Cwismas been and gone

Well we celebrated it in the age old fashion that we are accustomed to in this house but I didn't exactly feel the need to be "merry everything".
Ellie received some lovely presents and the focus was about the shine behind every ooooh and heeeeeeeee! (Dont ask why she is wearing her fake Uggs but we think she has a secret worry that Eddy might chew her socks and I agree - Eddy loves socks!) The pooch received a number of doggie treats too but was more interested in chewing up the discarded wrapping paper! We opened our gifts at my parents house where Christmas gone-by brings back the best memories from my childhood. Dad delivers the presents in turn and we save our pile up until each present has been given and then we let rip. Mark and I only exchanged little tokens because we both didn't want anything in particular and would rather splurge in the sales anyway. I likes a bargain for my money, after all - we work so hard to earn it.
My brother, Leigh and his wife, Kerry arrived in the afternoon (obv not in their beach walk attire!) Snuggling with my lubbly bro :)and before the mighty feast we went to burn up some room in our tummies on the beach with the hounds. My mum and dad shone with the brightest of colours in this terribly drab day, which really cheered us all up.Just look at that typical British weather! My bro, SIL and Marko brave the stench of millions of washed up Mussels from a storm two weeks back. We sensibles ones tread the promenade in a relatively fish-pong free zone!
We love the beach notices here - espesh the bit about footprints......isnt it a lovely reminder?
Ellie in her "Im a bossy little madam - take me here and there...NOW" chair, carefully chauffeured by my father!
And so home to Christmas dinner, which is always my favourite part of the day. Except the sprouts - YUCK. Sprouts are food of the devil. Bucks fizz and bubbly all round to toast the occasion.Why my brother cannot be serious is always the topic of conversation - my scrapping opportunities are marred....but secretly, I like it! (oooh, shame on us having diet coke at the dinner table!)Mums roasties were the bestest ever. Im a massive roast potato fan and I loved them more than the turkey!
And lest we forget the fammus pickled onion - silverskin, of course!
I love to sit round the table with my family - even the pooches. My bro's pooch played with my pooch throughout although, if Im honest, they did more than play (if you know what I mean and they are both boys so figure that out). Not exactly the scene I was looking for around the dinner table but they were happy, so why interfere?
After dinner is another favourite of mine because this = board games. I love playing games espesh with my brother who makes me laugh with his ultra sharp sarcastic wit. Trivial Pursuits is a game that must be played in teams. This means Girls vs Boys. It is funny to see how scruples and tempers fray when the final cheese is in sight but alas, the girls lost ....... quite only by a whisker, I may add.
As the seating arrangements around my mums small table meant that the emergency chairs and stools had to come out, it happened upon the fact my brother was sat on the black leather computer chair. We all squealed with delight when it was suggested we play "mastermind" sitting in the chart and each being fired off a round of questions from our chosen category from Trivial Pursuit. Mums spotlights in the kitchen had to shine on the contestant whilst sat in said chair to make the whole debacle look relatively life like. Dads round resulted in lots of laughter! I love my mums face here!
Mark resorted to cheating by asking the dog for help with his questions.
Kerry won the game but her questions were DEAD easy!My father is a stern quiz master - he takes no prisoners!
Whilst the fun continued, photo opportunities got ridiculously ridiculous
And I fancied tattooing my brothers arms whilst rounds on the quiz were taking place! I dont think Ill take the job up in a hurry, its hard work!
I love it when stuff like this happens though. We had such a giggle.
The dogs got plenty of walks on the beach this christmas time as mum lives practically in the sea! The wind in Bridlington is bracing at this time of year and even when you are wrapped up to the max, the gusts always find some little nook or cranny to freeze you to the bone. Look - even room to take in some geocaching!!!
The dogs dont mind of course and carry on regardless. I think I aged 3 years from the ice cold zephyrs that took my breath away and my eyes haven't watered so much since I sobbed at Steel Magnolias. Although, come the end of the day - they look like this after a days blasting on the beach.Mums excellent christmas dinners also turn out to be the best buffets. No family christmas is complete without the Boxing Day turkey leftovers and to help weigh the balance with the savouries we brought our chocolate fountain. My brother of course does not take too kindly to a gentle dip in the goo. No, he prefers head first gorging. Still, a feast was devoured followed by the most hilarious round of Balderdash and then so to bed. My mums house is so tiny and cute but there is hardly any room at the inn. Its a case of find a space, lay there and wake up with aches and pains. I don't think I'd like it any other way!
After Boxing day, my sister came with her clan to make the house even more cramped but happy. Mum secretly revels in the luxury of all of us at home (its rare, i can tell thee) but its hard to hear each other over all the conversation, kids screaming and dogs running round after each other bums (nice). It was chaos and lovely all at the same time!!! Christmas is chaos, isn't it? Another trip out to Baltic state of the beach got us out of the house for a while - Ellie was frozen solid and not in the mood to play!My nephew, Harrison went paddling and the rolling tide went over the top of his wellies which my sister helped rid the flood my turning him upside down as my brother in law went back to the car for emergency changes of attire!
My fun sister always makes me laugh but I have no idea who that silly man is behind her!
Now we are home and the tree is doing my head in. Im christmassed out but then again I don't think I ever felt like I was Chistmassed in. Im going to take it down today and get back to the daily routine of running round like a headless chicken with odds and ends galore. Love it. Ive already decluttered Belles room to make way for the 3 million bath time items she received from family and friends. She is the queen of bath time and luxuriates herself in deep bubbles every bath time. Only when she scanned over her gifts again today did it dawn in her that she had, in fact, received a great deal of bubbles, fizzers and oils. She innocently asked "Do people think I stink?". I dont know how I kept a straight face at that exclamation but I reminded her that bath time is her favourite time and they were making that a little bit more fun for her. Little love.
Anyway, we cleared out 3 bags for the charity shop and one bag for rubbish. Ellie was quite nonchalant about giving stuff away when lots of it hadn't even been used (even a pile of stuff from last year that still lay in the same pile as when I put it aside last year!). This is what is driving me crazy about the spendage at Christmas time. I think people have a set budget and when it can't be filled, they expend it on stocking stuffers which really do not get used. I mean, its aprreciated but somethings are just "there" arent they? So when she got lots of bubblies and fizzers for the bath this year, she will at least use them. Im just so glad that a charity shop can benefit from the lovelies that Ellie kindly parted with. Saying that, cleaning her entire room by shifting and trying to find space plus cleaning and dusting and hoovering - it took a precious 5 hours to do so. We did have a giggle watching on-demand music videos and I can't tell you how many times we listened to x-factors Hero song.......... fun day, really.
My parents have decided to come over to ours for New Years (last minute) and my sister wants to pop along on Tuesday for a stay over which means a houseful at this end. This means I must get my bakery and cookery head on. I do like to cook but just in recent times I have had bugger all time to do it. However, with some careful planning Ive sussed out what Im baking for their visit to make their stay as welcome as possible. What the hell is wrong with me? Im cooking?!!! Ive already earmarked a home made chicken liver pate and some more mince pies so Im up at the crack of a sparrows botty-cough to get those babies made. With all this domesticness, anyone would think Im turning wife-ish. Which I am not. No way, Nuh-uh....ever never ever.
Ok, realising Im waffling now....soz. Will part with my DT images from the one and only Studio Calico kit who - every month, surprise me with their genius. This month they have their own papers (exclusive of course) with some natty little stamps (again, also exclusive).
Firstly I turned this Poundshop ($1.46) ornament thingy into a photo stand Go and bag yourself a kit like no other HERE. Literally like no other. I say this because they have their own range of exclusive stamps in their very own shop which is growing progressively. The kits looks a little like the image below and I got the main kit plus the second add on plus the project kit. Its too delictoble to pass by...honest - cross my heart and hope to die.This months stamp is this very useable baby! Must go and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz - this cookery lark requires alertness and time to tie a pinny in a neat little bow.

Piece of earth and **sneaks**

Peace on earth, my most festivious of freinds.
Some years ago, Ellie thought it was Piece of Earth!
The funny little minx also once came in from school and clasped her hands together and bowed her head explaining how she had been lucky enough to see Birds of Prey (but she was praying and bowing her head when she did this). I'll treasure that memory forever.
So.
Today has been crazy.
Today one had to go back to town for a forgotten gift.
JOYOUS.
The roads were chocky, chocky, chick chock. With that, I walked into town and I just loved the time I had to think a few things over.
And I did a lot more noticing than normal.
People had smiles on their faces, which was good.
And although Im still not feeling christmassy, Im not feeling miserable neither.
Its just weird.
Anyway.
I was minding my own business when I saw an elderly couple coming my way. They looked so sweet and the lady had such a groovy hat on. It was really noticeable. Kind of like one of those hats with side flappy bits and pom poms everywhere. I had to tell her that I thought it was magnificent. She and her husband looked to be in their 70's and she was in such a jolly mood. She thanked me for my compliment and explained that her grandchildren loved her in it and made such a fuss of her in it. She then quipped the conversation with a "Do you think i'll pull in it?" to which I collapsed on the floor laughing. For my non UK readers, "pull" means "finding a date". I have decided I want to be as jolly she she when Im starting to lose my young years and elastic in my skin. That little old lady's quip has been tickling me all day.
Bell has been majorly excited today - aren't all kids? She has been especially affectionate and giggly. I wish she was like this 365 but I will remember this feeling and appreciate it more because its so rare. She has a ton of gifts to open tomorrow, I can't wait to feel her excitement neither.
So what else did I do?
Mmmm, yes...I took pics of my Studio Calico kit because the light in my mums conservatory is much better than the non existent light in our house.







The dog joined me and wanted to nibble all my hard work. As I took pics, he kept guard over me and out of the windows he barked at the birds. Its very difficult to do anything when he is around, he just loves attention and cuddles and I can barely ignore him - we just love him so so much. He was my little photographers assistant today, the little love.


Here you can see me in my pink pyjamas, in his eye. Good job you cant see how rough my face looks....bluergh, Im an uggers morning person!!!Anyway, Have a bloody marvellous Christmas. Take lots of pictures and eat an abundance of merriment.
Love and Hugs
The three and a half Wisemans xx

I am the cookie Queen

Oh yes I am.
I followed some of my friends recipes (from Studio Calico's forum, go and check out their warm welcome) and made a few batches of Ginger cookies and my own invention of Lemon and Bitter choc chip cookies.
Im shocked/pleased/stunned to announce that they were successful even though I screwed up on converting their crazy cup measurements to ounces. I got a little creative with measurements in the end and half considered chucking in the dog to make the bulk up. The proof of the pud was when Mark didn't die when he took the first bite which was a shame in a way but as it was his birthday, I might allow this error to re-occur another day; substituting ground ginger for arsenic.
It was funny reading the recipes from the US girls because for the ginger cookies it said I had to use Molasses.
I had to google that bugger up and it turns out that its Treacle. Now that stuff takes me back (think bitumen and tarmac!). I used to love treacle toffee so when Id used my treacle allowance for my most amazing cookies, I made sure I have enough to have a go at making some treacle toffee. I like the kind of toffee that can pull a molar out after the 3rd chew.... perhaps I might give some to my mum this Christmas so that her dentures clamp shut for a few days. I know she will be laughing at this, so dont think I am being mean. Well, I hope she will other wise it will be a black eye for me when we see her!
Yest morning we went over to Formby to take the dog for a walk on the amazing beach there.
The dogs ears flapped in the wind which made me almost pass out from laughing.
Bell tried to control those wild curls and managed a little grin for me.
Id promised to take some pics of my friend Jane and her delightful family too. But when we got there, bloody hell - brass balls and all that! It was that cold that our faces were in a permanent grimace to prevent our teeth from chattering. So we took respite in the sand dunes and down to a little wooded area to take pics. I took lots of family shots but out of all of them, I love this the best. This is little "K". She is an absolute dream to photograph. Her sister, "C" is a real little monkey and would not perform! Belle was wrapped in Janes blanket and was as snug as a bug in a terracotta shade chenille blanket. Little love. Mark freaked the kids out by climbing trees and sitting there like a scary tree monkey and our little dog laughed to see such sport that the dish ran away with the spoon - now there a line for a nursery rhyme if ever I saw one.
When we got back it wasn't long before I flaked out on the sofa. the wind knocked my socks off and coming back to the heat almost finished me off. I woke up to Eddy's backside in my face and at first I thought id woken up with a lung condition because I couldn't breathe. No, it was eddy on my chest, bum in my face and wiffs of doggy botty made me want to run to the hills. It was quite the scene. Really, it was!
Today I was stupidly bonkers to venture to town to get some last minute needies. Town was packed, town was hot and town was not nice. I went into one department store to pick up some US Cup measures (my little lesson and gift to myself - bargain at £1.50) and I was in the queue in my winter puffa jacket and I felt this wave of pain in my lower back. i recognised it straight away.... I knew it would lead to the feeling of being stabbed n the back (no pun intended, I can assure you). Its happened before where Im left paralysed for a few moments with an ache so painful I thought that it might have been easier to give birth instead. I panicked a bit as I was on my own so I went to a little cute cafe over the way to sit down and concentrate on my seating deportment to iron it out. I actually think its a trapped nerve that likes to rear its ugly head when I have really important stuff to do. Little bugger, if you ask me. I sat down next to a young girl with her granny (Hello Bethany!) and we chatted away like nobodies business. As we got up to leave at the same time, who should walk out of the cafe but this lady here. Now I have seen her before in town so Im guessing she lives near Wigan. Im a masso fan of Loose Women but she does actually annoy me as she is always anti the topic of conversation. Sheree Hewson (on the left, she was with her daughter on the right) **edited to add the picture this morning, whoops I forgotted and also just learned from Jaime .....hi Jaime, love to Ellie.......that Sheree s going to be on Celeb big brother. Mmmm, thats her out first then** I like to think she hams it up for the camera. Nevertheless, the world is full of people that do and people that don't and she is one that don't. LOL.
My back seemed to have eased itself and I continued shopping with bits ranging from memo boards to windscreen wipers to sensor cleaning kits. I also went to pic k up my most ever favvo ring - ever, in the whole world ever. In fact, its my favourite and my best. This ring here
cost me £12 at a travelling fair almost 6 years ago. I had no idea until I broke it that its real silver. This ring is a topic of conversation wherever I go be it with friends, blog entries and forum chats and even when I debuted on QVC I had an email asking me where I had got it. Well to cut a boring story short, guess how much it was to solder back together and polish up? £35. I kid you not. I was boiling with fury as the ring cost me next to nothing but because I love it so much - I had to pay the readies. To top it all, I wasted 5 friggin hours shopping when I could have been sat here finishing off my Studio Calico kits. Still, when I got back I hacked into them and as I speak I have just printed the pictures out to seal the deal. **Secret confession... I leave my pics til last on layouts and use template for pictures until I do**.
Anyway, Im still not feeling christmassy but Im not unhappy. I made a last minute card which I didnt want to give away. Plus Belle and I did some girl chatting tonight and that wonderful girl suprises me sometimes. She was talking about syllables and how she counted them all the time she thought a word sounded interesting. So I thought it would be fun to twist her tongue by teaching her the longest word in the English dictionary, which I think is Anti-disestblishmentarianism to which she replied, without prompting "12 syllables". I mean, this kid has some issues with her learning abilities and she pops that out of the ether. Stunning.
So now Im going to go and catch up on sleep before we start wrapping the rest of our gifts tomorrow. Perhaps I might feel the festiviousness creep upon me.
Or then again, maybe not.

busy ness ness ness

Im a leave-it-until-the-last-safe-moment kind of girl. I thrive on deadlines and yet hate it at the same time. So come 4am yest morning, it came as no surprise that I was wrapping Ellies gifts to her fave teachers/helpers/friends. It was her last day of school for this year. For the gifts, I had to shop on a budget and found the early sales to be of great help. And even as I sit here, next to the tree and a tin of Roses chocs - Im still not feeling it. I have this ache from frowning and I don't want to frown. I have every reason tonight to be delirious but poo poo poo plops to that!
So anyway, I hand moulded some chocs from large bars for some of her teachers and wrapped them prettily to make up for the fact we couldn't spend a tenner on each of them. And tomorrow I plan to bake cookies with the little Belle to make as extra gifts for our family. Thrifty and last minute Christmas stuff makes the best Christmas stuff - after all they are produced with that toxic, nervous energy found among these parts. Heeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Talking of which, check our last minute buys for xmas right here.
Ive got hand made cards to finish tonight and sad to say that Ive only got a handful to make this year - everyone else will still receive our wishes but on **yikes** shop bought babies. Ive gone for peacock blue and glimmer mist style cards with some black and kraft thrown in. Have to say that glimmer mists are a real treat for non christmassy feeling poop heads like me. Im not entirely sure its a product Id use greatly on scrapping but then again, Ive not tried it. If Bazzill wasn't so friggin precious, Id practice all day long. Hmmm, need some glimmer mist tips on that score I reckon.
Ive not long since tied up a project for the Crafts Stamper Maggo and Crafts beautiful - 0oh and a little piece for Quick and Crafty. Magazine work is my favourite and my best right now (god, i love that saying. Charlie and Lola's key lines make me laugh) but my favourite and my best Dep Editor is Kate Hemmings who received a gift wrapped bag of sweetmince from myself for her duty to "constant reminding". Collusion is something I condone but you know, it kind of works!!!! The beauty of working from home means I can work right into the night to finish off those odds and ends and lets face it, what employer would allow me 3 or 4 days off a month for hospital visits? Hmmm? Exactly.
We have also not long finished wrapping most of our gifts which always ends with an almighty blow out between Mark and I - the joy of this occasion is greatly appreciated as a once a year threat to get a divorce. This boils down to the fact that buying for girls is more simpler than the boys because as you know - girls are easy to buy for. However, the gifts all add up to the same spendage anyway although I just wish someone would invent really useful stocking stuffers for boys. Maybe next year Ill bag up frogs and snails and puppy dogs tails for the boys which adds up to more than sugar and spice for the girls....heee hee hee.
I also had a slight spark of crimbo enthusiasm earlier (for about 2 minutes) when I plonked this lovely trinket on the tree. This thoughtful "bauble" was dreamed up by Jane last January who sent this "travel" coin from Kent and its mission was to get to us in Wigan by Christmas and on to our tree. I love the Three Wisemans themes which represents Mark, Belle and I.... we really are the Three Wisemans even though we have a dog...well, he makes it 3 and a half Wisemans!! Now those not in the know will need to understand the theory of travel coins. They are to do exactly that. Travel from one destinatio to another via geocaching. Jane hid the coin near her home so that fellow cachers would pick it up and drop off in various locations en route to Wigan (approx 240 miles). Geocachers are meant to follow the rules of this particular cache and not hang on to it for weeks on it, thus delaying its mission (like one cacher did - naughty boy, else we would have had it in October, I believe). However, the coin eventually completed it mission but if it wasn't for sensible geocachers we wouldn't or couldn't of had it for ages. Its such a fun hobby! Thank you Jane, it was a very thoughtful gesture. Mark and I are seeking a suitable coin to return the favour and we shall see what travels it happens upon.

Gots me hair restyled yesterday whilst Im waffling on and on and on.....are you awake? Since the horror of having my hair cut short in Oct 2006 its taken me two years to get it back to this length, my fave length. Im feeling very happy about the way my hair and body is starting to take better shape - perhaps 2009 will make up for this very weird year I have had with weight gain and loss. And gain and loss. And gain, gain and loss.

So now Im going to tidy up my craft room and make way for Studio Calicos January kit which arrived yest. I got two add ons this month wheich means I have practically a whole factory's worth of supplies caving my table top in. I have exactyly 48 hours to turn round a gazillion of projects and if it wasnt for the fact I wasnt feeling festivious, Id have less time.

Oh and before I go, I want to thank Caroline from Bubbly Funk who selflessly sent me the bestest wrapped gift with the bestest contents and the bestest card I have ever had. Maya Gold Green and Blacks Chocolate is an experience everyone should savour in their life time, especially melted on Strawberries. I know I shouldnt have opened the gift but I knew what it contained and I wanted to nibble on some (The rest was rubbed on my thighs as thats where it will end up!). Thank you Caroline, it was a wonderful gesture and that card is in pride of place where all my best cards :)

Ok, ok, ok - Im going. Toodle ooooooo xx

PS: Its Marks Birthday today - Happy Birthday, my darling poopy-stinky head :)

Still not feeling it......

It seems like a drama doesnt it?
Well it isnt. Ish.
Im offficially not feeling festivious even after writing all our cards last night, posting the cards tonight (and eating free chockies in the queue at the Post Office). Even after shopping round Asda to a repeat of Perry Como's "Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas" NB: no its not.
I swear I must be turning into a right miserable cow, to you, my sweet online diary and readers. I guess I am.
Mooooooooooooooooo
I have a card to share in this scroogey sounding post and guess what? It isnt even a crimbo card.Bah humbug - roll on Easter. That lil bunny is far cuter than the fat fella in a red suit.

Grrrrrrrrr, so mad that Im feeling like this. Have you got any "Get in the festive spirit" advice?

Paint, Photos and Pickles

Ive not long been back from the horrors of reliving a decorating nightmare. Having just gotten over our own spot of decorating in our own house I somehow ended up getting roped into decorating again over at Dylans. Armed with a limp brush, copious amounts of Natural Hessian paint and a dodgy old Nike t-shirt - I set sail on the walls and ledge shelving. I teamed up with Caz, Dy's old friend and we slicked the walls with newness. Many hands DO make light work and in no time, the room was refreshed. I was that knackered, come 12.30 am I went up to bed, sat on it and before I knew it - it was 7.30am and I was still fully clothed. My mother would kill me if she knew.

The next day we all tripped up to Dy's studio to partake in a class with the pickle-man. Before we let rip into a fast paced class with more double sided tape and guillotine action since god invented such abundant use of toolage, I offered to do Dy some promo shots. Dy has a product launch in conjuncsh with a major US manufacturer which will put arty mediums into further repute and I love, love, love this picture the most. It is my favourite and my best out of the lot.Or maybe this one..... not sure. Ive never been one to make a firm decision on occasions like this.This mum of four, granny to one looks far from the maternal, crocheted cardigan and haggered look role of your every day mum, inc me. I adore her.

So then I went on to make an album with the picklemeister in between scoffing jaffa rocks (jaffa cakes but more harder - like, broken teeth harder) and mini wagon wheels plus childish outburst laughter because, when you sit next to Jane Egg and Cress - you can't help but feel the need for extra panty protection. Absolutely everyone that took both classes were a dream to sit with and affirms my observation that northerners are just plain old fantastic (she says, the classic northern girl with a really strange accent). Some people hate our accents and manners but you can't - JUST CAN'T beat northern humour.Come home time I felt a wave of sadness because my lovely friend Dylan was feeling a smidgen low. My intuition kicks in at times like these and tosses aside my own troubles because halving my friends problems (thus sharing the burden) is one of my favourite things to . We talked a lot these last few days and I only hope that getting her to empty her head and on to lists makes the difference. Dy has a tonne of stuff stored in her head and getting them onto paper will stop her head from exploding, I know it! I used to suffer with severe anxiety a long time ago and someone gave me the gift of brilliant advice by suggesting that rather than go to bed with worries on your mind and a wodge of things to do - writing a list and emptying your head makes for the BEST nights sleep ever. Im a big list maker and ticking off jobs that have been completed is just the most smuggest of feelings. I know it might sound silly but really, it helps relieve the pressure immensely. Im all about lists. Lists=Empty Heads.

And Im sat here now with my favourite and best animal who is sat at my feet as I type. Belle is in School, Mark is at work (someone did point out that I didnt blog about that but yes, he got another job back at the company where he got made redundant - hurrah! Christmas presents at last!) and Im on my todd with a tortoise that doesn't do much except munch and my dog who does nothing but slobber every inch of your seated legs and gives the bestest animal heated socks. I have a LOT of drawing to do but today Im not feeling drawy. I guess I could do with hiring an illustrator for a couple of projects or I could just try and do the damn thing myself. Help me with my dilemma!

Tree's up

and we decorated the tree to some classic crimbo tunage.
But I still am not feeling it.
I was in such a foul mood late this avvo (really, do not ask me why) so I let Belle loose on the tree and Id say 90% of it was decorated by her. She had a blast and threw it all together willy nilly. This was not before Mark and I lay the lights on it. Yes, the dog helped but not before slobbering all over Marks face.
Mark and the boy before tree decs - I just love this picture.........we do love that doggy, you know.
The dog was going banana's with the tree decs and such like - Im guessing there is a lot to feast on (one bauble is already chewed to its glassy death). We took a few pictures before I felt really blue - it was weird how I came over all grouchy, it just happened and I just humbugged. What the hell is wrong with me?

As for me and the tree? I usually decorate to perfection with equal colour balance and absolutely no gaps. But not this year - how are you supposed to journal a tree dec festival that turns into a selfish sulk, hmmmmm? No idea, I'll find out thwne I come to do it!!!! And although the tree looks gorgeous - IM STILL NOT FESTIVIOUS. Ive not taken a pic of the tree in its full belle glory, perhaps on Tuesday, when I get back from the Rusty Pickleness at Art from the Heart.
No sooner had belle put on the last bauble, she took a snooze whilst Mark and I watched The Long Way Down (Ewan Mcgregor - I'll say it again - he is delish). She lay her weary head on the dog (who didn't mind) and took her glasses off, put them in her hand and fell asleep instantly. They are my world, these little fella's and it almost broke my heart to see them snoozing in such a cosy little cutch.

So anyway, before my foul mood (which I am going to call the Scrooge flu) we had a suprise visitor (Marks cousin) and his new baby Sienna with his partner, Steph. I was over the moon to see them. I got a little clucky, the dog got a lil jealous and Belle was smitten. I got my fill of baby lushness for a while and when then went home, Im now guessing the feeling of empty arms might have set off my blueness - who knows.

Also, this weekend, I went to my first crop in about 18 months. I just dont go to crops anymore and I really don't know why I stopped in the first place. The only one in my area at this lateness of the year was to be held in Birkenhead, some 30 odd miles away and by hook or by crook - I was going. And - went, I did. I loved it. I sat with a fab bunch of helpful and friendly girls who all delighted in their own sweet creative fashion and although I came away with 2 finished projjies - I was dead chuffed Id spent a Saturday doing what I loves the best.

Its 1.20am as I finish off this post. Ive been slumming it in front of the TV with the pooch and half a tin of roses watching the "almost live sex show" that was the Argentinian Tango between Lisa and Brendan on Stricty come Dancing. A bit racy if you ask me but also a bit bloody brilliant. Makes me want to throw me tap shoes on and have a lil jig on the kitchen lino, actually. Mmmm, in my not-so-sexy pyjamas - Im guessing the dog will bolt for the hills.

Yahooooooooooooooooooooo!

Corks popping for Alex - ever tried corking champagne with no nails?

Ive loved this X Factor more than any in the past.
Ive agreed with Simon in all he has said. I think I fancy him a bit.
Ive learned to say "Noi, Oi didn't loik it" from Danni. Yup, botox.
Ive wanted to throw my shoes at the TV when Louis got snotty. Real snotty. Bleurgh.
Ive cried silly little tears with Cheryl. Why aye, pet

Not buying that Hallelujah song though; it's pants no matter who sings it.
**came back to edit that its just not my cup of tea, no offence**
Plus it was in Shrek.
And to round it off, Saturday nights are going to be pooey after the last of Strictly, next week :(

ive bitten all my flaming nails off

Im sat here begging for Alex to win the X factor.
I have from the very start.
And ok, if JLS squeeze in, then you know - thats ok.
But I really want her to win, she has the power in her voice to get the prize!
Did you see her sing with Beyonce tonight?
Sniff, sniff.

I cook therefore......

........I provide for the sweet tooth among us.
Having adored my MIL's sweetmince recipe all my married life I finally nabbed it and added my own poetic licence to zing it up a little. By that, I mean that I slipped with the brandy. Hic!
This no-cook recipe is perfect for you own mince pies but also to give as a gift to show your appreciation to lovely friends and family. Except I only had one empty jar for one person and a plaggy bag for another but still, mince pies are the order of the day, espesh as this recipe makes almost 6 tonnes of the stuff.

You will need:

2 bramley apples
2 oranges
2 lemons
12oz sultanas
10oz raisins
8oz currants
4 dates - chopped fine
4oz dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1tsp ground ginger
80z suet
3tbs brandy (but I added 10 because it tastes scrumpsh)

Grate the lemons and oranges in a bowl. Cut in half and add the juice. Save one half of a lemon and one half of an orange. Core and chop the apples (with the skin left on) and put in a liquidiser/blender. Puree the apples with 3 tbs brandy. Add half the orange and half the lemon (peel and flesh) into the blender. Puree until completely lump free.
In another bowl, add the dried fruits, sprinkle on the sugar and spices and the rest of the brandy. Keep mixing and mixing until each little fruit has soaked up the brandy and spices. Now add the pureed fruit to the bowl and mix thoroughly. Add the suet and leave to soak for 24 hours. The next day, mix and turn and mix and turn for a good 10 minutes - then add to jars. Ive added mine to freezer bags as this recipe freezes a dream. But I did find one old lousy jar in our bare cupboards to make into a sweet gift for one of Belle amazing school assistants:Belle helped me make this the other night and got into the spirit of home cooking. We had to manually chop the dates (which are as tough as old boots) because they knacked my choppy machine (grrrrrrrrrrrr).
RIP choppy machine :(Back to manual work, of course lets exploit child labour at Christmas!
The brandy went down a, erm...treat? I was only kidding for the sake of a comedy moment with this shot but im not kidding, the brandy made my lips go numb!
Mark absolutely adores this recipe - one feels momentarily domesticated and wife-ish. I expect great gifts in return for my cookery skills. Espesh as my pastry is my absolute bestest thing I can make - a recent discovery, if I am honest. My trick to making pastry is using ice cold butter, ice cold hands and an ice cold knife. I mix 80z plain flour with 4oz butter with a KNIFE. I chop and turn the butter into the flour and keep chopping and chopping and turning into the flour. Pastry hates hands that are warm so I do it with a knife. And when the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, I wash my hands in freezing cold water before I make into pastry. And my pastry is king - and its only king because I don't use my hands to rub the mixture. I promise never to show off with anything again but I think its perfectly acceptable to have one brilliant cooking skill. Well, Two. My chicken pies are the best in the world.

Cleaning up is so much fun too with these pretty printed cleaning cloths by the way - what better way to invigorate the enthusiasm! Cleaning spirit I may be in, but still not feeling christmassy, yet.So what next? Aaaaah, I have some fabulous news to share. Belle had her school parents evening last night and we are the most relieved and proudest parents that could be. Every single teacher could not sing high enough praises for our girl. They delight in her attitude and enthusiasm and each teacher from every subject gushed over her 100% effort into every lesson - they say she leads by example. They identify her dedication as feeling like she puts all the extra effort in just to keep up where some of the more able kids are just that - able although not necessarily willing. I was all smiles with every report that came our way to which Belle reckoned that her pocket money should go up! Er, Credit Crunch, Redundancies, etc - Nice try, buddy :)
Afterwards we all went out for an Italian meal to give thanks to Marks parents for helping us out when we were decorating recently. This is obv where Belles extra pocket money went (to pay for the meal of course!) The food was delicious - more tasty than anything Ive tasted in a long while (except my mince pies) and the atmosphere was superb. It was good to go out; its such a rare thing these days :) Believe it or not, this is one of the very few piccies of Mark and I this year!

And then yest I went to Barrow-in-Furness (bloody miles away from the smog, I can tell you) to visit my friend Terrie. Anyone who may not have come across her cards may like to do so here - they are gorge.... I even have the absolute pleasure in having her amazing creative juices mixed into a new product that I am launching next February. I had such a great day - one of those days where you feel like a day feels like an hour. It was unfair to see it go so quick when you just want to squeeze an extra hour out of your schedule. This is Mason, Terrie's grandson - just as cute as cute can be. I could stay in this photography moment forever when the cheekiness is enough to energise my camera batteries for life! Im so proud of these photos because out of all the characters I have seen this year, he stands out as the most impish, fun and downright adorable!
No sooner had we gone out for a meal with terrie and her hubs, Scott was I headed back home to everyone in bed and the only excited creature was my lil poochster. He was curled up at my feet for a few stolen moments (making the most of my awake time) before I slipped off to bed to catch up with myself.

PS: This bloody rumour about Robbie Williams making a Take That comeback better not be bull, Im getting a tad excited about that. If its a hoax, I swear I will hunt the rumour mongers down.

Your questions answered and the winner announced

If you asked, I answered! Loved the questions, like - a lot!

Lauren asked:
What is the most memorable thing a stranger has done for you?
Hey Lauren, well that is easy for me to answer. A whole bunch of strangers, friends and family donated £18,500 towards Ellie's medical trip to Nevada in April. Again, through the art of blogging, that trip would never have materialised and we will never, ever be able to express how grateful we are because all the words we know are not good enough.

Gayle asked:
Hi Kirsty I've lurked on your blog for ages, but only very recently started to comment...You are a very special lady, and many times you've had me in tears, but many more times you've made me WET myself laughing, and you inspire me greatly!!! Now for the question... I NEED to know....the job you always refer to as 'doing your swede in' What the hell was it??? It bugs the life out of me, whenever you mention it!!! Here'e to the next thousand posts!!! Luv'n'Hugs Gayle x
Hi Gayle! Sometimes, only sometimes, I laugh at what I write about but I enjoy it more when the laughter has been shared. To answer your quessie, "does my swede" in means something "does your head in". Like you can't cope with the situation. LOL, I thought it was a UK thing! But the job that did my swede in was traveling 8 miles daily to a warehouse I used to run and it was so big that I could barely afford to heat it. brrrrrrrrrrrr.


Vicki Asked:
hi kirsty huge congrats on your 1000th post, you are a super person and i'm so glad you blog, i really enjoy reading it!! Anyway my question....... (it's a random one, because i like randomness)... what is your favourite song RIGHT now??? I hope that you continue blogging :D LONG LIVE BLOGGING (HEHE) XXX
Hi Vicks - my favvo song right now is the cover of "Run" by Leona Lewis. It gives me la tingles.

Paul asked:
Love your blog - such a sincere writer - the ups & the downs. My question? If someone was to grant you a lifetime subscription to any Non-Crafting (cos that would be an obvious answer) magazine what would you pluck for :) Here's to the next post (small steps are more manageable than a whole 1000 haha)
Hi Paul :) I love the National Geographic Magazine so so much. The photography blows me away and I love to read about cultures and tribes of Africa and how they cope and have such happy lives without the comforts we take for granted like electricity, gas, light, heat, beds, running water etc.

Clair and Sharni asked:
WOW Kirsty congrats on reaching 1000 posts - I've been reading your blog for the last year or so & love it..The emotion that comes across in your blog is like no other...I get great inspiration from you, not only with creating/crafting but with life too!! Look forward to reading your next 1000 posts. Ok here's my question to you.. Its a toughy & you have to promise to answer truthfully!! - How many pairs of shoes do you have??? :))))
Hi Sharni........mmmmm, I have a lot! I have 39 pairs BUT in my defence, I have shoes from years back and I try to buy shoes that wont date. As my weight goes up and down, shoes are the one thing that I never have to buy more of when I lose or gain. They are my freinds, my trusty steeds and smell pretty good too.

Lisa Bird asked:
Hi Kirsty, what a fab milestone! I have been reading for as long as i can remember and you always make me smile! My question .... imagine something terrible happened in the land of blogger and your blog was lost forever, a fairy grants you the wish to salvage one post from over the years... what post would it be? Lisa xxx Hi Lisa - I LOVE THIS QUESTION.
Ok, casting my mind over 1000 posts.........Hmmmm, lummy, its tough. Er, ok...Im going to choose the one where we went to Nevada and found out that Ellie had a heart condition. As you will know we have been on a long medical journey throughout her life and answers dont come our way. And when one did, well.......I couldnt breathe for starters and then we were all elated and happy.

Sally Inspire asked:
Hi Kirsty. I really enjoy reading your blog. I love your scrap style and I also love your writing style. I like your 'regional' accent which comes across in your writing and I also love your occasional malopropisms. lol. e.g. aurora. lol. its aura. You do this sometimes, which I find really endearing. As a mum of a child with a rare illness myself who has faught for medications and faced mp's head on - I have real empathy with your continuing fight. My question is this: If (and I know this is a humungous 'if'), you could earn at least 100k per year for each of the following jobs (exact same wage for each) and you were offered each job, which would you choose: a. Professional photographer b. Magazine Editor (scrapbooking of course). c. Design Team participant d. Own a bricks & morter Craft Shop. e. Marketing/Advertising executive for your favourite scrapbook manufacturer. f. Buyer for fave manufacturer. g. Designer/demonstrator. travelling worldwide (female Tim Holtz type job). h. Own an internet scrapbooking site. Hi Salls, oh you are mean with those questions - making me choose just one.
It would deffo be the Tim job - I love travel and I espesh love meeting new people the mostest. it is my favourite and my best.

Amelie asked:
what is your one wish for belle more than anything? xxx Hi love! I want her to be eternally happy, Ill fight for that every step of the way (hugs to Maica)

Ikea Goddess asked:
1000 posts, I'm impressed and hoping for thousands more. Thanks for taking us along on your life's journey. Now about the question: What was the first concert you ever went to? Hey chick! I went to see Gary Numan with my friend Lynda in Wolverhampton and then a year later I was a guest at his house. I stole some of his toilet roll as a little souvenir....god, im so sad.

Anglie Blogspot asked:
Hi kirsty, love the pics of belle, her lips are to die for all rose- buddy and oh how she looks like Mark, I am soooooooooo in awe of you and everything you achieve! My question to you is HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO DO EVERYTHING? There just isn't enough hours in the day for what I want to do lol,! Hi Ang! Thank you for noticing Ellies lips - they are so sugary and kissy wissy! So, your quessie.......Honestly, I think people think I scrapbook and blog all day long but I dont. Belle is at school for 6 hours a day so thats when I get stuff done and then when she (and he) are in bed, i work until 2am doing research and keeping up contact with my emails. I work from home which means I can clean and shop etc in my own time. I love working but equally I love a good old snooze with the dog on the sofa whilst watching Loose Women.

Maria asked:
Wow 1000 posts!!! Oakey doakey, one question ....... If you could be invisible for one day where you go and what would you do? Here's to the next 1000 . Hi Maria, if I were invisible for the day - Im not going to lie to you, Id sneak into Mario Testinos personal photo gallery and steal his style all for me. Id also want to shadow Tara Whitney on a shoot and steal her eye for her impeccable exposure skills.

Shannon asked:
Wow, 1000 posts!! Congrats! I love reading your blog! Here is my question . . . What is your all time favorite scrappy project you have made? Hi Shannon, it would happen to be a photo frame I made out of Prima packaging when she went to sea world. You can see it here:
I just love it.

Joanne Cooke asked:
I love love love reading your blog. I find it inspirational, hilarious, touching, honest, frank and sometimes sad. I reading your blog daily and through this I feel in some way that I know you. I can sort of relate to yoiur problems as I have a husband with MS he was diagnosed has having a mild form, but he is now in a wheelchair has a tremor on both arms and relies souly on me!(plus we have to boys 11 and 8) So i know where your are coming from with the medical world. Dad also in a wheelchair having been involved in a hit and run 11 years ago spent 2 months in a coma and 8 months in hospital don't even get me started with that NHS farce. So if only for my sake keep up your honest posts they really do touch people. Take care. Joanne Cooke.x If you could fulfil one ambition before you are 40 what would it be?????? Hi Joanne, I totally feel that NHS pain an sometimes I feel sorry for the NHS because they don't have a great reputation really.
And my ambition before I am 40? I want to go to Mozambique, to some heavenly savannah to enjoy a sunset with a couple of acacia trees silhouetted against a gorgeous sunset sky. I want belle and mark to be with me, all huddled in a group, wrapped up together and just sign at the wonder.

Angie W asked:
Thanks you so much for your blogs! I just started reading them a few months ago, but I read everytime you post now. Maybe I will get a chance to go back and read the past posts! You are such a wonderful and beautiful person! I would love to win the booty but not sure I have the "best" question! My question is what 1 thing would you want the most at this moment; be it for you, Belle, whomever??? Congrats on the posts and keep them coming at us!! Hi Angie, somebody has asked me something similar bit what I want for Ellie - right at this moment, is for her to pass her swimming test. When she does, it will be her first recognised achievement ever considering she cant even ride a bike yet! Watch this blog
for news when that eventually happens :)

Jozza asked:
Congrats! 1000 posts - wowzers!!! I love your blog - it's the one I check every day without fail. You talk straight from the hip and I loiks it! I love the way you talk about so many aspects of your life and wonder why I fail miserably to be a chatty blogger. I guess I just ain't interesting :o) I would like to ask you this.... You are doing so well on your health kick and seem to have the weight dropping off you. Do you think it is possible to get the weight off and keep it off? It's just that I have yo-yo'd for years and am starting to think gastric band is the only answer *sob* You are doing so well I feel inspired - but I always put the weight back on again (plus another 10lbs) xxx Hi chick - my weight comes off slow and goes on quick most of the time. But recently I went on a bit of an extreme diet and lost a stone, then maintained, Then I lost another stone using another extreme diet and am still maintaining. What I didnt want to happen was lose all 4 stones of it and then put it all back on. I am finding that losing a stone at a time and enjoying that new weight for a while is far healthier and fun. Ive 2 stones to go (which I plan to lose a stone at a time and maintain each stone loss for a few weeks) but to help keep it off whilst maintaining, I walk the dog for miles, go tot eh gym 3 times a week and still eat some of the crap that makes me wobbly (but not all the time!). Im your average woman, Jozza ...... I put it on, I take it off, I eat cake and I eat salad. But most if all I think its about balance oh and lots of water!

Susie the cardfairy asked"
Hi Kirsty, I too have been reading your blog for a long time now, but haven't been confident enough to comment! I just wanted to say I admire you on all levels,you rock girl! You and your family are such a tight unit, your love and light shines through in all you blog. I work one to one with children who have varying special needs so I have a small idea of where you are coming from. Do you realise what an inspiration you are? No????? thought not LOL! Anyhow, Ive tried to think of a witty sparkling, scintillating question to ask - you know one of those blinders that people think WOW why didnt I think of that, but Im brain dead so you will just have to have...............IF you could be anyone in power who would you be and what would you do with that power? Time for a lie down in a dark place now I think ! (me that is, not you lol ) Take care of you and yours and hope you dont mind me posting. Susie The Cardfairy Hi Susie... I love your question, its making me think. Ok, If I could be anyone in power id me President Mugabe and Id do the right thing and step down. The would be powerful, wouldnt it?

Deborah asked:
Hi Kirsty, Great blog. Do occasionally drop you a line but read your daily news avidly. My question is-If you were on a desert island which three things would you wish to take with you? Merry Christmas to you and yours Deborah Hi Deborah ---good question and Im thinking other than taking belle, Mark and the pooch Id take my BG collection, some Herma and a knife. Id make a house out of BG and knife (not for hunting fishies) but to carve out cute little shapes from my house to make fab windows!

Tracey asked:
1000 posts - congrats to you!! I love your blog!! My question is - "If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?" Hi Tracey my one superpower would be to x-ray vision so that I could try and look into Ellies little bod and see what the hell is going on in there!

Heather asked:
Congrats on 1000 posts xx My question....what do you fancy for Crimble? Hi Heather .... hmmm, I really dont want anything in particular that we can afford but if we could afford it, id like an epson R1400 printer. But to be honest, my main pleasure on crimbo day is watching belle open her pressies and enjoying the dinner with family. Seriously, thats what I lubs the most.

Jen asked:
HUGS Kirsty. I'm sorry that people can be so horrid. I know the blog you are talking about, but I NEVER go there. I did once and it made me feel physically sick. Now I just try and pity the poor girls who feel the need to go on there and say nasty things about people (or on any blog for that matter). You don't need their negativity and I hope you just delete any nasty comments you get without taking it personally. They are soooo not worth it. Anyway, love all your blog posts, and I'm sorry I still haven't made it up to the frozen North to see you. So my question is: Parlez-vous français?? LOL!! Love ya xxx Bon Jour Jen, oui! Hugs to you hun xx

Brodders asked:
Well Kirsty I would like to know how did you get your sofa's in your front room ???? Hi Brodders :) I got the 4 seater in (that came in 2 parts), the chair got in but the three seater (which didn't break down) wouldn't fit in at all - not even through the window. So now we have to send the little bugger back and get a two seater (clearly not wide enough for my butt!)

Kate asked:
Wow 1000 posts well done. I love popping by your blog so my question for you is whose blog do you just HAVE to stop by??? Kate, i drop by so many in a day but the one that I love the most - purely for simplicity and calm is this one - Emily Falconbridge's blog. I get really annoyed if she hasnt updated for more than 2 days (and she knows it as well!)

Deanna asked:
1000 posts - you blogger you :) erm questions questions honey - 'Imagine for a moment that your not ticklish and dont find jokes funny! What REALLY makes YOU laugh?' Hugs always xxx Hi Deekatz xx Lots of things make me laugh, really. I love slang words and making words up - so when people write their blogs in their regional accent, that makes me howl. Cathy Zielskes blog makes me laugh - a lot!.

Pigglet asked:
i have been reading your blog for a very long time, and i was so lucky that you choose to use some piccys of my kids on a christmas lo that made it on to the cover of a magazine, i have never been quite so amazed at anyones work, you spoiled us, no one else quiet compares.it is also through this blog that my family got into geocaching. so a question ehh where is your dream holiday destination and would you go geocaching while you were there?? Pigglet - I still have that layout...im piggin useless, can you mail me your address? And second my dream destination is a toss between Mozambique and The Inca Trail in south America.... and of course Id go geocaching, we love it!

Darcy asked:
wow 1000, really??? I am so slack in the blogging dept, I don't know how you do it. My question, do you dream? do you have a special place you go to, you know in that moment just before being awake, while you are still snuggled and sleeping. The place you go where everything is possible. Tell me about your safe/special dream place. Oh by the way, you know the hair.....it is now bright, and I do mean BRIGHT cerise pink. I don't do pink, so it may have to be 'altered' again. big luffs. Hey piggy tails (pink piggytales!!) My safe dream is recurrent and Im back in the house I loved when I was 9/10/11. We lived in Kippax, a village in the outer subs of Leeds and I remember being very happy there with lots of freinds, a lovely house and memories if roaming the fields and woods with absolutely no cares in the world. I dream about that at least one or twice a month. And I always wake up happy :)

Max asked:
Wow Kirsty 1000 posts!! I'm another devotee of your blog who doesn't often pluck up the courage to crawl out of the woodwork and post a comment but couldn't slip away without acknowledging your achievement. Q: What do you feel is your greatest achievement so far? Luv'n'Stuff Max xx Hi Max - other than Belle being my greatest achievement, I think the best thing thats happened so far (but was not planned) will be the birth of a product that Im launching in February :)

Paula asked:
Wow, 1000 posts! Now that is impressive! Congrats! And a question...um...what did you want to be when you grew up? Hi Paula, I wanted to be an air hostess becuase that was the fashion back then....everyone wanted to be one. Instead I joined the RAF so there was a plane connection at least!

Lyn Ellesea asked:
Struggling to come up with anything serious at 1am in the morning so... In a ideal world without diets/fitness regimes, do Jaffa Cakes still hit the spot, or is there another variety of yumminess that gets the creative juices flowing or you can recommend? Congratulations:) Lynn in Norway:-) OMG Lynn, you said the immortal words - JAFFA CAKES. But seeing as Ive been on a health kick of late, you cant beat the taste of chicken pieces straight out of the oven... Im a thigh girl, myself :)

Melwood asked:
I have been reading your blog for about a year now and really enjoy your sense of humor. Your life seems so much more interesting than mine. So much so that I even enjoy reading through your older posts. Is that bad? :) As a woman/mom also on the verge of 38 I'm sad that you see yourself as some non-descript slug because I see a beautiful, confident, talented, creative spirit. So, here's my really lame question... How do you do your eye makeup? Your eyes really pop and you look hip & edgy. When I try it I look like a skank. What's your secret? Congrats on your 1000th post! Sending you warmth from Florida. :) Melissa Hi melissa - my eyemake up? Goodness, I just slap it on and Ill admit I look like a dog without it. I use loreal soft black kohl on my lower lid and smudge it in with a smudger (or you could use a q-tip) and then I use a smokey green or grey on my top lid with lashings of lengthening mazzy. I cant wear foundation or blusher as it makes my skin scream but when I did some work on TV recently, I had to lather it on and I wanted to pull my skin off live on air - hated it.

JuJu asked:
oooh,I'm outing myself!!! Question:- Kirsty, do you think Eoghan should be in school? Hi Juju, I think Eoghan should go to dance classes first! And to be honest, I think he is worse than the two lads who got booted out first. And he isnt exactly phwoar! So in sum, he should go back to school, learn to dance and mature a bit more - like cathedral city cheese!

PBear asked:
Hi Kirsty - I love reading your blog - thanks for all the hard work that goes into writing it. My question - What's Santa going to bring for Eddie? (Or rather, what's Eddie asked Santa for?) Helen Hi PBear, Santa is going to bring Eddie some more good manners and a magic de-stinker potion that stops nasty whiffs from hitting our poor noses. But really, he is getting a new coat and Ive seen this black hoody that reads "security" on the back!

Aly read:
Hi Kristy, I've really come to love reading your blog, sharing in your ups and downs, and the adventures of your sweet daughter. And that leads me to my question: What is your favorite holiday memory of Belle? Thanks for sharing a bit of your life. Peace & Blessings this holiday season, and into the New Year. Hi Aly, my most favvo memory of Belle at crimbo was 2 days before we flew to Florida in 2002... we had christmas early and she opened her gifts straight after school, in her uniform and was more alert to the festivities. Generally Ellie takes an age to come round on a morning and she can take HOURS to open her gifts. And I mean little tears here and a tiny rip there.

Trace Geworsky asked:
I LOVE your blog..keep the inspiration coming. What is the craziest thing you have ever done due to scrapbooking obsession? Mine was ofer to streak naked down the street to win a slice..hahahaha Hi Trace :) The craziest thing I ever did was let someone scrapbook my hand complete with tim holtz alcohol inks (which took about 9 days to scrub off). See April 06 blog entries for pictures!

Barb asked:
Hi Kirsty, i didnt get to see you on Sunday, due to the class being cancelled at Capture the magic. I log onto your blog all the time and think its fantastic. My question would be "How many sticky dots would it take to stop my cushions sliding off my sofa". Keep doing what you do best, and hopefully get to say hello next time you come to sunny Soham. Barb Hi Barb, I was gutted the classes were cancelled, I think Vicky was let down on promised numbers....next time, ey? Ok, I think you will need 43 glue dots to secure your cushions on the sofa. Failing that, diamond glaze is wonderful stuff and highly addictive ;)

Melberry asked:
Kirsty, I come away from your blog INSPIRED each time I read it. Your creativity, cheeky-ness, perseverance, dedication, devotion to motherhood, humor, talent, resourcefulness and fortitude are A-W-E-S-O-M-E. And I love your photography -- it's a style I try to do myself, taking the ordinary into the realm of extraordinary. My question for you is WHO INSPIRES YOU? I know your lovely Belle must do that daily, but who else? Hi Melberry......mmmmm, many people and things inspire me. Blogwise its Emily Falconbridge, Photography is Mario Testino, Scrapbooking is Suzanne Torr (UK scrapper - amazing details), the will to live is inspired by Belle

cannycrafter asked:
Hi Kirsty! Enjoying your blogging as usual!!! happy 1000th!!! make my 500 look pretty sick!!!! Question: What's at the top of your christmas list? Congrats! Caroline x Hi Carloine, my love :) The top of my christmas list is a R1400 printer that I know I wont get but I am desperate for a crystal clear facial at my local beauticians

Kate asked:
congrats on 1000 posts and heres to 1000 more. Love the new christmas blog header. My question is what was the 1st photo you took of?? Hi kate - my first professional photo was taken in Dec 05 (blog posts at that time will reveal that) and it was of my husbands cousin who attended the same course as me. I love that picture :)

Becky asked:
a couple questions: who won the header? ;) do you think you will ever be back in the US (for medical or other reasons)? what is your favorite part of christmas and why? Hi Becky! I havent chosen the winner yet - sorry...in a few days ok? :)
I think there is a small certainty we will come back to the US
My favvo part of crimbo is eating a lavish dinner with family and playing games that make us cry with laughter - like Balderdash.

Eleanor asked:
Hello darling Well, the Christmas music always, but always does it for me, whether it's cheesy pop songs, great sacred works or just simple carols. I hope it works for you, too, we all need some Christmas joy and goodwill, so get that tree up and get rockin around it. Which brings me to...which is your favourite Christmas film? (Mine is Home Alone, oh and I love the Griswolds too, still funny year after year) El Christmas kissesxxx Hi Ells xx My most favvo holiday film is "The Holiday" with cameron diaz, kate winslet, jude law and jack black. I just love love love love love it. Jack Black has me in stitches, there is something about him that makes me love him a tiny bit more than I love my dog!

JB asked:
Hello Kirsty. I look at your blog lots. You are a very inspiring lady. Am trying to be more crafty (and in more ways than one ho ho) I am tearing my hair out planning my wedding so my question to you is - What pretty part of the day (as in decor)do you think should focus on the most? Looking forward to 1000 more posts & things... Best wishes Jane. Hi JB, the most brilliant part of the day is taking the time out just to look at the people in the room at one moment. Savour that memory and talk to as many people as time allows. Get your photographer to photograph people laughing and in conversation and most import...dont forget to take pictures of your shoes! the shoes always get forgotten! And a good tip is add a little tear off slip in your RSVP's in the invites and ask what their favourite record is. That way, when it comes to the night do, everyone can get to dance to at least one of their fave songs!

Sharon asked:
Sharon Speakman has left a new comment on your post "post 1000 - celebratory giveaway": Brilliant blog - congrats on 1000th post. Question: What is your favourite flavour of crisps? Sharon x x x Hi Shazzo xx My favvo flavour crisps dont exist anymore - they were by KP (now walkers) and they were sweetcorn relish flavour Skips. You only get prawn cocktail skips now but back then they were my favourite and my best.

BB asked:
Congrats on the 1000! Wow! I just want to say that I think you have been brave and strong to be able to soldier on despite not knowing what your child has exactly. My little one has been sick but we have been able to find out what's wrong and that does make it a little better. I always marvel at how you cope and deal with the unknown. What keeps you going? Hi BB - Ive answered something similar above but the more brave Belle gets, the more I seek the will to live :)

Lidia asked:
Congratulations! 1000 posts... pfew! Love them all!! Love how you talk about your sweet Belle, makes my heart melt... What would you choose to do, where would you go, if you had all the money in the world and all the time you wish for... Keep the posts coming!! Lidia x Hi Lidia, If money no were object Id love to travel state to state in the US in a an amazingly decked out winnebego, visit all my online US freinds along the way and fly to Hawaii last to recouperate. If only ......

Rosie asked:
1000 posts? My gawd girl, you talk far too much!!! lmfao I love reading your blog posts. I love listening to you on the phone when we talk, your emails too! I'm right behind your latest venture (as well you know!!) My question to you: When are we meeting up next? xxx Hi Rosie Rosemeister! Erm in the new year, at your house where you will wait on me hand and foot. Tea in bed at 9am with a gorgeous bacon butty on a tray with fresh cut roses and a hand made scrapbook you made of my life :)

Godsrockangel asked:
If a complete stranger could do one thing that would make your day - what would it be and why? Or is that two questions???? Hi GRA :) Anyone would make my day by bringing their stash round to my house so we could scrap together, eat crap, laugh, whinge, moan and laugh some more. If they could also bring the answer to Belles medical condition, that would be a bonus!

Belinda asked:
Hi Kirsty - I can only echo what others have said about how you are inspirational, your honesty and emotion, bring me to tears frequently, you also make me think about how blessed I am. All in all I couldn't imagine not having your posts to read so please continue for at least another 1,000 xx My question is inspired by a book I've seen, suggesting telling a story in just 6 words, it was something Ernest Hemingway was challenged to do- his story "For sale-baby shoes-never used!' How would you tell your story in just 6 words? Belinda x Hi Belinda - this is an amazing question - I love it LOTS. Ive thought about it and it reads:
"Emotional train crash - look and learn"

Kat asked:
Hi Kirsty, I've been reading for a little while and love your blog, the way you write is as inspiring as your scrapping. I have no idea of who/where all the hurtful comments came from but hope those anonymous 'people' have crawled back under their stones! (and that was the polite version - lol!) Your Belle is just gorgeous and with you as her Mummy she has a beautiful life ahead of her. I have a son with special needs (Autism) and the only way I get through each day (of what is usually just all that mundane stuff!) is with his smile etched on my heart.......mmmm very slushy but that is how it is. My question is quite simply and quite random!.......mayo or ketchup with chips?!?!?! :-) Happy 1000th Love Kat x Hi Kat - ketchup all the way baby although if I am visiting Holland then I will make the necessary sacrifice of having mayo!

Jenni Hamilton asked:
Hi Kirsty I visit daily and have found you so inspiring, not only have you encouraged me to start scrapbooking, I've now started a crop which meets twice a month and have even started my own blog recently, all things I would never have done if I hadn't found your blog! Congratulations on reaching your 1000th post and my question is how are you ever going to choose the best from all of these fantastic questions? And where will you find time to answer them?!! Jenni x Hi Jenni - I dont know how to choose, I might just randomise the whole lot and choose one winner and Ill find time, dont worry... I always do!:)

Cass asked:
Congrats on your 1000th post! :) My question is a simple one: What item do you treasure the most (not including people)? Hi cass, I treasure all of my Enid Blyton books which are worth a small fortune. Lots of them are 1st editions and some are tatty and unloved by collectors as a whole.... each book has brilliant memories of being a confused and sensitve child. They saved my life.

nightwolflayouts asked:
Congrats on 1000 posts hun!! I love reading ur blog and u r an inspiration to us all :) My question - what's your favourite Christmas memory? Have a great day! Hi NWL! Ive answered something similar to do with belle but my favvo memory is when I asked santa for either a girls word or a sindy doll and I got both and I shall never forget that becuase I knew that santa did not exist at the time and that mum and dad didnt have much money hence why I asked for either - but they did that for me :)

Sandra asked:
Congrats to 1000 posts!! Wow! (I'm still getting to do my 100th *lol*) My question is: What is the most important and most precious thing in your opinion you've learned from Belle? Hi sandra, Ellie has taught me to accept. This medical journey doesnt bother her because she knows no different and because I know there can be a difference, I learn from her example of just getting on with it. but as you know, sometimes I just crack!

Harley Dee asked:
Kirsty, congrats on your milestone!!! I just hit 100 posts recently and thought it was a big deal :D My question is: Do you have a dream (like, actual being asleep and dreaming) from when you were a child that you still remember? :) Hi Harley, Ive answered my current dream re-occurence but when I was a child I used to dream I was drowning and that I couldnt come up for air. It was awful really but it has stuck in my mind - in fact, I still dream Im drwoning sometimes.


Beckie Dreyer asked:
hello you gorgeous person, happy 1000th post! My question is rather boring but do you keep a scrapbook resume? Now sing Falalalalala at the top of your voice, grab a box of mince pies and stick that christmas music on!!!!!! Hi Beckie :) No, i dont keep a resume - I should have started one when I was first published in 2005 but too many lovely things have happened since then and Im hard pushed for time to dedicate going back over all my scrappy events to note them all now. Perhaps I should find time.......

Sandie asked:
I've read your blog for ages. The question I have? (I hope it's not too pushy or personal, or not upbeat enough)... I suffer from chronic illness. It affects my life, the life of my family, friends, and my scrapbooking. Sometimes, I find it difficult to scrap my life in an honest fashion, and still remain upbeat. How much does the negatives in your life and family affect you? And do you scrapbook that proportionately, to how much it affects your life(lives)? Or... do you tend to stay upbeat in your scrapbooking, and scrap only the up side for the most part. I find it a funny battle on just how much to scrap. I want the scrap pages to reflect my son's life... good and bad. But not too bad. kwim? Hi Sandie, you know what - I dont scrap those bad days (yet). I want Ellie to have my pictoral array of albums that saw me seeing the fun and the good in our life - they are called my goodlife albums. For a deeper reflection of my and her life, I will get this blog printed into a book so she could see that I was honest in my daily recollections. Im not saying that scrapping the bad is wrong, but when I scrap I want to be all creative and happy. And when I blog, I want to be able to write from the heart, like Im writing in a diary and not omiting the nitty gritty. She will get the full picture of my thoughts in two forms and it ought to make some pretty good reading :)

Dylan asked:
My question is are you bringing your own brushes to decorate my lounge or do I have to blooming provide them for ya??? xx Congrats on 1000 posts, I salute you sweet cheeks xx Dear Dylan, am I chuff bringing my own brushes. Im not charging you labour but I will expect a chinese takeaway and tena ladies (but not tena ladies milk). loves ya, but you are my freind and you cant win the prize.

Roz asked:
Hey Sweetie, wow, can't believe you have done a 1000 posts, now you have made me think about how much ruddy time I spend on here, cause I think I've read each and every one of them. My questions is this. Are you ready, I thought long and hard about this one. Once you've heard a sound, where does the sound go??? Hee hee. Hi Roz, i catch it in my sound catcher compartment of my ear which turns into creative energy and also zaps excess calories :)

Erin asked:
Congrats on 1000 posts! Gotta be cheaper than therapy! By the way, what does Eddie think of the Christmas tree? Our cats go nuts when it comes out. Erin-Joi Hi Erin, we havent put our tree up yet but I bet he is going to eat every bauble when we do. You know, we love that doggy and i probably wouldnt mind!

Sharon asked:
I have no words of wisdom..(other than what's already been said), I couldn't even think of a witty or exciting question...instead, I have come up with an answer,something that rings through my ears when I'm feeling low ...............................................................There's no place like home :)x Hi Sharon, this is fun.... ok my question to your answer is "when public toilets are at their absolute stinkiest.....!"

KirstyB asked:
Happy Bloggiversary, Kirsty!! :) My question for you is...over or under...which way do you hang the toilet paper?? LOL In all seriousness though...my real question...what are your scrapping goals for 2009?? Hi kirsty xx Ok, I hang it over because when its under its near touching the wall and walls have spider juice on them!
And my scrapping goals for 2009, well I dont plan my scrapping - i happens but I do want to put all my layouts in chronological order - yawn, big job!

Olga asked:
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! I'm really envious that you have gotten so far and I can barely manage to write a couple of posts in my blog. To be honest I would give that much notice to some comments, as they are most likely being driven by envy (bad envy). Coming back to more happy issues, and as a question, how do you manage to write so regularly in your blog and having been writing in the blog for 3 years? I wonder if one day I might reach the same milestone. Congrats, take care and best wishes :) PS If you finally decide to "adorn" Eddy with some Christmas lights, even if it's just for a minute, please, please post the photo in the blog. Hi Olga - I dont write everyday because almost over 1150 days have lapsed since then but Im a pretty fast typer (I type almost as quick as I talk). I do it at the end of the day but might start it off in the afternoon, then publish at night. My parents read my blog and like to read whats going on and sometime they will ring me when I havent so to prevent that, I blog! Parents never tire of chastising, do they....... lol!
PS: If I knew I wouldnt get done for animal cruelty, I would deffo drape the lights over eddy, but then again - he might eat them!

Catriona Macgregor asked:
Congrats on #1000! When did you get started in scrapbooking? Slainte, Cat Hi cat, I did my first page in Aug 2004 and entered a contest which resulted in being shot down in flames by the judges, I was mortified. Not because I thought I should have won but because I think that some of the comments made were geared towards the fact I had scrapped on patterned paper and not bazzill - clearly a massive crime in them days! I gave up for a few months, then re-started in Nov 2004 and after my 4th layout was submitted to UK Scrappers, it was picked up by an Editor for a mag and since then my confidence went beserk!

Katy asked:
Hi Kirsty, im doing my blog rounds that are all listed in my favs :D I have a question for you, whats on your christmas wish list? Have a loely christmas hun to you and all the family. Much Love Katy xxxx Hi katy, Ive answered this above but since then I have spotted a couple of things on amazon and one of them is a 1 terabyte external hard drive - woo, check me out!

Elisa asked:
Congratulations! 1000 posts, wow!
Q: What would be your choice for your last meal?
(if it sounds a bit creepy, I'll rephrase as, what's your favourite food?)
Hi Elisa, Im a foody, no denying that. If I was on death row (clearly for breaking some srange law in scrapbooking or worse, killing my husband) my last meal would be caramelised brie with plum sauce, killer hot tiger prawns and pasta and a creme brulee for pud followed by a wonderful cheesboard, coffee and mints. Yum, bring on the prison sentence.

Jackie C asked:
When are you comming back to teach in Ireland?
Love your blog, congratulations on you 1000th post!!
Hi Jackie, I loved Ireland - Tullamore was beautiful and the girls so laid back and inviting. id come at the drop of a hat and then id be able to go and see my pal AJ and her amazing family.

Bondgirl asked:
My question is what post in the last 1000 sticks in your mind most and why?
Hi BG! The most prolific post, for me (except for the question similar to this, above) was the blog post about having my work published on the front cover of a scapbook mag. I mean, you just dont plan that kind of thing and youdont get told. The mag lands on your doorstep and hey presto...you are on the front cover. WOW! (ps, I cant find the post, but I think it was in 2006 sometime!)

Sarah asked:
Congrats on the 1000 posts Kirsty!
My question to you is - if you could be a chocolate bar, which one would you be?
Here's to many more 1000's of posts, hope you have a merry little Christmas xxx
Hi Sarah, no contest baby! Its Green and Blacks Maya Gold - its to die for. Im a bitter chocolate girl - the daker the better (low carbs too ;))

Ambjerjane asked:
Well you know that I for one love your blog and come here daily to visit with my friend who I ouwld love to be able to pop in for a cuppa with but am too far away :)
My question - hum when are you coming back to Ireland so I can see you again and take you down to the Handweavers for scrumdiddly cake and to be spoiled by my Mum ?
Amber xxx
Hi AJ, I answered something similar above but the first hint of an invite with my girly and Im there. Ellie would love your girls, why even I love your girls xx

SueL asked:
I have a very simple question for you Kirsty.
If I ask you and your family round for a cup of tea and a slice of homemade chocolate cake, when shall I put the kettle on?
Sorry the post is anon but I don`t have a blogger account.
Sue L
Hi Sue - are you the Sue L from darn sarf? Im anyones at the mere mention of coyk. Choclid coyk is my favourite and my best.

Gracie asked:
WOW WOW WOW!! All those posts!! Thank you so much for sharing. Hey--please consider applying for the Lime Light Charitable Design Team. Details are at limelightscrappers.blogspot.com or everythingcricut.blogspot.com.
Thank you again for such a lovely blog!
--Gracie at EverythingCricut.blogspot.com
Hi Gracie, Id love to apply but I just dont have the spare time. I dont even have a cricut!

Just a bean asked:
Kirsty - your blog bringws sunshine to dull, crappy days! Her'es to the next 1000.
My question is: What gives you the most satisfaction in life?
Hi bean xx Obv my family give some satisfaction but if truth me told and in addition to that, Im just happy having nice food at the table, a warm house and a craft room that enables me to lick the walls - yum !

Agnes asked:
Congratulations! You really put a lot of effort into your blogging and the comments especially on this post show that it is appreciated! So many interesting questions - I'm looking forward to hear the answers to all those interesting questions. Mine is less personal but might help many of your followers who are bloggers themselves: Apart from writing great blog entries every day, what did you do to "advertise" your blog, and what would would you recommend we do to make our blogs known, get lots of hits and many followers?
Hi Agnes, gosh I dont even know how I came to get 400+ readers a day. I started only with a handful a day three years ago and now, Im not so sure. Perhaps links with working for magazines or companes within the industry, my blog gets posted from reader to reader and it kind of snowballs from there. And having been registered with crafty blogs since it first started, well, that might have helped too. Its all so overwhelming really and I do worry Ill run out of stuff to say, one day :(
...........................................................................................................
And the winner (who I couldnt pick because I just couldnt cope with the "huh, my question was waaaaaaaaay better then hers/his")
random number picker / generator
Simply put, this script will generate a random integer between 0 and the number you enter.

86 Enter an integer here

10 Here is the result

...........................................................................................................

Sally Inspire, according to my previous blog post, you posted number 10 :). Email me your address to this email here - congratcho :)

That was hard work answering all those quessies :)

post 1000 - celebratory giveaway

I started blogging in Sept 2005.
I was 34 years old.
I was younger and beautiful in the sense that when I look at myself now, at 37 (nigh on 38) I look older and non-descript. Today though, I do look rough.
Its amazing what a PC monitor can do to you (not counting what the radioactive waves do to your brain as you stare at the screen for 8 hours whilst trying to come up with a funny blog post now and again). Clearly this is not one of them.

I think I used to get 10 visitors a day back then but those were the days when counters may have counted 2 or 3 of the same people who came back to look twice. Maybe only one person read my blog ten times in one day - who knows. Maybe it was me checking out my blog in a gaze of gargantuan self satisfaction. Or the fact I was horrified at my own grammar, typos and punctuation. I found the spell check button a while back so I try and remember to use it. Which reminds me, somebody publicly announced that I spelt scrapbooker wrong but my spell check on this blogger makes me break it up to be scrap booker (with a space) - so blame blogger, not me.

When I started bloggin', I only did it because everyone else had just started bloggin' plus it was an excuse to take my mind off the work I did at the time, which did my swede in. And then, over time, I realised how invaluable it was/is when I jump back to any month I choose and recall stuff I would probably have forgotten. I also lost a batch of photos a while back and the only recollection of some of those events are ingrained on my blog. And that warrants the need to blog, if any excuse was needed. Not only that, actually - its the friends you make and the work that comes this way because of it ... that's special too. You can't fault the networking elements of blogging at all. Except when you get people camping outside in your garden and ringing the doorbell wondering when you are going to make your next post.

So here I am, typing my 1000th blog post but hardly anything spectacular happened this day. Well, nothing out of the ordinary really. I had a photoshoot on Sat which was fun. The kids were great (if not a sandwich short of a picnic) and all had their own story to tell in their eyes. I did a bit of crimbo shopping and then came home and we all went and walked the dog. It was a beautiful, bright wintry day.
Nippy of course but bright and dry. Our pooch simply loves being with the three of us on a walk and he never minds the distance considering he is 6 inches from the floor (9 if you go up to his head). Belle allowed me to take these amazing shots of her (eyes open, check it out!). She copes much better with indirect light which means a slower shutter speed and often blur....but still - EYES OPEN! If you are new and fancy reading 1000 worth of blog posts, you will know how rare the "eyes open" pictures appear. This girl is part reason why I blog and in time, I will collate all my medical related blog entries about her and submit them to my local MP to have a bloody field day with. I hope it makes his toes curl.

There are, and I do know and appreciate immensely, a great deal of regular readers here at this lil ole blog. I know some readers have shared my ups and downs with me and they have either chosen to support it or shrug it off. I love that people can choose to do either as I feel that when skies are grey it is for me to deal with myself and that I ought not to rely on your comments or thoughts. Although, I have to say, I do love some feedback and support but I will insert here, for the sake of being honest, there have been number of hurtful messages left on my blog too. You cant take them seriously when they are left anonymously or so you would think but they left a trail that feteful day and I do know who those people were so anonymity aside, it actually did hurt which meant they achieved their aim. Plus, as much as I hate to come across as negative at times - I really can't help it when stuff drags me down. I'd love to be able to shrug off those days when I feel like total poo, I really would, but I suffer heavily with my emotions and too often it gets too much. And Id be lying if I was totally fluffy, pink and perky with light and glitter surrounding my aurora, wouldn't I? Nobody leads a perfect life and my blog epitomises that.

Sometimes though there are things that happens in our lives that's not worth blogging about. Either because its too personal or too mundane or basically none of anyones business! However, the speculation that goes on when you don't say anything though does make me laugh at times. This has taught me that no matter if you are a good or a bad blogger - people will believe what they want to believe depending on the way they read it. By infusing a blog post with honesty and emotion, I can try and relay my thoughts as brutally honest as possible and go to bed knowing I have been true to myself - after all, its my blog and half the battle is convincing myself whether I have had a good day or not. LOL

Then there is the work that comes from blogging. Editors of magazines cruise MANY blogs you know (not just mine - yours too!) and from that comes design work. Then comes news reporters, television producers, scrapping manufacturers (but sadly not Hollywood directors or Hello Magazine, LOL). Im not kidding, I was approached this year to appear in a book about The Great British Public and I was selected for my blogging. I mean, you just cant orchestrate that. I was then was approached to provide artwork for a CD book by Rainbow discs and Jenny Cocks herself. Its now for sale on Amazon. Im about to launch my own product at Stitches and QVC too - again, down to the the crazy fact that I blog.

Of course there is the darker side of blogging and Im not going to steer from this paragraph because you know, its a hard reality check. It seems that no matter how true or sincere you try to be, people will read deeper into it and turn everything you say and do into a circus - Im sure you don't need me to spell out the website in which that takes place. I know these things happen in everyday life be it gossip in the office or bullying in a playground. Its hard to deal with but recently, and thanks to Traci, Rosie, Dyan, Liza and Kathy - positivity is restored when you are surrounded by people who make you believe in yourself. You see, their behaviour has bred my behaviour these past few weeks. What Im thinking now is - can you buy a negative behaviour deflector shield in Argos? I should like to invent those babies.

Anyway, as post 1000 is upon me there has to be some celebration of sorts. I figured if I gave away some of my stash purge-ness to some lucky commenter, it might come in handy as a pre-christmas treat. I have a number of untouched supplies that will whet your whistle and it doesn't matter if you are in the US or Oz or the moon.........everyone is welcome to have a go. All you have to do is ask me a question - any question you like (i'll answer them all if the list doesnt become ginormous) and the best one gets the booty.

PS: Tune in tomorrow where I have some lovely Christmas recipe and gift ideas. Im not exactly in the zone yet and this is the latest in December whereby we have NOT put the tree up. Unless I wrap the lights around Eddy and force him to sit still for hours a night in the corner of the lounge. None of us are feeling christmassy yet, I dont think I ever started to feel summery and that happened in May of all months. Ive bought a few little decs and as beautiful as they are, Im just not feeling it. Mark half dragged the tree stuff down yesterday and its not calling our name. Perhaps if I drag out the crimbo CD and have a little play, we might just feel a bean of festiviousness. Or we might hide under the sofa, huddle up and mutter (in unison) Ba Humbug.

Blog header going begging

In my quest to get Illustrious with Illustrator, I faffed with a few bits to make a blank blog header for someone to whisk away for their blog It will be as big as mine, its just reduced for this blog entry). If you want to win it, leave a comment and if you win it I can put whatever words on and even change the colours to suit.We took the dog on a massive walk tonight and my intention was to go to spin class when I got in. Erm, no - wasn't happening. As soon as the heat from the cold hit my cheeks I was almost out like a light. We have found, with our heating that if we leave it on a moderate temperature ALL the time instead of a blast in the morning and a blast at night.... it works out just to be slightly more in cost and I mean by about £5 a month. So we keep our heating on 24/7 at about 17-18 degrees. Perhaps you might try it, if you already don't. LOL.
Going to go and charge me cameras up as I have a shoot in the morning with a couple of kids who are the sons of a lad I went to school with years and years ago. In fact I haven't seen him in 21 years - that's a lot of catching up to do, I reckon.
Toodle ooooooooooooooo

I. Am. Going. To. Scream.

Two things I wish for in blog land.
A facility to scratch and sniff screens (espesh other peoples cupcake entries).
The facility to hear emotion in written words and actions (espesh my blog entries).

If you could hear the pitch of my scream today it would curdle your blood and be heard in Nepal (upon which the Dalai Lama would send me some pos vibes right back). So why the scream, Kirsty - cut to the friggin chase would you?

Well, time and stuff has conspired against me this week. Ive lost a pen drive with some important images on them. I couldn't attend the Illustrator course today. It rained yest which meant I couldn't get out for a walk with the poochmeister. And today? Bollocks.

Does anyone remember my hellish mobile phone debacle?
Well the debacle has reared its ugly, radioactive and ear infecting head again.
In the end I had to stick with the Orange (crap company) and Carphone Warehouse (cowboys) because of some minuscule small print in the contract. Ok, I thought - fine.... live with it. This meant I had to return the other blackberry phone to o2. As I sent it back within the allotted time, I wouldn't be charged and life would carry on. Oh yeah, like cack it would. Three weeks after I sent the phone back I got a bill form o2 asking me for £535 for cancelling the contract. However, I had sent my phone special delivery and had proof they had received the phone - I was in the right and the bill would inevitably be void. I rang them and they retracted the bill and I was clear of any commitment. That was until they took the money from my account anyway on the 20th November which in my book is THEFT. I rang on the 24th Nov to say "give me it back, you good for nothing thieves" to which they said - ok, you will get it back in 5 days.
WRONG.
I checked my account today and guess what.... no moolah has been returned from them. So I rang with my nostrils flared and the blood vessels in my neck on full pump. I was thinking, as I went through the press 1 for this, press 4 for that etc etc that whoever answered the phone would be sorry they even woke up this morning. Im 99% calm in many, many situations. You never, ever see me blow my top. I don't think anyone has but today, some poor cow would be dealing with me - Ms Biatch on a money refunding mission. But rather than bore you with I said/she said it turns out that although I rang on the 24th for a refund, the 5 days refund promise was actually not true. They apparently passed my details onto accounts on the 30th which accounts received on the 4th Dec and the money will now hit my account next Thursday - almost 20 days after I discovered they wrongfully took money from my account. Fortch the money was in there but come on - its Christmas and I need to pay bills (read that as "buy shoes")
It is theft when it comes down to nuts and bolts and it is very greedy of them to hold onto my money for that long but can you imagine if they went into administration overnight? Im that fed up with it all that Im going to cave in and eat a packet of quavers.

God, Im so hard, aren't I?

Spent the day trying to figure out vectors and have come up with something relatively swishy if you want to come and collect it later for a download.

Beyooootiful Babooshka

Look at that shock of beautiful hair and look at the crumpliness of this two week old bean.
Isn't she the most adorable?
I wish I had taken macro's of her amazing, silky downy hair which when you saw up close made you want to stroke her.
She still has that new, peely skin and new born doe eyes - just waiting to discover wonder and search for hope.
I need more baby pics just so that I can get my new baby fix.....oooooh, I lubby lubs babies. If you are having or due your baby you might like to consider some new born shots like this. I can now count baby pics as my number one love over weddings.

So did we wake up to snow? Did we eckers, like.
I think I was more disappointed than Belle but she wasn't entirely fussed because she was itching to get back to school. I got over my disappointment in anticipation for the little shoot of baby Emmie who just happens to be Belles best friends half sister! She was such a good girl for me, such a dreamable baby who had my ovaries in cartwheels!

Ive spent the rest of the day finishing up on some littly bits and bobs. I think Im only managing to do that to put off going to Le Gym cos its minus 35 degrees out there...brrrrrrrrrr

Wintry silhouettes

As expected, Belle la Belle had yet another day off from school (think that she will actch go back tomorrow). However, a phone call from her bezzie tonight indicates she could well be off school tomorrow again due to the heavy snow expected over night. I personally think we won't have snow, we rarely do here but school issued all the kids with a letter for parents informing them school may be out for the day. Snow though? I hope so - all we have had is hail followed by a deep freeze resulting in dangerous, skiddy ice.
Anyway.
I tooketh the pooch out for a walk before sundown today. I dug out some old jeans that now **fit** - hooray and donned my chunky boots in which to house 2 pairs of socks per footage, my thermal tshirts, a jumper and my woolly scarf. And then I grabbed my dust ridden cameras, shoved them in my knapsack and set off to take pictures of the frost. The fella I walked with yesterday gave me some great ideas on our walk for some fabulous compositions in some parts of the park I hadn't even ventured. The fields and low sun coupled with telegraph poles and frosty fences was fuel for my excitement and I was at one with the camera again. It was bitterly cold and I was wrapped in a very chunky puffa jacket on top of all my layers. I can't imagine how the dog was feeling and in light of that I fancy buying him a fleece lined jacket to go over his back - can anyone suggest anywhere good for that? He doesn't seem to mind it as he darts in and out of rabbit holes and ditches (even wet, muddy ditches) without whinging.
And then if an hour and a half's walk wasn't enough, I then went and took my body into negative calories tonight as I crammed an hours spin class in to help tighten the space that once contained mighty globules of lard. It was really hard tonight, the instructor came and tightened our resistance according to our stamina and Im not kidding you, I couldn't piggin move. My face was pewse, sweat drenched my t shirt and when I got off, I felt like Id been sat on a Samurai's blade edge for a whole hour. Still, the feeling of being virtuous outweighs the pain and I'll live to see a pair of size 12 jeans yet (February, praying that it will be February).
Just been to look out the window and no mighty flakes are falling yet. Id secretly like a flurry, enough to have a days fun with Belle and the dog but if not Ive got a photoshoot of a newborn tomorrow - all crumpled and pink. So either way, its going to be a great day.

Dear Me

How are you?
I was wondering if you would mind taking the day off from being a mum, a wife, a dog walker, a cleaner, a cook and a paper loving makery person?
Hell, yeah.
If you would, I think it would be such a great idea to go and take some pictures in the lake district (providing the day is clear and bright of course which is taking a risk because - as you know - that shiny thing called "the sun" don't often glow in these parts). Take your Nikon D2x, your 10-20mm, 70-300 and your 24-60mm lens, a couple of butties, a flash unit, a tripod and a copy of Heat Magazine (naturally) plus a groundsheet (maybe a radio) and get yourself out of the doom and gloom of those claustrophobic walls.
Go on, go git.
Whilst there, waiting to take a picture of something spectacular (naturally), you can go over some of the stuff you have been mulling over for a few days now. You can decide which route to take. Path a, b or c. I know that this will be a freaking nightmare, decision making is not your forte. Weighing up the odds and costs of each decision will no doubt drive you insane as your thoughts take you to dark, dark places. Its akin to robbing Peter to pay Paul to make those choices. What if? Can I? Risk this? Drop that? Increase these?
Then when you have made your mind up of whether you want the entire Sex and the city DVD collection or £100 worth of iPod vouchers or a 2 day photography workshop in Scotland or sell some camera equipment to pay for a new laptop etc etc blah blah blah - then you can come home and refrain from banging your head against the four walls of your house.
Love
Me x

Snugging on the sofa

She is still not a well bean.
Curled up in a ball, all snug under her raggy blanket and ignoring the Baltic state of the weather outside.
I was tied to the house again today and did a great deal of research online whilst spread out on the settee. With the dog laying across my feet and a mug of tea to my side, it was a very cosy affair. My research had me finally discovering that Photoshop is far inferior to Illustrator and the fact that the commands are completely off tangent from each not to mention there is no such thing as history, simple layers, erasing and cropping (much like PS) I was being driven to the end of my tether. This called for drastic action. Like booking my sorry ass on a one day Illustrator course in Leeds on Friday (which, in my opinion costs more money than I can comfortably part with ). I have convinced myself it is an investment if product/web and logo design is the route to travel down and if that route is not feasible in the long run then at least i can make pretty images on my PC screen for kicks and giggles. Just because..............

Before the daylight diminished I took the dog out for his daily walk. Ive been dragging him around the 3 sisters park for about an hour every night for a while now but tonight I got walking with another dog owner who was just so fascinating. He is part of the the 3 sisters park association whose devotion to the upkeep and pleasure of the park is key. This place is my favourite place in the whole of the area of where I live. I take my photos there, I go and clear my head there and I walk Eddy there - its beautiful to say that it used to be 3 slag heaps a number of years ago. Im going to join the association in February so I can put something back into the park; Im really excited about that. Then as conversation between him and I twisted and turned, it came to light that he used to work with my sister in law and her husband and that weird "6 degrees of separation" came to fruition. The walk lasted almost 2 hours but felt like 20 minutes and when we got back, Eddy collapsed in the heat of the house and my pink cheeks (from the cold) burned, baby, burned!
Not sure if Belle la Belle will be back in school tomorrow as she is coughing like she smokes 60 a day and her nose is streaming with delicious snot every 3 seconds. Never mind, with the cosy-upness of our new lounge to enjoy and endless cups of tea, there is nowt else much to look forward to (except crimbo) is there?

Belle, my love

is sicky doo daa.
Do you know what time she got up today?
2.30pm.
Her mouth was all dried up, the skin on her lips were cracked and her face was a shocking shade of grey.
if I recall, she was ill exactly this time, last year.
I forced her out of bed so that I could feed that little body and perk her up. But she couldnt move her legs and she was really weak. I had to carry her down the stairs wrapped up in her beloved kitty blanket. She will never outgrow that tatty old rag - its her comfort and joy.
As a mum, don't you find that in moments like this, that its something sinister or you think that something is seriously wrong when they are so weak and hot?
But.
There was no time to fret or worry as mummy/nurse mode kicks in and fevered brows are tended to.
I spent the day sat with her on the couch and learned to master Illustrator which will help with some of the stamp designs Im working on. I also got a commission to work on the Craft Stamper magazine sketch challenge for next March's issue........ now that was a great surprise inbetween feeding my belle and fattening her up for her winter skin.
As I finish this blog post, I am faced with the butt of my dog as he lays on his back and all paws in the air. Its attractive. Not. I can't bear to move him from the snug of the warm lounge so I might shimmy up next to him for 40 winks and then its off to tend to my sick girl for a night long cuddle.
Oh how I wish I could take it all away from her. Little bean.


Bugger, I forgot to get Ellie to open her Advent calenders today but if she is feeling pink, she gets double the dosage of galaxy chockies.

lovely, lovely

Im often sick to death of shopping for clothes that, when I go out, I might see at least 2 or 3 times on other people.....probably a lot thinner people, lol!
Imagine my surprise (I love that saying, so Viz, isnt it?) when I came across this shop online and spied lots of little minxy numbers to squeeze my latest thinness into. I can't believe the value of the stuff in this shop neither, which won't break the bank.

Im just in love with little vintagey numbers which means they wont date because its not every day you dress up, is it. So if I manage to actually go out (I know, rare sighting these days) it wont look like Im in last seasons or the seasons before attire.

Go and check out the clearance section - I bet Primark are quaking in their boots.

Currently lubs this blast from the past on my iPod - isnt it beauts?