Kool Kitty Musings

Where did the weekend go?

Well, some of it was spent doing a little behind the scenes creativity.

Namely getting prepped for week 2 of Kristina's Distress Oxide combos:

Then getting the swatches made:

Note to self, order more blending foams and tape for the label machine!

My Distress Oxide ziplock bag of bagged individual blending foams is filling up fast! I really don't have a better way to store them. Was toying with the coin storage sheets that I have as recommended by Jennifer McGuire for ink swatches, but them foams are a bit of a lumpy fit in there and I think it would be a hassle getting them in and out once they've been loaded up with ink. Being able to store them in order and at a glance would be nice. I like the little baggies for keeping them  stored transparently and cleanly. I can't store them with the inks as they prevent me easily stacking the ink pads and also space in the Alex unit drawer where they reside is limited since I have the whole oxide collection.

But not to worry, this is working for now.

I may see about eventually storing them on a big book ring, but they take up little space in the zip lock bag they're in and I can keep track of which foam pads are already inked and which aren't yet using my ink swatch sheet.

I just need to rummage around a little to locate them once tipped out of the bag. :D

I'm still intending to use my make-up brushes for blending, but like to use the foam blending tool when putting down a lot of colour for blending. :D

Otherwise Saturday night ma and I were at a wonderful concert hosted by a friend with proceeds to a local charity - music was provided by The Rivelin Duo who are based in Sheffield but travelled up this way to perform and hopefully will be back for a summer concert if we can persuade them. ;)

And finally today, I finished the last three quarters of this month's book group book in time for our get together this week:

A solid 3.5 or 4 rounded up stars out of 5 go to Three Things About Elsie. I am a rather suspicious reader by nature so it's rare a book truly surprises me with its twists and turns, but I'm glad this book had several twists and a couple really were surprises for me despite my spidey sense tingling very early on. :) So all in all, a satisfying read for a wintry Sunday.

52 Christmas Crackers 2014 - Week 19

Well, better late than never!

I took my sweet time getting this week's Christmas card photographed. So if you remember correctly this week's prompt is courtesy of the prompt jar and involves using the following three elements on a card:

• Vellum
• Stitching
• Navy

And here's my very simple card using all three:

Vellum: Hambly Screen Prints
Dies: Avery Elle, Lawn Fawn, Memory Box
Stamp: PTI
Other: 3D foam, sewing machine

I made the cardblank from some old Stampin' Up cardstock I had in my stash, and as it's a US sized card, I gave the background die from this Avery Elle set a whirl to cut the vellum in exactly the spot I wanted for the pattern before stitching it onto the card:

I then die cut a piece of white cardstock with my favourite Memory Box border die - country landscape and attached the die cut to a piece of navy card cutting and ran it through the Big Shot with the Lawn Fawn stitched journaling card:

And finally, finished off with a greeting from PTI's Happiest of Holidays set.

Probably not worth the wait, but it's been a busy old week and has included some reading catch-up time - it seemed that all my Nora Roberts reservations at the library came in at once. I've read:

I'm rather looking forward to the final book in the latest witchy trilogy from Nora, despite it being a bit of a rehash of similar trilogies she has written in the past.

This instalment in the In Death series was a bit on the dull side... hoping the next one will have some of the magic back.

And finally, I read The Collector from start to finish today. One of the better stand-alone books she's written in recent years. :)

Right, well I am wondering what book to start next - it might be the latest Jill Mansell:

Right, well best go sort out my tea - a busy day in Ikea looms tomorrow as we try and get some organizational bits and bobs for my mum and dad's new kitchen, but also hoping to find something that will fit my Raskog trolley now that the Antonius divider trays are unavailable... Hm....

Crafting away...

Friday night I started on a little project in order to sell some of my cards to friends and family in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care. It all came about because of the cancer awareness selfies popping up on Facebook urging friends to donate to the various cancer charities. After sharing my no-make-up selfie there and making a donation I thought it would be good to do a bit more as every little helps. :)

No one could ever accuse me of being a speedy crafter, but I am hoping there will be enough in my card basket to tempt some folks to parting with some money.

But I can at least share the first custom-made card that has gone off to a new home, a welcome excuse to play with my new WPlus9 stamps and dies:

Paper: MME
Stamps: WPlus9, My Cute Stamps, PTI
Dies: WPlus9, PTI
Other: sewing machine, 3D foam, Promarkers

It makes a real change for me to have so much white space on a card - but I filled it up quite a bit with those fab birthday balloons, and I tried that embedded die-cutting technique, rather like how it turned out. Oh and there was a request for a cat theme, so those My Cute Stamps came to the rescue again - I love that little kitty cat. :)

In other news, it's been a rather busy time with work, so no thrilling photos to share, but here are some random bits and bobs.

I have been unwinding with the aid of my L'Occitane almond shower oil and other almond goodies I got for Christmas from my mum - especially loving the foot cream! Heavenly!

Banana bread made a return to the dessert menu, served hot with custard as a pud - yummo!

There's not been much chance to get into my current book, but I am plodding away and no doubt when I am in the right head space and in the reading zone I will get into it so much that it'll be unputdownable.

The baking bug hit again, and I invited the parentals round for tea and...

Blueberry muffins!

The spring sunshine has been much enjoyed, not least by Kizia who spent a lot of the sunnier days out the front of my mum and dad's warming herself on the heated path and wall.

And it hasn't been my imagination, the strange cat from a few doors down who ambushed me a few weeks ago has been hanging around and generally stalking me! My flower trough by the front door has definitely been dug out a few times, and I found the cat flap in my back door had been forced through despite being blocked from the inside with a cover panel. I've also had strange noises of something walking on the conservatory roof - thought it was a jackdaw or something, but who knows now... he is a very strange cat, all sweetness and light but when I was trying to get in the house he embedded his claws in my backside and tried to get inside with me... I hope this is not going to be a regular thing. Have never experienced anything quite like it in my life!

Last but not least, I managed to get to Hobbycraft yesterday armed with my list of Gutterman threads I needed to restock and get additional colours. Sadly, they have discontinued two of my favourite aqua shades, one is pictured above - the darkest one. Sad times - the nearest aqua shades they had I bought - also in the picture but they are not as vibrant unfortunately... Oh well, I definitely have enough pink/peach shades to keep me going for a bit!

Right, best get my stuff sorted for tomorrow...

Fairy tales can come true...

{Pinterest Pin}

Miri has set a wonderful challenge this week on the Daring Cardmakers blog.

Today happens to be Ludwig Emil Grimm's birthday, among his many artistic accomplishments he illustrated many of his brothers' fairy tales and stories.

So in celebration of his birthday our theme this week is fairy tales - whether you make a card inspired by an actual tale by the brothers Grimm or feature images associated with fairy tales on your card.

Now my inspiration came in various forms.... I did a bit of mooching through the list of the very many tales the brothers Grimm compiled but I also found this lovely article (it's in German - but the illustrations do the talking), check out all 15 of the illustrations that incidentally are included in the English publication being presented. It looks like a fantastic book.

Now, I wonder if you can guess the inspiration for my card...

Paper: Pink Paislee, Crate Paper
Stamps: PTI, WPlus9, Waltzing Mouse
Dies: PTI, WPlus9, Sizzix
Other: pearls, pattern wheel, vellum 3D foam

Well let's just say there are two fairy tales rolled into one here.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?"

Why it's Snow White of course... and there she is reflected in that vellum mirror!

Plus there is another Snow White in fairy tale land, and she has a sister called Rose Red.

I happened to have that tale to hand in the box of Ladybird books that I still need to finish sorting through:

I used to always get confused as to why there were two Snow Whites! lol

Got to love those Ladybird illustrations. :)

Don't forget to check out the fantastic tales depicted by the Design Team this week.

Happy, crafty weekend!

Almost Monday and back to the grind

It's been a busy couple of weeks and this one looks to be the same, work has been really busy and I've been working from home plus working extra hours to get everything done, so I have neglected to blog and share what I've been up to when not working.

So I've been out a good few times to Chiquitos - yum!

Had a fun games night with Zoe and the girls:

Finished a book I started and have to say it's been the best book I've read so far this year (and probably will be for a bit... )

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty - big recommendation to try it!

Enjoyed a break from work last Thursday to go and celebrate Tlusty czwartek (Polish Mardi Gras) at the parentals:

Ma made the staple item of Tlusty czwarten enjoyment - Faworki, above is the before photo of plate one.

Here is ma with plate two.

Here is plate one ten minutes later....

And apart from that I've been watching some telly in the evenings - yay Silk is back!

Then there was the next gripping instalment of Line of Duty:

And I also enjoyed this week's episodes of The Taste, The Great British Sewing Bee, and Hair (on BBC3).

And at last it looks like Spring is coming around, the days are getting noticeably longer and the sun was actually shining and heating up the kitchen on Friday:

Today I've had a work-free day so it's meant I've been able to catch up with crafting for next week as well as my 2014 album, well I'd only had chance to get my January photos printed so have finished those now:

And now I'd best go and rescue my dinner in the oven!

Most of my time today has been spent...

...living up to this skill set of mine:

Such as finishing the book I started earlier this week:

I had to stop yesterday at a crucial point after reading The Letter when I had to go out, but it was a good point to stop and give my mind a moment to digest what I had just read.... this morning I finished the book and have to say it has been the best read so far this year. Yes, I know it's only February but it was a very good read and the tissues were out a lot.... I am not ashamed to admit it!

After that I needed a bit of a lift, so I got out some crafting items - including some of the items in my recent order from Sarah's Cards:

I bought a handful of sheets of paper from the recent Crate Love Notes and Oh Darling releases and 1 sheet from Styleboard. I wanted to finally get on the enamel dot bandwagon and bought all the new Studio Calico sets as they were the cheapest per dot, they are a fair bit flatter than other brands - the colours are a good mix... I also threw in a Freckled Fawn selection (alas no blue to choose from there) and also one pack of MME enamel dots, but I just don't understand why MME enamel dots need to cost almost £5 a pack these days. The ones I had were from an older release and the cheapest I could find. Also there were two sheets of alpha stickers by Studio Calico, but seriously I think they are expensive for what they are. So difficult to find nice mini alphas on a par with the October Afternoon mini market stickers.... :( But pricing is all relevant to what you consider good value and worth the expense... with paper almost costing a pound per sheet in some cases these days you have to be a lot pickier about what you buy. I'm glad I didn't invest any more in the latest Crate Paper release save the above sheets of paper, reading online the quality really has gone down hill sadly for non-paper products.... even more so than with previous releases. I was sad to hear yet another booboo for Crate Paper quality control while reading TwoPeas the other day - I am getting really sick of online photos not being representative of the final product and really wish manufacturers would provide videos showing their products or even properly photographed images of the product so you can see it in some form rather than the mocked up design views they provide at present.

After also reading about the problems with the Styleboard dies not cutting properly, I was apprehensive about how my embossing folder would turn out:

Well, you can tell the quality is inferior to Sizzix and other brands, my main gripe is that the hinge on the folder isn't very sturdy, it feels like if you opened it too far you would ultimately break it into two pieces, I would be a bit worried to use PTI/Cardshoppe weight cardstock in it on a regular basis, but vellum and paper would be ok.

I may sound like a right moaning Minnie, but more than anything I am just disappointed that my go-to company for the last few years has now become one that you are taking your chances with when purchasing anything other than paper, as there is no consistency in quality and even with online images you can't be sure that what you think you're buying is in fact what you'll be getting. I really hope it's not going to be going the same way for Pink Paislee now they are part of the American Crafts group, but I suspect the same issues will crop up there too.

But hey, I at least have some of that new Basic Grey product to look forward to - at least the quality of embellishments is usually top notch there. ;)

But moving on....

While playing with my stash in the afternoon I finally watched one of the DVDs I currently have out from Lovefilm:

...which provided a great transition into the closing ceremony of the Olympics this afternoon.

Now I need to get a couple of things sorted and then it's back to my big translation project tomorrow - it's going to be a long week!

Now that's how to spend the weekend

Doing nice things. :)

I finally cracked open my lovely Origins Christmas present to myself - you know that one I bought while buying presents for someone else...

I just love Night-A-Mins night cream, but tried out the Drink Up intensive overnight mask last night. Fab!

I met Zoe for lunch yesterday followed by a wander round the shops.

Well lunch was fabulous, we had Nachos to start, a couple of Mock-jitos (ginger beer option):

I was weak and had my beloved BBQ pulled pork chimichanga as a main:

Needless to say the stroll round the shops was quite leisurely!

This morning I finished off my current read - The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn whilst still snuggled under the duvet:

Then I added a few finishing touches to my cards for this week and got photographing everything while daylight was around.

Now I'm waiting for my mum and dad as we're off looking at kitchens for ma... I don't think I'll be able to wear my fleece poncho for that, more's the pity - so cold out there! Brrrrr!

World cardmaking day? Not in this house it ain't!

Quite ironic, I thought, of all the days in the year that I am not actually crafting away it would be this one...

Nope, instead I have been awake since 4 a.m. unable to sleep, yet able to finish off the new Mary Balogh book I started earlier this week and rather enjoyed.

Then Ma came over and we went for a walk to the new local deli so Ma could enjoy an Italian, ooer:

...Coffee that is.

And we could try some of the paninis on offer:

I have to say I do love a nice Gorgonzola and onion marmalade combo, this time with Parma ham. :)

After our meal which also included a sweet treat we went for a wander around the village, stopped off at a few shops then wandered over to the park for a stroll via this fella:

Who I am sure was hoping for some nice minty polos.

So... yes, not much creative stuff done and I have a long list to be getting on with. Best fire up the iPlayer and get to work!

Ooops, bye-bye Sunday morning

I can't believe it's already 1 p.m. and all I have to show for the day is my newly sorted cardstock scraps.

I knew those Sharpies would come in useful for something, but it appears that I am getting that September organisational buzz and well, the cardstock scraps were a good place to start. In theory now that any sheet of PTI or Bazzill Cardshoppe I cut into makes it here and into smaller little ziploc baggies if the scraps are small but still usable I won't keep on cutting into new sheets of the same colours - namely cream and white! Yes, talk about OCD. ;o)

I'll have to test that theory soon when I get onto my next card.

But first up, I managed to do a bit of crafting yesterday afternoon after finishing this lovely book:

A lovely summer read and enjoyed cover to cover in one sitting. :)

Naturally the sun finally came out again after I turned the last few pages. But I felt up to doing a bit of cardmaking and checked out the new challenge over on the CASual Fridays blog. I was really happy to see I'd made the contender list for from the last challenge. Nice one! :oD

This week's challenge is entitled "She's krafty and she's just my type" and I have a feeling I might have another go at this challenge. I've been a bit neglectful of kraft of late. 

Anyway, here's the card I made for an upcoming big birthday for my friend's husband.

Cardstock: PTI
Number dies and stamps: PTI
Fishtail die: MFT
Paper: MME
Other 3D foam

And as it was meant to be a manly card I really had to resist the temptation to add anything else that made it start looking too froufrou... but it was very hard to resist!

So, just to readdress the balance I may very well go for a more girly approach!

Anyway, best get down to it before the afternoon passes in a blur!

ETA: I managed another kraft + text card that fits the bill. Here it is:

Dies: MFT
Stamps: MFT
Paper: MME
Other: vellum, sewing machine

I thought it would be nice to combine a stamp set that actual fits the title of this challenge "just my type" and also have some more fun with those peek-a-boo chevron dies I got, this time with vellum. Also I wanted to add a little dimension without using 3D foam, so scored the "paper" coming out of the typewriter to give a bit of lift. :)

Now this is definitely not going to become a regular blog feature...

...because I definitely cannot afford to keep up that habit!

But thanks to a nice conversation and swapping of info about apps last night with Zoe, I have a new recommendation to add to the list. The Rhonna Designs App by Rhonna Ferrar is the newest addition to my iPhone and iPad. Go follow that link to see what it's all about - there's a little promo vid too. There is soooo much jammed into this app - so many fantastic text elements, words, fonts, basically there is oodles to play with that at first you are going to spend ages playing away with all the various elements. I also love the colour sliders so if the colour you want to pick is a touch darker, too red or a smidgen off, you can use the sliders to get the colour you want. I'm sure it's an app you'll keep on discovering elements with, for instance I had no idea there were masks until I saw the vid! hehe

Also I think I will use this app much more on my iPad as the bigger size will make it easier to fiddle with all the elements than it would on my phone screen. We shall see! But I'm rather looking forward to discovering everything this app offers.

So yes, that is hopefully my last photo app purchase for a while, otherwise I will be so busy playing with pics I won't have time to take any!

With the aid of my various photo apps, here's a snapshot of yesterday:

The day was filled with blue skies and nary a cloud in the way - Hipstamatic

I picked up a couple of books from the library just in time for the weekend, weather I'll have chance to read them is another matter! - Instagram

I headed up to Zoe's for a delicious and bargainous (Groupon) meal out at a Thai restaurant, loved the subtle flavours of this dish, much smokier than the Chinese equivalent and the batter was very different too. First time I've ever done "proper" Thai food that wasn't lemongrass-based! - A Beautiful Mess + Instagram

Afterwards we went for a little pootle and finally found the secret beach - A Beautiful Mess

Caught the only type of beach sunset you'll ever see in the North East - Hipstamatic

On my way home I stopped off at 24 hr big Tesco to get the ingredients ready for this weekend's BBQ fodder - I am in charge of dessert (above + almost a full tray of Dangerous Cake), Pear and Stilton salad, Chicken and veg souvlaki and I bought myself some freezer cocktails for good measure. Alas the ice lollies were almost all sold out so nothing to tempt there really. How will I survive this hot weekend without ice lollies??? - Rhonna Designs

So, I'd best get on. It's going to be too hot to scrap this afternoon, and I think it might be a good idea to leave off work on my mini-album until the spray painting has definitely had 24+ hours to dry completely. At the moment all the mini-album pages are lined up in my dish drainer by the kitchen sink, as it was the only way to stack them without them touching something else and needing recoating! LOL

Enjoy the sun while you can folks!

Normal service will soon be resumed...

I must have been more creatively drained after the weekend than I thought. Not managed to get anything made yet this week on the card front, but something will have to be created tomorrow night in time for Friday's DCM dare.

I managed to fall asleep at 9 p.m. Monday night, and was so tired in the evening before that so it was a complete non-evening!

Then last night was over at my little brother's and his girlfriend's new house for a visit and nosey.

Tonight, well I wanted to get my book finished and also ended up catching up on some telly...

A nice cozy read for lazy evenings. :)

But it's bath time and so an opportunity to start a new read! But what will it be?

I really should be packing for tomorrow's crop...

But as usual procrastination has set in!

I even have a project planned that involves photos:

And this collection kit from Echo Park:

And my PTI order arrived earlier this week:

Lots of scope for new crafty projects but quality time is required...

I have already organised all my new items and even tried a few out - namely these two:

But I also picked up my entire reserve list from the library - basically everything I have reserved the past month and a bit all came in today and well... there is a big temptation to just dive into a book and pack for the crop tomorrow. ;o)

So what's it gonna be? Book or packing?

Well, it depends on tonights telly - so I'd best get sorted!

Weekend antics

Well, it has been a rather nice spring weekend in my household despite the poor weather this afternoon.

I got down to some crafty business yesterday with a mind to getting some Easter cards made:

I also managed to get caught up on the crafty stuff I needed to do, and I may get some more playtime in today before dinner:

I started off today reading this from start to finish as it's been on my book pile a while and I thought there was no time like the present:

I still have a weakness for Regency romance... but my next two reads on the pile are Chicklit. :)

Then by the time I was up for breakfast it was almost brunch time and I was rather craving one of these, as there's nothing better on a Sunday:

But as I didn't have muffins or bacon in the house, I had some toasted hot cross bun loaf instead. Mmmmmm.

Then I got the washing done and the washing up and decided it was the prefect time to get some Sunday baking done:

I haven't baked anything since Christmas and I was also in the mood for comfort baking rather than faffy baking so I made...

Fruity flapjacks! :)

I have managed to scoff one already and they are decidedly delicious.

Now I'm going to sit down and watch Moulin Rouge on Lovefilm Instant (can you believe I've never seen it all the way through?) and perhaps do a bit of stamping at the same time. ;o)

Done and dusted for another year!

Today I finally got rid of that thing that has been niggling away at me and bugging the organizational part of my brain non-stop the past few weeks...

Today was the day to conquer the epic 2013 patterned paper purge... I retrieved all my papers from my stash cupboard and sorted them all out... it took a little over 3 hours. But everything I intend to use is now back in the stash cupboard ready to be re-loved and the items I am never in a month of Sundays going to manage to use are ready to find new and hopefully more appreciative homes. ;o)

I have just remembered that I do still have a bag of scrapbook kits to go through and sort out, but that shouldn't take long and I can do that one evening this week.

I had intended to get down to some serious crafting as soon as everything was organised, but I ended up catching up on some telly then watching The Enchanted Island operatic pastiche on Sky Arts right through to the end as it was very good.

At some point I also need to start my new book - been really looking forward to getting my hands on Ciara Garaghty's latest read, and it finally came in this week:

The problem is, I know I will want to read it beginning to end and who knows when I'll manage that!

Brrrr....

So, I've been working from home this past week what with the awful icy cold weather we've been having. I finally managed to move my car back in front of the house today - but it took a good 15 minutes to de-ice enough to move it. Minus three at 2 in the afternoon, yikes.

Needless to say I've been enjoying rather a few evenings by the fire, and nodding off rather early as it is so cosy. And have enjoyed a few too many hot chocolates than recommended! But... that's what winter is all about... tomorrow the snow is set to descend, we shall see!

In the meantime, here are a few of my most recent pins on Pinterest. Valentine's day is obviously in the air among pinners.

I love the look of these cookies, and how sweet is that mailbox?

This idea is really effective - not that I have any use for it, but it's a nice manageable DIY project.

And finally, a bit of colour eye candy - I have been really drawn to green shades lately. Emerald is the Pantone colour of the year, but I have a soft spot for Chartreuse and leafy shades:

So there we have it, this week's eye candy...

I'm now off to get a few tasks completed then I can have a nice hot soak in the bath with my current read. :)

Been at the Christmas stash again!

Well, it seemed appropriate yesterday considering the snow that had come down Friday night and settled overnight...

And the perfect excuse to try my hand at this week's Waltzing Mouse sketch challenge. :o)

Stamps: WMS, PTI
Paper: Crate Paper, Studio Calico
Dies: PTI
Pompom trim: The Ribbon Girl
Pearl: Kaiserckraft
Other: Distress Stickles, thread

All the stamps are Waltzing Mouse apart from the little tag border and button card border. I was happy to find that the PTI button card die is just the perfect size for this jar - rather like the combo together. And yes, Distress Stickles were left to dry overnight! LOL That way there is no temptation to go prodding with a finger to check if they've dried yet. ;o)

Well, I managed to make quite a few cards yesterday but think I will post them later in the week, let's just say I need to buy some more mini pompom trim! Managed to deplete my stocks a little.

Also had a very early start this morning despite the clocks going back and ready this cover to cover at 6 a.m. (old time!):

A really lovely Sunday read, now the dilemma is which book to start next! Or should I just get back to making some cards while getting my James Bond fix - it was Quantum of Solace yesterday, thinking Casino Royale needs a revisit today - so looking forward to seeing Skyfall when it gets a bit calmer at the cinema after opening weekend. :)

I mean Daniel and I are due some quality time together - big screen style!

I seem to be having a weird sleep week...

Nodding off before 9 p.m. on an evening and wide awake at 5.30 a.m.!

Not great, especially if it carries onto this weekend when the clocks go back.... that'll be interesting!

But it has meant that I have managed to keep up with my reading and finish off The Mystery of Mercy Close:

Which is just what I did this morning. Really enjoyed it, and must admit to getting bleary eyed in moments with a few tears.

And tonight I can get started on my next book, one that I can start in the bath without fearing I'll drop it! Large hardbacks are not made for bathtime reading it has to be said. ;o)

It's difficult to get in the Christmas mood...

When the sun coming through the craft room window is rather blinding - but needs must. ;o)

I had a bit of a cardmaking session late yesterday afternoon and one of the cards I made was for this week's WMS sketch.

I tried to stick rigidly to the design, and even made a "tall card" - which I hardly ever do! But well, I think I should have possibly made a wider and shorter card so you could see more of the WMS Nordic stamping....

Paper: Echo Park
Stamps: WMS, PTI
Dies: Marianne, PTI
Other: buttons, thread, sewing machine, 3D foam, glitter cardstock

I rather like this colour combo at the moment and wish I had more aqua and red papers in my arsenal!

Well, suppose I'd best get back to things. Had a mammoth cleaning session this today and have prepped my tea ready for the oven this evening and veg salad to go with it. Now the question is do I watch some stuff on Lovefilm Instant while it's still available or tuck into my current read... because once that's read I can start....

I picked it up from the library the other day and it is all new and shiny and unread. Love it when you're the first person to read a book from the library - especially a hardback! Sad eh?

Today's jobs

I can't believe quite how late it already is in the afternoon.

I still need to get a few things on today's to-do list completed.

First up, I need to make a baby card for little Anja. I managed to get some lovely little outfits in Debenhams yesterday that would easily go into autumn weather and colours:

I didn't want to get anything overly baby pink - but thought these two would be just lovely. Why on earth they don't make more ladies clothing with the prints they do in girl's fashion I just don't know. Was discussing the same topic with the girl in Monsoon yesterday when I made use of my £15 voucher in the Sales section - she quite agreed!

Yesterday was a bit of a spendy day as I also spent my £15 beauty club reward at the Benefit counter on new foundation and powder, and while I was there got my eyebrows waxed and tinted... ;o)

Also at last night's crop I was as productive as hoped and have now completed the swatch for all the colours of PTI cardstock and Bazzill cardstock that I own:

I've had a bit of a slow start today as I wanted to finish the book I started Thursday night before getting on with anything else:

I think this might have been my favourite in the Fairytale series by Eloisa James. A nice Saturday morning read indeed. :)

Well, I'd better get down to some crafting once I have tidied up a bit, I also have this to watch while I work:

I do enjoy a bit of Tom Hardy on screen...

Versamark - my new old friend

Ahhh... I am so happy to have found a tip online for pre-inking your clear stamps with Versamark before inking them up with other ink to get better stamp results.

I have been really fed up with splotchy coverage from dye inks and some pigment inks, not to mention less than squidgy VersaMagic teardrop inks that are in their twilight years.

And now thanks to this tip I am even able to use my Distress Inks to stamp clear solid images as well as greetings.

My Versamark pad must be almost 10 years old now and it usually comes out at Christmas-card-making time for embossing or shadow effects.... not any more!

I have been inking up all my clear stamps with it before applying any ink and have been amazed at the difference. It does of course mean that I can now look at upping my Distress Ink quota from the 3 pads I currently have to include some nice subtle light shades.... hm... but where to begin? ;o)

Also with the nights drawing in and getting colder I will have to get back into some evening crafting - I've been too lazy catching up on my V+ recordings and reading but those Christmas cards won't make themselves this year!

Then again, I think it's time to start a new read while I have a long soak in the bath, got this out of the library this week so time to give it a whirl:

I finished the latest Lisa Kleypas...

...this morning before getting up for work - can't wait until Feb for the next instalment!

Packing to do...

I have so many things to do this week in preparation for my hols - but I've managed to tick a few things off the list so far this weekend, and not only that, my lovely new Kindle Touch is ready for action:

It's loaded with enough books to keep me busy, the WiFi connection (after much agro with my router) is working fine at home, aaaaand... the dusky pink cover that I only paid £7.98 for off amazon has arrived and my Kindle is now happily enclosed in it.

Have to say I am really pleased with the cover as it is so sturdy and the velcro strap at the top keeps it nice and snug. It's definitely going to be put through its paces in the coming weeks, but the real issue now is for me to ignore the temptation to go sit out in the garden and start on that list of books to read!

Too many other things to do instead, including trying to plan the prompts for the next few weeks of the 52 Cards challenge. ;)

Leisurely pursuits...

Have spent a good few hours this week reading and finishing the latest Jill Mansell:

A nice read for summer, but not as totally engrossing as the books I read when I'd just discovered here 5+ years ago! I think it is the same when reading Katie Fforde, having read all her books to date you are really used to the style and to some extent the plot devices that they become a bit predictable. Yet they do remain enjoyable. :)

Next up I think I will start:

I had a night off from the reading last night when I went out for dinner and a movie with a friend, we saw...

...and it was really good. Nice also when the rest of the cinema - both gents and ladies - laugh along all the way through as well. :)

Anyway, best go see how the tennis is doing and get stuck into my new book.

Summer has made a fleeting appearance...

...and the weather has stayed rather nice the past two evenings so I have been sat out reading a couple of books:

Which was OK - the ending was kind of abrupt but it had a few funny moments... not as funny or as enjoyably silly as Becky Bloomwood (the early days) but ok...

And...

The third book I have tried in the Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa James - a break from regency stories to go back to some Georgian shenanigans... rather good, but I like a break between these books rather than reading the entire series in one go. Think they are more enjoyable if read at a sedate pace too. :)

And finally I might as well share some of the pics from the Olympic Torch Relay that passed near me at the weekend.

So much for thinking that by getting to the Olympic Torch Relay route half an hour before it was due to pass by that I'd snag a spot in front of the park - almost! The crowds were out in force and it was great to see the pavements paved with people as far as the eye could see.

I even got a high five from this kind PC - well, between his royal waving...

Next came the Torch Relay bus.

Followed by the mascots...

Then the sponsors, didn't manage to snag a free bottle of Coke but the cheerleaders were revving up the crowd.

There was a little wait for the next bus... as folks threw themselves into the road for a quick pic!

The green flags got snagged before they reached us...

And then it was a blink and you'll miss him moment as our very proud torch bearer (Paddy Cronesberry) zoomed passed - he looked pleased as punch. :D

And now I'd best zoom off - final ep of the current run of Silk to enjoy...

Since it's raining...

...again.

And it's cold....

...still.

I think I am definitely due a lazy Saturday.

Hard to believe this time last week I was down on the (adventure) farm with two very adventurous little girls:

There was even sunshine. Amazing isn't it? Sunshine in May...

So with this yucky cold and dark weather I'm thinking I need some therapeutic crafting time. I will be searching up some challenge blogs this afternoon I think as it's been a while since I made anything other than my cards for the 52 Cards challenge and DCM dares. :)

And to help me get into the spirit my lovely little prize from A Passion for Papertrey arrived yesterday:

So what better excuse to use it on some new projects. :)

I also managed to finally finish The Witness this morning before getting up for the day:

It was good, but now time for a return to some historical romance due back at the library next. ;)

Also lazy Saturdays are perfect for getting stuck into new music. I am especially loving The Lumineers album I downloaded after repeated listening in preview mode. I hadn't heard of them until hearing the song Ho Hey used on Hart of Dixie then I discovered the rest of the album, and yep. I'm sold. :) Think this is my summer album this year, and Ho Hey is still my favourite song so far:

Enjoy!

Dismal weather means...

The return of cold and dark evenings.

Which has in turn meant that I had made my way through my backlog of recorded TV content, got back on Just Dance 3 on the Wii for some fun and laughs, and spent less time crafting.

I have plenty of projects I could be getting on with, but little motivation right now.

Also I am back on Slimming World - day 4 - yay! And it's been a bit of a time suck this week to get meals planned and prepped for work/after work to prevent any falling off the wagon. This weekend will be a bit of a challenge as I am out for a meal on Sunday and it's a local place that does the best Sunday Roasts apparently. Wondering if I can put aside some Syns to cover a giant Yorkshire pud... We shall see. But at least I have lost some of the cake-induced flab that accumulated over our 2.5 day scrapping weekend!

Anyway, I have a lovely meringue with fresh berries and a squirt of Anchor light to look forward to. Who knew 12.5 g of Anchor light would only be 1 syn?

After pud I am hoping to finally get into the new Nora Roberts book....

Which I picked up from the library last week.

They also rang to say the other new Nora Roberts book is in...

So I have a real stack to get through on my TBR pile at the mo. :)

Well, best get to it before another evening zooms by!

In need of an early night...

Since it's off to the NEC we go tomorrow for a day of (hopefully) fruitful shopping.

And I need to be up at something like 5 a.m. and the clocks go forward tonight so... yes. I shall be a pretty sight in the morning.

But today I have managed to catch up on a few projects and before the sun came out I watched the first season of Burn Notice almost back to back. I seem to be in a box-set mood at the moment. The next disc of Game of Thrones has arrived but I cannot face it tonight as I need something to send me off to sleep. ;o)

But anyway, here's a pic if the latest Easter card in the production line.

Paper: Crate Paper
Stamps: My Cute Stamps, PTI
Ribbon: The Ribbon Girl
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Other: Stickles, sewing machine, 3D foam

The stamped background on the label was made using this little stamp set:

I also finished off the latest Katie Fforde book the other day.

Well, I liked it - but didn't love it. It was all a bit predictable but a decent read nonetheless.

So that's another book down on my spring chick lit pile.

Right, best get myself sorted for tomorrow and get that very early night! ;)

This and that

Just a couple of pics to share this evening.

I made a simple card at the weekend that was still in line with pastel colours of the card I posted yesterday:

Paper: Echo Park, American Crafts, MME
Stamps: MFT, PTI
Dies: MFT, Sizzix
Button: Basic Grey
Other: Twine

I know... that typewriter set does get used a lot, but just goes to show it was such a good investment! hehe

This weekend I got back into some baking for Mother's Day, and made a batch of key lime butterfly cakes:

I added a few handfuls of heart-shaped sprinkles into the batter before baking. Next time I will definitely make half the quantity of buttercream, sorry Mary Berry, but there was a heck of a lot of buttercream for 12 cakes!

Also, I definitely need an oven thermometer if anyone has any good recommendations. They reviews are inconclusive on amazon and I definitely want one that isn't going to stop working after a few uses.

This evening I polished off my current read:

Fantastic!

I need some more horsey chicklit recommendations along the lines of French Relations, Well Groomed and Kiss and Tell by Fiona Walker. So please feel free to supply me with a list of books to try! ;)

Picked up some new books

Looks like I am back in Chick Lit territory for the foreseeable future. I've run out of regency romance reads. ;o)

Here's what's residing on my to be read pile:

But where do I start? ;o)

Something cheery for a sunny Sunday

I managed to get some creative time in yesterday afternoon and used some of my new stash.

It's been ages since I've had time to join in with a sketch challenge, so I chose this week's Mojo Monday sketch (# 228) as inspiration and made this:

Paper: October Afternoon, MME
Dies: PTI
Stamps: PTI
Felt: PTI
Punch: Martha Stewart
Other: Sewing machine

So it looks like I'm not quite over grey/yellow/peach colour combinations just yet! I shall be needing some new grey paper as my existing stash is starting to dwindle.

Also I have had a late start this morning as I ended up reading Walking Back to Happiness from cover to cover... ok, page 30 to the end!

Five stars! And I need to restock my tissues. But what a fantastic read. I only have The Ballroom Class left to read and will then be eagerly awaiting whatever new book Lucy Dillon has to write, have loved all of her books so far.

Anyway, I had best get back to what I need to get done! ;o)

A cracking read

Finished it this evening, and wow... just proves that the other Lucy Dillon book I've read (Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts) wasn't a one off.

Fantastic characters, a few familiar faces, and some canine characters you wish you could adopt. Not your usual chick lit, there are everyday triumphs and tragedies, big and small, that make you reach for the tissues. My kind of book. I will cry at most things in books, but it makes the blubbing all the more worthwhile when it's such a great read.

I have Lucy Dillon's first book, The Ballroom Class, on my to be read pile, and just need to get hold of Walking Back to Happiness to complete the set, but I want to savour these two as she has only written four books so far. I'm not complaining, in fact I hope there will be many more!

Short, but sweet

Well the weekend is almost over, I've not managed anything exciting since Friday night's crop, but the house is a lot tidier, boring tasks have been completed and well... I managed to finish this book at last:

It was a pleasant enough read, although I wish we didn't have to wait so long for the next in the series as I am rather intrigued to see how things develop. :o)

I also started this today:

On page 200 now and really liking it. :)

Now, I did manage to make something...

Paper: MME
Sticker: MME
Stamps: MFT
Die: MFT
Felt: PTI
Other: 3D foam

Love that lime twist polka dot paper from MME, yum yum aqua colours. :D

Right, I had best get back to my book. ;o)