I could prioritise more effectively as everything has a top priority right now. The bit I'm looking forward to most is a Christmas project for Quick and Crafty Magazine which will be my 3rd piece for them. I love this magazine so much. Its a vibrant monthly with so many cool things to make and do. Ive also got work coming out in Crafts Beautiful in Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec. I remember years and years ago reading this mag thinking that I would love to make something for it and now that I can - well, its surreal and humbling and enormous fun to be a part of the team.
Well Im away to finish off a digi kit for Jo to tackle so I may be some time. Toodle-oooooooo xx

Edited
**OMG - I cannot believe that Chanelle walked out of the BB house. I saw it coming and she was getting on my nerves. Ive totally gone right off it now. That's one hour spare in the evenings for me now.
**Also - Karen Leese!! Mislaid your phone number, need to chitty chat before friday!!!

**Had a change of background colours - the white was a killer at 2pm blog posting. I find black a little more easier on the old peepers.

Outta here xx

Good Morning Baltimore!!!!!

HAIRSPRAY WAS TIP TOP TIPPY TOPSTER!
I loved the opening song so much, I gots it on MP3 already (thanks to minxy Suzy B!) You have to go and see it - its fabulous. So I'll shut up. Hmmmmmm. Maybe I won't. Would have loved it immensely if it were not for 3 teenage girls sending and receiving texts and talking throughout the whole movie. Fancy paying £6 a ticket each to piss everyone off in the cinema. I could get paid to wrack the nerves of most people but I wouldn't pay it myself......but still. So annoyed I was. Anita and I gave disapproving looks in their direction but I think Anitas practiced Teachers stare won mine hands down! And to finish the night off with a chip butty was a champion choice - Id relive last night a million times (minus teenage text toss pots).
And today? TODAY? Today was a brillsvilles arizona photo shoot with Suzy B's kidlets. I love our local park and I love to take all my friends and clients there. It was a glorious afternoon albeit a tad breezy. Betty and Benj are the very image of their momma - its amazing to edit these photos and see my friends face in her children. I just enjoyed the whole day of munching, laughing, moaning, stropping, minxing and giggling. And that was just Suzy. Mwahahahahahahahahha. Here is a selection of my favvo's - Ive used some new editing techniques I mastered over the last few days. Its all good.

And little storyboaords that I can do for canvas printing - this is new to the site :)

Im relaunching my website tonight with a groovy new style and presentation. I was going to (but may still) opt for a Blu Domain site. But, in the interim, Photobiz have agreed to go along with a couple of design ideas I have with a new template on its way soon. So do have a wee looksy here when you get a mo and tell me what you think. **edited - oh cacka plop - didnt realise it took 48 hours for propagation. BLECH :( Im waiting for a licence for some new music but at £800 a pop on some pieces, you will have to make do with piano concerto number 348 in G minor with double bass, soft percussion and silent synthesizers for now. So things are good here as you can see :)
And finally - Big Bro? Freakarama newby half way house mates. I almost spat my hummus all over the screen on Friday night with the guy with the teddy bears and the girl with practically nuddies went in. Eeeeeeks. I admit I watch it - I have done for the last 8 years. My summer is fruitful for the education I receive about behaviour. Behaviour fascinates me, I love to see how stories get twisted, all walks of life thrusting themselves into our homes, how arguments dont work either way when both parties think they are RIGHT???!!! and how clever Endemol are at priming/editing the right person to boost their ratings. Predictable but train crash TV. LOVE.

Foody Food Food. Burp.

I sit here in my Buddha like state, reeking of garlic, Greased outde-stressed and very full.

You can blame Anita Mundt actually for she is the evil doer of all things naughtily edible. Ok, you can blame us both. No, strike that. Blame Asda and shopping on an empty stomach. We have gorged on a smorgasboard of yummables so delicious that a feast thrown by the King of Brunei would look like scraps from the waste bin in comparison. Dips, chips, chic, choc, Cava, crisps, bread sticks, hummus, sour cream (collectively known as a heart attack on a plate) have been devoured with much relish. Not relish as in hamburger relish....buy you know what I mean.

I am a foody. I love savoury eateries. I generally eat in moderation but when a friend comes round for company and is also a foody there is no point tip toeing around the subject of salads and celery sticks is there? God (or in this case, ASDA) created so many delish things to eat, it would be rude not to taste so much in one evening. And I could critique the range of Asda's finest for market research couldn't I? Couldn't I? Hmmmmmmm? BURP. Pooooey, wiffy garlic.
We are going to go and watch Hairspray tonight. I hear it has had amazing rave reviews plus I loves a good musical. Belle is at nannies for the night (you know, the subject of all my entries in this blog. I love the comment I got on yesterdays post from a relatively anonymous poster. LOVE YOU anonymous posters. Love love love. Yawn). I'm so looking forward to it. Will tell all in my next blog post.

Just have a few sneaKos of the new kits from Modscraps. Its the last time I will be working for Modscraps before Mandy becomes Scrap Studio. I made the nifty logo for her new site coming soon. These kits are a hot seller this month containing, but not limited to, Cherry Arte (super swit swoo) and Jenni Bowlin Birdies and Autumns Leaves plastic alphas. Mandy sooooooooo puts together the best kits right now. Slurp.

I have two overlays today for the die hard among you. Ive been downloading a few kits myself over at Ikea Goddess (link to the left here). She is tip top tippy top for freebies right now and also check out Selena too - so much free love! Its a double whammy of a download.



You can download this lil darlings in a one pack package of scrumptiousness here

Water Water everywhere

I realise we are SO dry compared to most of my friends who are suffering as a result of the recent floods. I wrote to my friend Correna who lives in Gloucester and they are getting by on bottled water and using water butts to collect water for domestic use. I haven't heard from my friend Jo in Evesham, Im hoping she is well. Oh I do worry. Then I start to panic after a bloody massive downpour this afternoon. As I have mentioned before, our garden was built over marshland years ago and the bottom of the garden is flooded again, the lawn is sodden and I know we will not flood as in "house submerged under water".

Its just dreadful. I have donated money to the floods on Paypal UK. What can you do? Well for starters, as much as I love that "Umbrella" song, I do think its a jinx.

I took belle to the Ice cream parlous this afternoon to break up the boredom of being housebound. Its such a treat to go there with over 40 flavours of the most delicious, local made frozen cream. We sat there, trying to smile as it poured outside. As I have a jacket advertising my business I did get a booking so some good came of it. We got back from the parlour absolutely sodden. I couldn't wait to get into my newby slippers of which Ive been showing of in chepstow all weekend.
My £2 bargacious little house shoes that delights my feet and dazzles my eyes.

I am having a dear sweet friend over tomorrow. You all know Anita, right? Well im stealing her and we are going to gorge on lard, choc and vin rouge/blanc - hell, Im just going to buy Tesco's out and we will eat a whole supermarket. even washing powder and matches. Might have room for shoe polish and some bleach. All coated in chocolate of course, you wouldn't think Id eat all that stuff neat would you? Im really looking forward to some company.

And here is another overlay that I managed to conjour up during Greys Anatomy. God, I wish Meredith would warm up her cold, frozen heart. I was screaming at the tv tonight. She needed a good old fashioned talking to from auntie kirsty, who clearly knows everything there is to know about cold ,cold hearts.

Anyway, enjoy using Felicity. She is a personal favourite of late.
you can download her here

Link fixed

Thanks to everyone for the emails about the links not working.
They are working now :)

One day scrap retreat - Liverpool Sept 29th

Yes, Im blarbing about Scrap Trap. You must go over here and read from the bottom to the top (not top to bottom) to read our ever increasing excitement about this event. YOU MUST read it and you MUST come. Maria Grace contacted me today to go over some ideas for her class. YES! Worth the retreat alone in my eyes. I have a very playful theme and Im dying to hear what Jane Dean has in store for you.

Now then.
Today.
The piggies.

I just can't stop looking at them and adoring them. Granted, Im supposed to be working on Modscraps monthly kit which is GORGEOUSLY fruity range from Cherry Arte and so zingy for this time of year. Ive really stretched myself with this line. And to top it all, I got a random parcel from Cherry Arte direct with their entire line in there. I have no idea how they got my address but its here and it gives me a chance to make more things with the outrageous carnival colours. Im sure Im dreaming. Ive slapped my face a hundred times and yep, Im awake.

Anyway.......
Belle and I went to the cinema tonight to watch The Simpsons.

O. Em. Gee. Its laugh out loud funny. Stupid Funny. Sick funny. Homer is my hero. Belle was screaming with laughter. This is not something she does a great deal. She is so flippin serious but this was the best thing to tickle that little girls tummy. Loved it. Spider Pig will get to number one, Im certain. LOVE SPIDER PIG! I want spider pig to walk on my ceilings.

When we got back from the cinema, Belle and I decided to pick grass and dandelions for the pigsters. I bent down and noticed a blackbird fledgling on its back, mouth open. DEAD. Nice, I thought. I was gutted. I went to pick up a stick to prod it (as you do) and without warning, it blinked. Well I shot backwards so fast that I gave myself 45 heart attacks. No, actually I had 67 heart attacks and a big mood complete with a screaming fit, multiple muscle spasms and 12 brain tumours from the pressure of the fright. I started to panic, really badly. The lil blighter was alive! I peered a bit closer and saw it was breathing but it was flat on its back. WEIRD. Then I looked on our lounge window and noticed that it had obviously flown into it head on and now it lay on my grass, flat on his lil back. Im no good with wild birdies so I rang on one of my neighbours doors and he carefully picked him up and presented the birdy back to his momma who was squawking and screeching in panic. It was quite the drama. Its like all baby animals are flocking in my direction for help. I could perhaps find Im the Mother Theresa of pet care after yesterdays rigmarole of animal hospital. And then I really do wake up - mwahahahhahahahhaha

I have another overlay for you. I had belle choose the colour of the background of this today - Im teaching her some digi scrapping to get her going. Not quite there just yet but the appetite is whetted.
You can download this baby here - edit finally working

We are saviours

Belle and I are the saviours of our piggo's.

I was expecting that Doodles would have her babies without incident and thank the lord I was here this very morning when we came to check on the babies. Titch, the wee black baby was all shaky and walking really strange. She/he is the tiniest one out of the litter and my poor heart melted. I had to explain to Belle what might happen .... obviously I'm no expert. So I rang the vet for advice. I actually rang 3 vets before someone would advise because they always say "bring them in". I played devils advocate and decided to take their lives into my hands after a little surfing for info. We mashed up some bananas and cucumber which didn't go down too well. So we petted poor Doodles who must be knackered. She responded to our loving. And whilst we petted, the babies were allowed to latch on. And now Titch, Mo and Oodles are spritely little souls. In light of this incident Belle has chosen not to go to her nannies for a week and we will watch them with delight and concern.
The babies - this is when we discovered Titch was not very well. Probably starving.Doodles eventually feeding Titch, the babiest of the babies. This was after lots of coaxing.
She finally lets all the babies feed here:
We are so proud of Doodles now

I'm certain my friend Tracy is going to take one that leaves another, FREE to a good home and you will know it has been carefully nurtured. Obviously I ain't going to post it so if you are local to Greater Manchester you might like a new pet in 4 weeks time.

So onto my weekend.

Oh we did have a great time. Spending the weekend with the Burtons is like dying and going to heaven. The fun, the hospitality and the love knows no bounds at their beautiful home. I become so absorbed by the feeling of such a wonderful welcome whilst Belle takes it all in her stride. The very reason for the visit was to privately teach 6 women to use their DSLR's. A fantastic bunch of women who was patient with me as much as I was with them. To be honest the day went far too fast for my liking but it always does when you are having a good time. Louise threw a wicked dinner party of home made crab/fish cakes and lemongrass sauce. Well that was it.................. I died. Not from food poisoning but from heavenly gastronomical fillage. The was followed by home made fish pie with a lemon and lime drizzle cake for afters made by the wizard of all garden knowledge, mary anne. I want to thank Louise, Pam, Robyn, Mandy, Maryanne and Ailsa for the most enjoyable day taking photos, munching, drinking and laughing.






Sunday was a little lie in and time spent with Louise and the kids. The thing with Katie and Olli is that they are hilarious without being hilarious. I just love kids too much. As Belle is such a serious soul, its fascinating to spend time with a mixed bag of kiddy traits which instantly turns me into a kid. Katie introduced us to this cup stacking trick that grabbed mine and belles attention. With belles fine motor skills a little shot, she gave it a go and won't stop nagging me for a set. I found a link here, its so much fun. I took time to teach Olli some photo editing and digi scrapping. Olli is a human sponge and took to it really quick, I think he would make a fantastic computer mogul one day. As for Katie, I give her 5 years and she will be on broadway. The day went so quick before we were served with Lamb served by a person who can serve it best - a New Zealander called Louise! I really did die when I ate it, man..... this woman should write a cookery book. Her beautiful shop can be visted here
Louise, Olli David and Katie at their beautiful home.

Louise and her crazy gumboot wellies she wore to a Donny Osmond concert in a field - she has total and utter class.The kids - and even belle has her eyes open!
Monday saw Belle and I saying farewell to Chepstow for Bristol to see Mandy. Belle was praying very hard that Emily would be there and she was. Mandy and I talked about the most random, off tangent stuff about our lives. I love that. Comfortable conversation without judgement. I then went on to do some digi work for Mandys new venture (will link that in soon). Mandy has this amazing doggy, Martha, which is a cross between a jack russell and a chihuahua. She is the most gorgeous dogster. I really want one if it comes to getting a pooch eventually. I still would like a Pug but a Jackhauhau is calling me.

Nearer the time we had to leave, Belle got a signed photo from Emily and you might as well as given Ellie the earth. She clutched it all the way home (seriously, she did... its creased at the bottom from over clutchness). I asked her why she loved it so much and she said "I feel like the luckiest girl on the world".
She is starstruck with Emily whose beautiful skin and kind conversation is a credit to her. We feel very lucky to know such lovely people.

And here is an overlay for you too. Simply named Arrival after our piggers, please use her at your leisure.
Download this baby here

Nurse Belle to the rescue

Oh lord, it never rains in this house... it pours.
Our three babies have been seconded to us by their non maternal mother. She wont let the lil blighters latch on! We have Titch clinging on for dear life (he is the smallest and weakest), we have Mo (short for mohican) who is lil scamp and Oodles (rhymes with Doodles becuase she looks like her momma) who is the biggest. We are completely enchanted by these little creatures that Belle has asked if she could cancel going to nannies caravan in Wales. Its a good job really as I rang our Vet for advice and he said that would be irresponsible to leave them behind, so we have carried the cage downstairs into the lounge and its a vigil by the hour.
We are mashing bananas and cucumber to wean them - anyone else have any nursing tips for guineas?
We feel so helpful and Ellie is besotted..

8 and half hour road rage

What generally takes 3 hours in the car took 8 and a half on Friday afternoon. I had a numb bum that you could have stabbed a gazillion times and I wouldn't have felt it. I was almost ill from the cramp in my stop and start accelerator action. But eventually we got to our destination in Chepstow for a weekend I DID NOT want to forget. Uh uhhhhh.

As you have read in the news the south west was disastrously hit by flash floods which affected the very road I was taking to Wales. Im gutted for those who have lost their homes and belongings. I wish we could do something as quick as when relief is needed elsewhere in the world. Our nation seem to soldier on for causes affected by drought and famine but when it comes to our own disasters, it seems that our governing bodies seem a tad clueless.

Im very grateful to those of you who have sent me emails wondering if we are ok. As we have been enjoying a fabulous wee jaunt away I have not bothered with my blog, favouring to write my memories both tonight and tomorrow. This has created over 20 emails from you cwazy readers of which I feel a lil touched you spared the time for xx.

We are not affected in our area of residence but to show you where I live and where the areas are affected, it makes me thankful we are dryer than most. A is the county I live in, Greater Manchester. B is our desiination in Wales, Chepstow. And the big red blob shows roughly Herefordfordshire, Worcestershir and Gloucetsershire which are horrifically affected.
Anyway, Im going to write more about our magnificent weekend tomorrow but wanted to share pictures of these two monkies who made our stay uber perfection.





AND!!!!

Im a granny and belle is a momma to 3 teeny pigsters.
Mother and babies doing well, we discovered them when we got back from Bristol tonight. They were born sometime from 7pm last night and midnight tonight! One of the lil fellas has a mohican - pictures to prove it will be around tomorrow.
Need sleep.
Belle zonked out all the way home clutching a signed autograph from BB8 Emily Parr. I cannot distinguish the joy in her from either the photo or the piggies but I know Emily has got bedside table occupancy, propped up against the bedside lamp. She is my funny wee thing.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, im nodding off - gotta go.

School Uniforms are hideously overpiced

A shop keeper see's me coming into his exclusive school wear shop and magically ups his prices by a million percent. I am not lying. I'm so telling the truth. Not that we are rich, far from it but today, when we went to buy belle her snazzer new uniform for secondary school, I might well have robbed a bank to pay for it.

For 4 blouses, 3 trousers, one blazer and one tie - guess how much? I dare you to be right. Considering we have gotten away with uniform scot free for the past 6 years with belle being so wee and in non restrictive insignia markings. Well, I'll tell you. £100. Frittening it was. And this is without PE kit. Belle is excluded from secondary school PE, but can you imagine her playing hockey? LOL.So compare this then. I went to Primark this afternoon and bought 2 skirts, 2 sets of kiddies pyjamas, one beautiful fleecy blanket, 1 pack of footless tights in a dashing shade of peacock blue, pyjama bottoms for me and a little purse for £22. Know what I mean? Merry shagola, School uniforms is a line of business I want to be in. **cue cogs whirring.......zzzzzzzzzzzzrrrrrp!**. Talking of footless tights, i love these stripey lil things I wear now and again. Does anyone know where I can buy more lace edged footless tights that don't cost the earth?

So the fitting - we knew that there would be nothing for Belle in her size so its being ordered in. Im glad we went today and not in August as the turn around for special sizes is 4 weeks. I felt a sense of organised pride that I did go in today. Poor belle was being mothered by all the shop girls who couldn't believe this tiny creature was starting secondary school. I think, secretly, Belle enjoyed the fuss. The girls in the shop couldn't do enough for her. She tried a ton of stuff on and I played the scene of Julia Roberts ala Pretty Woman in the shop. Ellie was so pooped by the end of it, she fell asleep in the car. All I have to do now is wait for the kit to come in and I can take pictures. I was rather choked seeing in her blazer (albeit 3 sizes too big!). I know I'm going to wrack my eyes out come start of term. BWAH!

Made this yesterday if anyone fancies grabbing it. Ive been over at Ikea Goddess website (link is to the left here) recently to download a ton of free stuff for some spesh projects of late, so to repay the freebie fest I have made this. throw it all back in the mix girls xx

You can download this cheery little number here

Cruel weather

We shouldn't let the weather get us down.
Really we shouldn't.
But it does.
Bwah :(

When its wet and pouring with rain in JULY you kind of think we are destined for an eternity of the wet stuff. In fact Im going to build an ark. Whose aboard with me?

The back garden is flooded because the land our estate was built on used to be marshland of which was reclaimed in the 60's. The rain wont drain as fast as your average garden and its all overgrown. Bwah.

Belle and I are nursing cartoon network hangovers again. Ive let her stay up real late because, for some reason, cartoon network are running oldies like Johnny Bravo, The Power Puff Girls, Cow and Chicken and I am Weasel. Belle is delighted with these re-runs from her earlier memories. So we snuggle up on the sofa, I work on the lippy lappy and she giggles her head off. Cue Choc hotlate, snacks and cuddles and we are having the perfect hangovers from sleep deprivation the next day! But not tonight. We are up early in the morning.

Anyway, today I made cards to stave off the boredom of being restricted to indoor activities

but come the evening and the sun rears its familiar head - I felt a celebration coming on. I really did. My eyes light up and suddenly we feel perky. Hurrah - vitamin C is back. So we venture out for tea at our local pub where Belle gorges on lard and I eat curry. Here she is in the overgrowth that used to be the pub's garden. Whilst the weather has been cacka poo poo I have been teaching myself new tricks on photoshop. I'm not as massive fan of cross processing actions but to save time, I like to make my editing more fluid. This is a new technique I have amassed so I will show you the before (taken in the shade so light was ploppy) and a quick fix booster to make it look a little more edgy.

Before.............
After...............
And needless to say those three dandelion clocks took a hammering too!
Tomorrow see's Belle being fitted for her secondary school uniform. She has to wear a blazer and they don't do her size so this is going to be fun... pray she grows 5 inches between now and September, will ya?
Toodle ooooooooooooooo xx

O. Em. Gee.

This girl here makes me howl with laughter.

I was having a normal Tuesday, nursing a slight 3am cartoon network marathon hangover with Belle and working on someones blog header when Suzy'z email bounced on the screen.

She makes me laugh at the best of times but this is FUN. A supposed PA to a Head of Shed of a large business based in Manchester. Im certain Suzy is meant to take dictation, make tea, organise his lunch and refuel his car as well as pretend to type letters and be important to him.

I miss the tomfoolery of misusing the photocopier at work. I miss spitting in my bosses tea. I miss stapling my friends cardigans to the back of their chairs. I miss putting clingfilm across the toilet in the mens lavvies and I miss putting sellotape across the doors so that the girls would rip their tights/stocking. **insert evil snigger here**.

When you work with a great bunch of people in the RAF it was all about watching your back. I once got stapled to hardboard whilst wearing my work suit, I got packaged up in a box for delivery to another section on base and I also had to go to the technical section once for a long stand (I didn't know what it meant back then, I was 16 for crying out loud).

Thanks Suzy for making me snort all over them monitor and leak pee pee through my industrial strength Tena ladies.

ooooooh, have you seen this?

Issue Deux is due out any second now - keep an eye out for this pinki-a-dinky doo magazine for FREE here. Packed with inspiration from the Scrapgenie DT girls as well as the latest products to hit Scrapgenie shelves. I do think Nats takes the most fabbo photos (as per front cover) **Waves to Nataloy**

Belle and I did absolutely zero all day - vegetated state of nothingness. Well, I did a bit of housework and normal work but it wasnt as fluid as a normal Monday. I took her to the park towards the latter end of the afternoon to blow the stink of ourselves (love that saying, you have to love "Hope Floats" for that terminology). I took some lovely photos of which I would have posted if I knew where I put the camera lead.

Doodles is looking seriously heavy with her babies right now. Belle and I keep running up the stairs every half an hour to see if she has delivered. I keep asking Doodles to just let go whilst scratching behind her head. We have been treating her to spinach leaves, cucumber and carrots plus other healthy snacks to keep the mum-t0-be content. Im hoping she doesn't have the babies during the night, Im geared up for taking pictures of those lil beauties when they are first born.

After tea I had to nip to Sainsburys for the usual groceries and I spied the sale aisle on entry. I made a beeline for it as our holidays are coming up and Belle, quite seriously ( and without curvature of the mouth) said "Don't you think you have enough clothes momma?". Im sure the whites of my eyes, through my utter shock, caused a flash in the store before I creased over laughing. She doesn't half come out with it sometimes and its obvious where she got that one line gem from ............. MARK!!! I hope you are happy with yourself!!!

Im leaving you with a lovely lil overlay I made to match the colour in the mag above.
She is called Dance and you can grab her right here

girl shoppin and dopple ganging

Belle and I girl shopped today. We had so much fun. Belle blitzed Claires accessories like a banshee with a five pound note and she bought herself some selfish tid bits. Way to go girly!
I, on the other hand got told twice that I looked like Chanelle from big brother in two seperate shops. Not only am I 50 times wider than her, Im also 17 years older than her. I was awful embarassed about it and the only similarities we have is our eyes, I think. My hubby rings me up now and again (from work) and asks how Im getting on with ziggy and what it feels like to be up for eviction. And even my brother says I look like her. He sent me a text a few weeks back and said I lloked like a girl from big brother. I was a bit pissed off thinking he thought I looked like Laura!! But he meant Channa's. I should start charging for autographs shouldnt I?
This was taken tonight as Belle and I watched a movie and I was mid emails bteween boring bits of the movie "Reef"....of course, the power that is the Mac books iBooth is hardly top notch digital imagery but here you go. (Im trying so hard not to burst out laughing here but in the end, I ruptured my spleen from laughing)


Im off to slink into a pair of slobby pj's, grab a bar of Galaxy and watch a soppy movie.
Life is starting to feel good again :)

Closure (gotta love "Freinds" for that saying!)

I went to collect Belle, for the last time, from her primary school in torrential rain.
Quite apt weather!!

I had in my hand a 12x12 baggie with a mini book that I had created for Mrs Pilling. It was packed with photos of Belle from year 3 to year 6. Lots of quotes and notes for Mrs Pillings to appreciate "the Belle she doesn't get to see". The sweet lil girl who dreams to become a masseuse. Hopefully Mrs Pillings darling nature will be something that Ellie can learn from. Its a shame Mrs Pilling wasn't belles proper teacher but she loved her no matter what. From Sep 2003 to July 2007 Belle sat with her for lunch and Mrs Pillings said she would miss her lunch buddy. Belle came out of school as usual. No tears like her classmates. She ambled up to me and gave me a kiss. I asked her to go back into school with the little book we had put together. I waited an age for her to come back out, I was saturated - nay, soaked to the bone. When she did come out, a teary eyed Mrs Pillings followed in hot pursuit and she thanked us for the book. She had never seen anything like it before (scrapping don't feature heavily in these parts, sadly). Mrs Pillings picked Belle up and spun her around. She wasn't just weeping but choking herself with a proper cry. Well, that was it, I collapsed in tears and Belle didn't really react at first. Then because I was inconsolable, Belle started wailing. It was pouring it down and we were all getting more wet. As much as I love Mrs Pillings there was a divide where boundaries do not meet. I didn't want to lay all my feelings into her, she is not to blame for the state of the primary schools ignorance. We waved goodbye and walked down the path for the very last time. I had to explain the enormity of it all and in all of Belles innocence, she didn't fathom that it was her very last day in primary. She had forgotten that the school holidays had just started. But I hope Belle never forgets Mrs Pilling, Ill help her remember as much as I can though.

I was over productive today so I made some modifications to some past kits, they only took minutes to enhance. Ive been making a LOT of cards recently with these digi papers. Jo Kill, who makes them the BEST will show you some cards from papers past on her blog here.
**Jo- I have a new kit under construction for you, wont be long**
I hope you like them .... oooh and an overlay too.

download the overlay here
download spicy curry splash here
download ticklish allsorts here

I simply must thank you for your supportive messages that I have received in the past 48 hours. When I wrote what I wrote yesterday, I didn't want to court pity or sympathy (I HATE THOSE WORDS!). But your empathy was gratefully appreciated just as much. I have kept your emails in a little folder to look at when Im blue again (although I don't want to make a habit of it). I hope I can be there for you when you are all a little bluesome.

And a message for Maddy - Ive sent you two emails but for some reason Yahoo accounts hate hotmail emails and they are bouncing. I just wanted to say a huge thanks for the Freestyle book that I received on Monday. Much love xx

Blow out the cobwebs

The best way to beat to blues is to create.
I have a paper pack and overlays galor tonight.
When I look back at how much digi stuff I downloaded for FREE this month, its only fair to throw some back. Karma and all that.
How the hell are you supposed to spell karma anyway?
So look out tonight - its tweat night xx

And I have read all those gorgous comments about yesterday but one from Tracie says it all.

People laugh at my son becuase he is different. But he laughs back at them becuase they are all the same.

Sniff sniff, BWAH! So true.

Thanks Tracie xx

It all comes to the surface eventually

I did a shoot this morning. The weather was its usual pigginess. On and off drizzle, so it was time for the studio lights until the drizzle stopped. These two kids were polar opposites in posing. Lil Tom told me who the boss was - oh yes! And sweet Hannah was totally and utterly relaxed. Their momma, Sonia is such a lovely woman who I could talk to so easily with. It made my morning an absolute pleasure - the calm before the storm if you will. And it helped mask my feelings of this week. I must thank Sonia for providing me with an entertaing Thomas, a demure Hannah and a fabulous woodland walk to take my mind off a couple of things.

As for stuff rising to the surface? Wait for this monster vent. Its a bit raw, shall we say.

I wont lie, its been a pig of a week emotionally. Scrub that word pig and replace it with bitch, if I may be so bold.

I can't sit here and write in my blog about all the bright and shiny side to my life because that would be fake, right? So Im going to share something that's hurting me a lot. And I mean hurting so much that I actually feel like Im dying.

No drama, just raw spillage.

Monday morning was a pig indeed. I had found out on Sunday that belle finished school this Friday and not next Friday. As Belle has a short term memory issue, she forgets to tell me what the teachers ask her to tell me. Ive approached the teachers over the years to ask if they would give ellie a note or to extra remind her of things of importance. But the last time I asked a teacher to do this she said that she wasn't prepared to do it and that she tells all the children at the same time and its up to them to remember. I kid you not, those were her very words. They simply haven't, after 4 years at that school, identified that Ellie has these special issues. A doctor has clarified she has a two year development delay and yet the school continue as normal. Because Belle doesn't have a diagnosis, she is child X with syndrome X. Syndrome X is a shit excuse for ignorance. I also found out that belle was going on a bowling and limousine trip only on Friday evening too, instead of last week as per letter from school which I didn't get. I really didn't know anything about it. I felt stupid when Glens momma asked me what belle was wearing for the event. I just didn't know anything but luckily she was allowed to still go. The letter for that trip went out last week but Belle was at Occ Therapy the afternoon the notice went out. Nobody reminded her or indeed gave her the form.

I bite my lip, I really do. Im not a ranting momma, Im a hurting momma.

So tonight belle goes to the bowling and limousine event. I hear that some of the boys were wearing Tux's this morning. We thought it was "just for fun". What I didn't realise was that it was proper prom dress up until late this afternoon. But dressing up is something Belle cannot fully appreciate as she cant wear pretty grown up party shoes. Her feet are deformed and she is 11 years old with size 10 feet. "T bar" shoes ain't so good on a 11 year old. And its no fun wearing boots or trainers with a strappy dress that they dont make for 7 year olds (her size). So I put her in a nice little outfit. Capri white jeans and a smart denim dress but with pretty trainers instead of her scruffy boots. And we turn up at school and all of her peers look 16 years old and amazing. They truly looked fantastic. All with up do's, make up and beautiful outfits.

I dont want you to think Im feeling sorry for myself here, because that's not what its all about.

Its about fitting in. Inclusion. Peer Pressure.

I look at Belle in her casual but smart appearance and look at her class mates and metamorpically raise my hands to heaven and say to him "what are you doing to me?". Belle doesn't hang around for pictures, obviously and its raining pretty bad. She heads off indoors and takes a seat waiting for the limo. I remain calm but inside I am dying so hard. My bottom lip starts to tremor and I really bite it hard to stop it. Im surrounded by people who really haven't got a clue about Belles issues. I worry that they think I couldn't be bothered dressing her up. But I did try and I just thought it was a bowling trip not a full on prom style event. I want to stand on a chair and tell them that Belle cant wear pretty party shoes or wear strappy dresses because of her size and indeed skinny frame. I resist the urge. My heart races pretty fast and its starts to ache. And through the door I can see her having fun and Im happy for her. But its hard. Do I make sense?

As I was hanging around in the gloom, one momma tapped me on the shoulder and praises belle about her part in the school play. That filled me up. It was nice and unexpected. Then she asks about Belle's report and was it good. I said it was. It didn't make sense in some parts but it was good. The momma said the same thing. There was obvious signs of cutting and pasting in the typed report as her son Tom was described as Christopher in parts. Thats funny, I thought. Belle's teacher had her constantly changing from She to he in various parts of the report. Its obvious her report wasn't just solely about belle. It hurt. I thought about complaining about it but whats anyone going to do with end of term tomorrow and really, will my voice be heard? I appreciate that the teachers have 30+ reports to do but all I ask in return is that belle be treated with a little honesty. I send her to school - clean, hair brushed, teeth cleaned and on time every day. I think its only fair that for her effort that she is rewarded with a report to reflect her and not the cut and paste of someone elses report. The other momma went round asking other momma's about this but I just went home to bed and sobbed and wondered how to mend a broken heart in 4 hours until it was time to pick her up at 9pm. I wasnt going to let Ellie see me like this and Im not going to spoil her last few days at school. Im not even going to talk about this with her as its her special week. Its all about her, it always is. So Im sharing with you and journalling this so that one day in the future I can hopefully thank my lucky stars Im not like this everyday!

Its just that Mommas need to let off steam, especially mommas of a child who is ultra special.

Im not sorry for venting this.

I had to do it.

It feels good to get it all typed down.

But for one lousy week in my life my defences are down and Ive given up fighting.

Normal service will resume tomorrow evening when we can put her primary days behind us and pray that secondary school and a new lease of genetics and medical intervention will be a shiny chapter that we can look forward to.

To cheer myself up, Im putting this picture here, kind of to break the ice and thank the lord that I can do a job that makes my heart sing. Tom wasnt, erm, very happy here!

Isnt he a cherub?

Her last day in primary uniform

My wonder babe no longer will wear this uniform (below).
EVER.
Sniff.
Bwaaaaaaaaah.

My bellabaloo will go to school in her normal clothes for the next two days as part of their end of term privileges. I took my camera to school this avvo (against the rules you know!!!) and snapped a picture with her and her favourite teacher (and mine - and Glens, her buddy). Mrs Pilling taught my husband as well and that was 30 odd years ago. Isn't she a whipper snapper of a babe? Don't ask me why Belle is pulling the most horrific face, she has started doing this a lot recently.... the wind will change one day and her face will stick. Little monkey! And I still find it funny that belle is a DAY OLDER than Glen... she looks so weeny woo woo next to him!

She really has the most wonderful heart compared to some of the ogres Belle has been taught by in the past (and I really mean OGRES of SHREK proportions - only more Ogrish.... bluergh)). Mrs Pilling taught her in year 3 and in year 6 and knows every little thing about my sweet child. She shows so much love and kindness to every child, its no wonder she is adored by every child and adult in the school. I will miss her the most, let alone Belle. The photos serve as a purpose as I'm tying these pictures into a very special book I am making for her as a gift from Ellie. Ive been frantically researching wonderful quotes to fill it with but I also want to add our personal thanks for nurturing our lil lady. Ive even put photo's of belle as a toddler in there so that Mrs Pilling can grasp the full "belle story". I cant wait for my lil girl to give it to her, carefully wrapped in tissue paper.

Belle got her school report too. Both mark and I are very very happy for our daughter regardless of ability, grade or rank. We really are and we never will mould into something she cannot be. Her report was written to reflect a quiet and sensitive child who often day dreams. I should be a little cross about that but day dreams are a GORGEOUS way to spend your life. I hope she dreams forever. Belle ain't ever going to be a scholar and if she "gets by" in school to do her dream job, a masseuse of all things, then we will be delighted. She is such a dolly, it makes me almost cry to see her just "get by" in life. But "get by" she does, quite perfectly.

After the photos in the playground I gave her the news that Bad Boy Fizz was going back to the pet store. Its unfair to keep a male and female piggy in the house when you DON'T want babies. (Fizz is the scruffy chocolate brown one, Doodles is the mixed colour babe).Belle was fine but Glen took it pretty bad, he wanted to take Fizz home but they have a rabbit and rabbots and guineas dont mix! The shop were most apologetic about the mix up of our piggies. Whilst in the shop, the kiddo's had a mooch at all the pets within and I spied this fella. he is so cute to say he is a RAT....blueugh, blech, vom, yak yak yak.I promised belle that when Doodles has her babies that she can choose a girl baby (of whom belle wants to call Nibbles, thus far!) and we will give homes to the rest. Judging by the size of doodle-bug, I reckon she is going to have 3. We have been loving and petting her in the wake of Bad Boy Fizz being rehoused. I want to be there when she has her babies so she has some company and can assist if she is struggling. Belle keeps popping in to see her and saying "don't be afraid Doodles, we are here for you. Don't be afraid". Catches my breath it does.

If you came here regarding the Photo Editing Tutorial, you need to visit here

my 5 minute marvel

yes - she is called Mable. She took 5 minutes whilst I was on the phone ordering a spin bike this avvo.

Boring as ordering bikes can get, I thought Id make one as I was going through "press one for services, press 2 for sales, press 3 if you are bored witless" So I press 3. Now the machine asks "press 1 if you are doodling on a scribble pad", "press 2 if you scratching your head", "press 3 if you are creating an overlay on the wacom". So I press 3. Then she askes "press 1 if you can do it in 5 minutes", "press 2 if you can make an overlay and drink coffee at the same time", "press 3 if you can make an overlay, drink coffee, order a bike and wonder what to do about bad boy male guinea pig whilst looking out of the window and enjoying the bright sunshine". So I press 3 again. Go me!
Download Mable here

2 down, one to go

They say bad luck comes in threes.
The washing machine packed in last week and the dishwasher packed in about 4 weeks ago. Well today they got fixed and my life is on edge becuase they say that these things come in threes. So I have backed up hard drives and both Belle and I are going to bed with hard hats on just in case the boiler explodes when we are in our beds. My PC is touch and go but I seriously reckon some other expensive piece of electrical kit is going to kaboooooom. Hopefully its my pokey alarm clock though - fingers crossed.

This is a picture I took in Barcelona in February. I came across it today as I was sifting through some photos. I just wanted to share it - no particular reason. Tra la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. But Im in such a better mood today, perhaps thats why I feel so flowery foo foo. And Belle and I got some pretty post today from Rooty in Nevada. I couldnt possible list every content but I know it was filled with love and most importantly - Reeces Pieces. Belles favourite gift in there was one of these.

She is a Unazukin doll. Belle has been hankering after one for ages. We are so enchanted by them - so cute. You ask it a direct question and she either nods once for yes, twice for definate yes. Shakes her head for no and double shake for definately no. Belle gets a little ironic with it and was last seen this evening laughing her head off. What a beautiful gift to give - something that makes your child laugh. LOVE IT.

Holy Guacamole

Ive been to a site to understand the delivery of guinea pigs. BLECH. Give me scissors and 12x12 cardtsock and Im happy as pig in muck. But please do not tell me that, if there are birthing difficulties, I have to place my fingers in places where poopy comes out and assist in the delivery.

I never was one to watch "all creature great and small" without flinching at the vets shoving a whole arm down a cows botty.

I asked for two boy guinea pigs, I really did. Now we end with a preggo pig from nowhere and the onslaught of google searches on preggo pigs, birthing down and what you can do to assist. Mark is away now for 3 weeks and Im scared to death.Yes, yes, yes. I am a wimp but I aint no midwife either.

Plus, on a sep note, if you havent seen this - please do...... HERE

Day one of her last week

Its belles first day of her last week at primary school.
Today we were treated to a play by all of the year 6 students which included stories and dancing and singing and music. I loved my lil Belle in the Irish dance scene, just bobbing along in her own sweet way. I left her hair down and curly to try and add a bit of height with two side bobbles (she looked so teeny and cute amongst her peers). I would dearly have loved to have taken pictures but under the new headmasters wishes, we were not allowed. Or so it was requested from him, at least. So when I turn up with no camera in hand to be met with every other parent with either a camera, mobile phones and video cameras I was kind of PISSED OFF. I dont have a memory of the show except for in my head. Im happy to admit that I could kill! So I am am going to beg that Belle can bring part of her cosume home so I can take one or two for her memory box.
Belles week, this week, includes a trip to the cinema and lunch out with school at her favvo restaurant at Frankie and Benny's and a trip to the bowls in a limousine on thursday evening....all with her class mates. As I was sat in the hall this afternoon I got to overhear its not your traditional ten pin bowling - its CROWN GREEN bowling. WHAT? She cant pick the balls up (or "woods" as they are commonly known)........ thats going to be funny! But at least she can be with her pals and experience her first limousine ride.
Then on Friday she has her last day in her teeny uniform...... she is pretty cool about it and traditionally the kids come out of school crying their lil eyes out. Ive witnessed that for the last 4 years at this primary, I wonder how Belle will cope with that? Ive asked how she feels and as usual its nonchalant and too boring an answer to give. So we shall see.
So my pictures today are some of belle last night.

Here she is cutting the LOOOOng grass for the piggies. Mark managed to mow the lawns after a little dry spell all day yest. Its been 5 weeks since he cut it last becuase of the darn rain. So we cut the last of the long grass that the piggies love so much. I love that belle kept her slippers on and hacked away at the most juiciest bits.She is such a caring piggy momma! And judging by the size of fatty arbuckle Doodles - its not long before either 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 babies are born. Im hoping she gives birth during the day so I can see but Im not sure if Im going to pass out or not. Any piggy delivering advice would be good right now.

2007 pilgramage to Blackpool

A day trip to the wonders that is Blackpool to sweep out the cobwebs is a truly great British day besides the sea. And I kid you not, its was such a brisk breeze swilling out our lungs amongst the scent of burgers, hot dogs and ice creams. Couple that with over sized Sponge Bobs and Zippies plus other tacky treat toy wins and you have the recipe for a blummin fantastic The best bit for me was seeing Belle really crack a cheeky grin on this incredibly sedate ride. Belle is not hard to please at all but she doesn't show energetic emotions like outburst of laughter or squeals of joy. However the look on her face says it all - ITS THE BEST! And the scarey thing is - the ride was called Ellies garden!!!!

The soon to be newly weds.......

And yes, I screamed from start to finish on this monster!She looks like a garden gnome here! I loved how much she concentrated in this.
Curly girly - my lil princess heading out of the maze.I couldn't resist this!
I didnt go on this - I value my life too much. The gang survived it whilst I kissed Terra Firma.
Me and my sis in law to be
Love this picture however we must remember to clean the reflective mirror before hand in future!Besides spongebob love, Ellie has Patrick love!

but I also spent my belly laughs for pictures of my bro and kerry's faces when you see the pictures of them on the rides. Leigh, Kerry and I went on this ride that basically shoots you up in the air and drops you just as quick. The photobooth that housed our photos of this ridwewas so funny that kerry and I were crying with laughter.
How I love to laugh until I cry. It was a good feeling. The pleasure beach area of Blackpool has really cleaned up its act. The park was clean and tidy and trouble free. We had such a wonderful day finished off with fish and chips. Belle came home armed with some vile and yet equally lovable soft toys and memories of an uberrifically fun day. To round off the day at home, I showcased these pictures on the TV with more bely laughs of our fun day. And what a fine set of pictures I must say. I only took my crummy point and shoot - a lifesaver when you don't want to lug a fat D200 body with 5 lenses! Although I have to see these shots here were pretty decent from a crummy fuji too

I must leave you with 3 overlays I finished this evening as I was watching Big Brother. Chanelle is so funny with her silly and childish cries in the diary room.


You can get them HERE

Im now the polar opposite of Kaboom!

Ok - nothing majorly bad has happened.
I was feeling so low today and burst into tears for reasons and no reasons.
We all have to walk through the rain to see a rainbow, right?

I have to say that I'm a mixed up cookie with my Belle's situation. Whilst medically her life is turmoil we had some great news this avvo. Her SATs results are in and two times she beat the teachers assessment. I have every confidence in my child but when the system fails you - you tend to hope in a system that is supposed to work. She didn't do brilliantly in their eyes but she passed a couple of things and in my eyes she did MAGNIFICENTLY **insert beaming smile**.

And my chest wound where said cannon ball pierced my torso is healing nicely. My brother and his fiance Kerry are here. So the soul has lifted. Ive read some of the comments in the post below and I belly laughed at a few of them. Oh how a good belly laugh sifts out the weevils. I even had an email from my funniest friend on this planet, Jane Eager Cress and Mustard who made me literally spring a leak on my chair. I'm feeling like a streak of sunshine right now (and its 1.40am!). I am so glad that my blog is a place where I can vent, share, announce, rejoice - whatever.

Thanks for your support.
I hope I can be there for you in times of need xx

Kaboom!

I am in the most drudgiest of drudges right now.
It feels like a cannon ball has ripped though my chest and has left an aching feeling. It kind of drags the corners of your mouth downwards, makes you face leak a little and leaves your head pounding. I think its called heartache.
Who has a got a cure?
Anyone?
Someone?

The Dark T(R)oom

So many of the people who bought the Popadoodledoo Actions have asked when will I be doing more.Stop right there. You dont have to ask anymore.
I have created a blog called The Dark Room where you can buy tutorials and learn how to edit photos. Instead of giving you the "wimps" way out of editong - ie ACTIONS!!!! I have created some tutorials for you to learn the step by step basics of achieving amazing results. I show you the basics and I give hints and tips along the way. This in turn feeds your mind with trying other methods of going one step further.
So instead of using an action and thinking "wow, how do they do that" - I show you how and what each layer effect can do. The twists and turns will eventually allow you to create your OWN photo editing methods and styles.

Below is just ONE example of the new collection called "Zyuz it up". Visit The Dark Toom link (above) to see more.

PS - I wanted the Dark Room blog name but somebody nicked it - so I am using the Dark Toom instead. BEWARE ALL YE WHO ENTER!

Happy 4th

To all my friends in the US.

I wish we could have a day, here in the UK, where patriotism was held in high regard. (Photo below is Belle during 2004 world cup 2 round)I hope that St Georges day (23rd April) is elected as that very day though. It only seems that patriotism is at a high when there is a football tournament, sometimes a rugby tournament or perhaps if Henman manages to get through to the third round at Wimbledon. Sports related patriotism is fun but I want a day to reflect on being proud to be British other than for balls!

I want to feel that passion on a day for us - where we can sing Land of Hope and Glory at full belt without being imprisoned for causing a breach of the peace. I absolutely fall to pieces when I hear this piece of music - promise you listen tot he end... its heart warming.

Time to lay aside terrorism (within our NHS - what the hell is that about!!) and tell Gordy Brown that he must do something about St Georges day (even if he is Scottish!). He would get my vote for that!

Anyway, lets celebrate with an overlay made with with Paisley's. Some digi bird asked me last week if I would make one - so I did xx

here you go, digi bird ;)

Our Hideously vulgar yet thoroughly random cuisine

When a freind suggests trying the Sushi for lunch (which I have never ever ever eaten before - EVER) and you have a planned feast of just a miserable cheese twist and a viennese whirl for afters - you kind of get the feeling that its going to be an unexpected if not hideous yet random 3 course lunch that even Gillian McKeith would blow her own gasket over.

Ive known this checkout girl at my local Tesco Express for some time. We chat because both our girls go to the same school. Today she was stacking the cold food counter and we were chatting and she was re-arranging the sushi. She asked if Id tried it. NO! NO! NO! came my reply. Id rather eat a frozen freezer burned fish finger. She begged me to try it explaining that I would love it. Cue alarm bells whirring in my head. I did rather fancy a cheese twist but as she was so delightful about it, I relented and bought the damn thing. And still had plans for that cheese twist. I thought Id wait until belle was home and have it for tea instead. Lunch was written off as I had a bit of a migraine anyway. Belle came home and I was famished at 4pm so we dared to open it and test it. I was so nervous opening the packets expecting live fish to splish and splash on the work top and the seaweed reminded me of overstewed cabbage. Let alone the pickled ginger, some horseradishy stuff and this little fish full of wee, presumably.

The best thing at the precise moment was discovering that each pack had chopsticks - way too cute! So I thought Id document my first ever Sushi and keep the fish and chopsticks for a layout (as you do). Belle can only hold my Fuji camera (the Nikons she cannot handle THAT well). She managed these of me (thank the lord for RAW formatting!) I couldn't breathe for nervous laughter at some points and looked at Belle for reassurance of which she proffered a most quizzical look.

The verdict?

Well besides the seaweed tasting a little bit like rubber tyres, I rather liked the rice-rolled-in-toasted-sesame-seeds-enveloping-tuna-peppers-and-cucumber. I dipped it in the fish wee wee, dabbed a bit of horseradish on it and added a slither of pickled ginger. I loved the rice draped in salmon too. Not Bad. But i tell you what. that horseradish stuff takes the skin fromt he roof of your mouth, huh? HOT HOT HOT! After the Sushi I troughed my cheese twist and then my viennese whirl. JOB DONE. Burp. Hardly sophistication but then again I am from Leeds.

One hour later Belle asked me if she could make her own tea. Why? Do I smell or something? She was hungry and figured if she made it herself then she could get to choose what she wanted. Clever girl! So I supervised from the sink as she took two slices of bread, crammed them with ham and folded over the slices (do you remember doing that?). I offered to cut them but she wanted them like that and with no butter too. She pigged out on this with crisps and pretzel sticks and some Chorizo (her fave) but I had to cut the peppers for her. She completely destroyed the lot in 35 minutes which is a record for her.

Both belle and I are certified lovers of pig swill that is for sure. Im keeping the camera loaded forever right now - so much stuff I am missing and lots of lovely things to fill my digi scrapbook (ie - MY BLOG) with.

Trade, anyone?

I have a well read (but in perfect hardback condish) Ali Edwards "Designers Eye".

I would love to trade for any condition (well, readable at least!) of the Autumns Leaves Freestyle book. Can you believe I don't have it yet?

Bear in mind I live in the UK, so it would be better for an internal swap to save on postage!

Anyone interested - could you mail me at this address HERE

**edited: Trade off complete - bloody hell, that was quick **

Thank you.

Must dash, Im taking Doodles out for some maternity wear and nappies.

Im going to be a momma again (loooooooooooong post!)

I was adamant I was only going to be a momma to Belle.


Then came along our two guinea pig boys - Fizz and Doodles. Only thing is, Doodles is a SHE! OMG, we were wondering why Doodles was getting so fat compared to Fizz (who we bought a week previous to him/her/it). For the last few days I was really confused and thought Doodles was a bit wobbly so we rationed the little sods. It wasn't until I noticed that Doodles, whilst indeed a little chubster, had slim hind legs and slim neck and face. UH OH! If I wasn't so scaredy in picking the little tyke up, Id check her wotsits but its obvious she is preggo and if my calcs are correct she will be delivering from the middle of to the end of July. I specifically asked for boys and boy are the pet shop are gonna be in troub! We cant keep them all, especially if she has 6 of the lil blighters. But I can't bear to see momma's and babies parted neither and would want to keep the momma and a lil girl this time and separate Doodles from Fizz (the sex crazed male pig, for want of a better word!). Poor Doodles - fancy being set upon by Fizz the brute. Men are such cruel and calculating little scamps, I tell you. I don't know whether to laugh or cry to be honest. I'm not very hands on with them neither. Don't get me wrong, we truly look after them and clean them, deodorise the cage, feed them fresh fruit and veg and give them vitamins. We talk to them and stroke them and love them. But I can't pick them up as I'm frightened I'm going to hurt them - and with doodles being in the family way, there is deffo no way I'm going to pick her up now. Oh cripes.
So anyway - remember my friend, Tracy, said she was going to dye her hair pink. Flamin nora, did she ever!I didn't think you could get dye this shade of pink - I think she looks gorgeous and all for a cause. Her poor poppa has a terminal cancer. Go and see her blog.
Belle came home from school with her usual sweaty feet. This is not unusual. Her feet are her main source of discomfort, the poor darling. I wasn't going to blog about this fact but it is one of her rituals to ask for a bowl of water in which to dunk "stinky plantar". Perhaps she might ask 2-3 times a week but tonight was no different except I had my camera handy. She was in fair spirits and actually played about for 10 minutes which is RARE. She generally takes one look at the camera and groans. But when she is in the mood she will pose and even suggest titles for my layouts at the same time. LOL.

Her hair looked decisively pretty today too. She rarely has it down for school because of the lil nasty things that tend to jump in there from Minging Mavis or Toby Toadstool. Belle informs me that one particular child in her class is generally infested so its hair up tomorrow. That kind of information, dear Belle, is like closing the barn doors after the horse has bolted!!!
I have some layouts to show you which I made last week at Roz's house. I love working with a little paint on my layouts and these two got a paint beating.I'm enjoying working with greens at the moments (bet you couldn't guess that baby!). I even had a layout put up on the Bam Pop Gallery which is my good news of the week. The second being that I can finally show you my winning card for Prism Papers.
This card had to be made using 99% cardstock, so I made my own patternes from cardstock and ripped, ruffled, edges, curled and punched my way through to create this. Im so proud of her but I really didnt think I'd stand a cat in hells chance of winning.
And finally (- thank the lord, Im nearly done!!!) here is a blog tag. Don't normally have time to do them but here it is.
My roommate and I once: Ran around our Military Base with no clothes on but a simple sheet wrapped around our bodies. We didnt get caught and we screamed with laughter at such tomfoolery
Never in my life have I: Taken drugs except prescription antibitoics of course
High school was : hard to adjust within. I wasn't welsh by birth which made the language barrier very very difficult.
When I'm nervous : I rub my neck and chew my nails.
My hair : is growing back, thankfully.
When I was 5 : I was very very shy and would rarely smile.
When I turn my head left : I see light streaming in through the utility room and it makes me happy.
I should be : working on a secwet pwoject but Im enjoying the bright light right now (dont know when we will see it again!)
By this time next year : One of my hopes may have come true but if it hasnt, we can keep trying.
My favorite aunt is : I love them equally.
I have a hard time understanding : Why there is such a person who can show resentment, bitterness, anger and jealousy. Not anyone in particular - just why anyone chooses to be like this is beyond me.
You know I like you if : I tell you my worldly secrets and begin to trust you. Trust is very hard for me to bestow on anyone.
My ideal breakfast is : Rice Krispies, orange and grapefruit and a cuddle with my loved ones.
If you visit my home town : Well Wigan is where I live and you will be bored rigid. Its much more fun in my house. But if you mean my home town where I was born then Id show you the Corn Exchange, Harvey Nicks, we would go to Emily Bronte's house in Howarth, trek the yorkshire moors, visit the Cottingley fairies site, eat yorkshire puddings and gravy for lunch, shop in the arcades in Leeds....... I LOVE LEEDS.
If you spend the night at my house : You will be scrapping with me, laughing, doing stupid things to make you laugh more. Oh and you will sleep on the couch as we have no guest room.
My favorite blonde is : my daughter - she is Goldilocks indeed
My favorite brunette is : That guy off the Dolce and Gabbana aftershave ad - phwoar. He is gorgous and those white trunks ---- EEEEK!
The animal I would like to see flying besides birds : pigs - as they are often what I should see when people tell me tales!! ;)
I shouldn't have been : a bride who didn't pluck her eyebrows at the time. Eeeeeeew.
Last night I: watched the Diana concert and i loved every second of it.
A better name for me would be : emotional wreck with a heart
I've been told I look like : Recently? Chanelle off of Big Brother (I wish I was that skinny)
If I could have any car, it would be : A Lotus Elan

Im not going to burden anyone with this tag - if you wanna play then let me know you did my leaving a comment in my commenty thingy :)
And SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!

Rain rain go away

So we have the heating on in June? This is WRONG! And global warming starts to dawn on all of us a little too late I reckon. This weather is atrocious for us this time of year and to top it all? Well, you know the latest ruse to get us to wash our landry at 30 degrees to help with the environment, yeah? Well guess what? The washing machine packed in this avvo so its not even going to get to more than hand hot as I drag out the mangle from the shed for the next week or so!
Then!!!! My PC goes belly up leaving me with the raw basics of the Mac.
And then the weather went from rain to shine from rain to shine to thunder to shine. Our planned walk this avvo fell by the wayside as did the cutting of the lawns and weeding of the flower beds. These picures show the downpour one minute and I swear down that the sun came out the next. It was freaking freaky weather!




Poor Belle napped - I think she was desperate for the fresh air of which was denied. She was super cuddlesome instead of which we were both spoiled rotten!

I glued my botty to the sofa to watch the Diana concert. I loved every minute of it, even belle was entranced by my favourite woman to have ever walked this land. I broke down in tears at one piece when she went to visit the blind during a charity profile. One blind man asked her, out of the blue if he could touch her face. A sheer undignified question to ask the Princess in some peoples books. Well, that was it. BWAH! She let him touch her face so he could enjoy by touch what we enjoyed by sight of this amazing woman. The concert was fantastic and screend to over 500 million homes around the globe. Did you catch it?
I didn't want to feel sad all night. So what did we do about it? We got out the cheese, rallied round like we are in the bunkers during the blitz and thanked the lord of Wensleydale and cranberry.
Yeeeeeee haaaaaaaaaaaa.