Kool Kitty Musings

In the words of Borat: "Wawa-wee-wa!"

Oh boy... I picked up my package today filled with yummy goodness... and I just forgot how nice all the stuff I ordered was! hehe

Behold the bounty - I cannot wait to get using some of this!

 

Starting with something non-Christmas-related! I ended up getting this kit after much to-ing and fro-ing - looking forward to opening it up and seeing just what I have to play with. :o)

 

Impulse purchases are sometimes good! Especially this range from Echo Park, I saw their other Christmas release and wasn't that bothered but then I glanced and saw they had another release. This  one. And my oh my, am I glad I got it - love the colours and of course with my favourite font of all time featuring heavily in the design it was made for me! De Louisville - yet another reason to love you! But font aside, the designs and paper patterns are lovely, and the snowmen and penguins sooooooo cute! I just want to lock myself away already and play with this stash...

 

Here is the Crate Snowdays line that I had to have from previews. Totally reminds me of KI Festive crossed with Love Elsie's Noel line.... No surprise it ticked the boxes. Totally rad and non-traditional colours, but so much loveliness to work with. :oD

 

Back to the non-Christmas stash with some MME Alphabet Soup papers. I have seriously started loving their designs of late, what with the Quite Contrary lines like Jack and Jill earlier this year, plus that Valentine's line in aqua and poppy red/orange. Many of the reverse patterns in this alphabet Soup line are just gorgeous, and the fronts are sooo cute - like the telephones and lions and owls.

 

This was my only real Cosmo Cricket haul. The Togetherness mini-deck and matching chipboard. If there are any patterns in the deck I truly love, I can get a 12x12 sheet but it has been a bit of a blah release from them for me. Not much of their new stuff really fits into my "style", well until I see some projects that totally rock the new releases!

 

Here's the last of the new Christmas stuff. Basic Grey. I couldn't resist the snowmen woolies, fabric brads, the lovely bits and pieces, definitely going to be using these papers in my JYC 2010 album.

 

Finally a the bits n pieces pile. Can't have an order without a little Tiny Type right?

So that's it for the stash. For a while.... erm... it'll have to be a long while! LOL

While I took my pics I realised I'd not yet taken a snap of my lovely tea set that I bought in Florida back in 2007 it must be.... I bought it especially for my new house - whatever it might be. And at last I unwrapped it from its rather long hibernation and now have it in the kitchen. I just love the pattern on the teapot.

 

It reminds me of some coffee cups and a coffee table my grandma used to have - very 50s geometric pattern.

And also in the kitchen/conservatory... I took advantage of half price flowers in Sainsbury's. Well, I love fresh cut flowers and the glads were back to full price and weren't as nice as the Tesco ones, but these roses and carnations were calling to me. :o)

 

It's started thundering here and the lightning is starting to flash, so I'm logging off for now and going to get my tea made.

Bumper TV night tonight, my poor V+ box has to navigate many clashes in recordings - why do they always put everything on a Thursday night!?

But I think I will be catching up on BSG while making a card for tomorrow's dare. Still need to pack all my new stuff for the crop tomorrow, but might just bring it all in its box. :o)

Counting Thickers is half the battle

Friday night is crop night.

Now, when it comes to packing efficiently for crops I have quite a sketchy background.

Efficiency and forward-planning are not my middle names!

So tonight, in hopes of changing my ways slightly, I have tried to plan my Journal Your Christmas album for 2010 - and as mentioned I am going to try to go the December Daily route where I have the basics of my album ready before the first of December and just need to add pics and embellishments so come January it is done.

Well, that is the plan!

 

I'll be using something old... papers from last year... Yummy Jolly By Golly, October Afternoon, and some My Mind's Eye... ;o) And something new - new Christmas bits from Crate and BG, and Echo Park... my lovely package has arrived, but I need to go pick it up tomorrow!

 

I've created some templates from old Artbin satchel dividers for getting the holes punched in the right places, and for working out photo placement in my little Paperchase A5 binder...

 

I've dug out what seems to be the last of any KI Christmas line that a certain a-million-kinds-of-lovely person sent me last year.

 

And there's always room for some Eskimo kisses...

 

And somewhere along the line, I want to use these...

And counting Thickers?

 

I worked out I need quite a lot of numbers - and thankfully I have enough to cover all of them in my Thickers collection, quite a relief I'm sure!

Anyway, I'm off to finish watching Mansfield Park since it is a bit of bleak night for TV tonight.

 

This version is soooo much better than the recent Billie Piper version. Really recommend it for the Austen fans!

Tuesday nights won't be the same...

 

Yep, it's over... the final was fantastic, and I am so glad one of my favourites of the entire series won. :o)

I am seriously going to miss this show, but not the mouthwatering moments as hunger pangs started for a scone or nice choux bun!

And best of all... the little catch-up with where the other bakers are now. It brought a big smile to my face to read especially Miranda and Ed's updates.

And now, must stop all thoughts of delicious cake!

Sunday round-up

It seems like today passed really quickly! On the creative front I managed to get a few projects made.

This week's CPS sketch (#185) using some of the papers from the Making Memories stack from TK Maxx:

 

Papers: Making Memories
Stamps: Papertrey Ink
Dies: Papertrey Ink, Nestabilities
Button: Making Memories
Felt: Papertrey Ink
Ribbon, twine: Pebbles Inc, Papertrey Ink

 

So there we go, already tucking into that paper pile and using some new bits and pieces too! ;o)

Next up is one for the seasonal card stash... based on Inspirational Sketches challenge #83:

 

Paper: MME
Die-cuts: MME
Die: Nestabilities
Other: Glitter cardstock

 

I'm actually quite happy with how this one turned out in the end as it just wasn't looking right until I started sanding the edges and voilà - it all came together in the end. :o)

I didn't get as much done as I'd intended as I popped the next disc of Season 2 of BSG into my PC while working at my desk... and well, got more distracted watching rather than cutting and sticking!

And since it has been such an autumnal day, I started burning this:

 

Thankfully not too much cinnamon (or maybe I am becoming immune) and it's not one that starts the bad hunger cravings either! ;o)

Saturday is MIA

I've been up since 6 this morning as it was just sooo cold I couldn't sleep, so I read a bit in hopes of nodding off, and that didn't happen.

So come 10 a.m. I started on my task for the day. Getting all my piles of bills, statements, junk mail and all that filed, sorted and organised. Plus I had all my accounts to enter into MS Money going back to November last year.

Thank heaven's for online banking having a statement export function!

Now everything is completely up-to-date and I can concentrate on having some creative time tomorrow.

I've not even had chance to post my card for this week's DCM dare - which was on an airy theme!

 

Papers: Scenic Route, Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Papertrey Ink
Buttons: Making Memories
Dies: Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: Monsoon

 

The ribbon for this card was a serendipitous find. It's from one of my favourite Monsoon tops. They always use lovely ribbon in their clothing to keep it on the clothes hanger - and I always hang onto it for some crafty purpose.

Anyway, I have a Banana Frog project I need to make tomorrow, plus I really need to get planning this Christmas album and work out what I'll need to do come crop night on Friday....

But first, it's time to attach the winter duvet I think so that my bed is nice and snug tonight and I get a good night's sleep! ;o)

Places to avoid...

...if you are trying to be good and not buy scrapping stuff you DO NOT NEED!

Number one place: TK Maxx

I don't know if all this stock they are getting in is from a warehouse clearance or something, but I have never seen so many decent scrapping items in there.

Not so many weeks ago, Angela and I happened to trip over a rather large stack of Making Memories papers. £9.99 - four collection packs, 10 designs per pack, 5 sheets of each design. Only the odd sheet I would struggle to use, but plenty of quality stuff in there from the various Noteworthy-esque lines.

200 sheets of quality paper (not thin and see through). That's 5 pence a sheet!

Oh and we split a bundle of AC Thickers... I got some yummy scripty pink foam ones!

I also bought some very cute pink and black ribbon collections from pebbles inc. à la...

And in the past they have also had the packs of American Crafts paper collections (Teen), travel and everyday 12x12 album kits....

And today when we just happened to be in that shop, there were AC 12x12 neutrals cardstock packs, a black cardstock pack, various AC stamps, yet more Making Memories paper and album/page kits....

However both of us resisted very well.

And I am not going in there for the foreseeable future!

Also I have been avoiding the Papertrey website like the plague and trying not to become interested in what might or might not be still in stock from yesterday's release.

So to that end, I am shutting down the PC and getting back to catching up with my V+-ed Private Practice episodes!

Struggling...

Have you ever bought a paper line that you just loved when you saw it... Only to struggle to use it months down the line?

Well, at the moment I have that lovely relationship with October Afternoon's Fly a Kite.

I just can't seem to use it to great effect on cards. Grrrr... I may just set it aside for layouts (whatever they are!?) unless I can find some nice inspiration for it.

I'm persevering though and here's a little thank you card using some cut-offs.

Paper: October Afternoon
Stamps: Papertrey Ink
Die: Papertrey Ink
Bling: Prima

Hopefully tomorrow will be a much more creative evening, but tonight I'll be catching up on my V+'d shows before the Great British Bake Off starts! :o) 

Chipping away at the Christmas cards...

This year, I'm planning to chip away slowly at getting my Christmas cards made, so each week now before Christmas I'm going to need to make at least one card so I don't end up doing them all last minute come December.

Because in December I want to concentrate on my Christmas journal - which I'm tentatively planning to make in advance.

Very tentative planning!

Next weekend I really need to get down to planning it as I want to start it at my crop at the end of the month. Hm. Time will tell what happens with that. ;o)

So, this week's Christmas card is this one made in response to the current sketch over at the CPS blog (#184):

 

Paper: Cosmo Cricket
Stamps: Papertrey Ink
Pearls: Prima
Other: Organza ribbon, Stickles

Note, if you can't draw a nice tidy box with a pen and ruler, stick-on pearls are your friend to hide those corners! Also, SU white cardstock is my best friend for stamping onto - I think I need some cream card too, but wow - the results with my little rather old Papertrey ink cubes is faaaar better to how it stamps on regular cardstock. Spring Moss ink in action on the tree and stamped evenly, never thought I'd see the day. ;o)

It's difficult to tell when the card is stood up, but the insert greeting is positioned so its frame goes around the front greeting when shut.

And here's the inside, grey ink border and some Stickles, and distress ink (old paper) on white cardstock.

I'm rather in the Christmas crafting mood after making that card - but we'll see how long that lasts right?

During my crafty time I watched Changeling.

 

Very good movie, but cripes I need some light relief after it. Amazed it was a true story.

Hopefully the next movie from lovefilm will be one of the comedies on my list. I need a break from drama.

Also I finished the Untamed Bride this afternoon:

It's the first in this series and better than the second one, much better... but still, it's rather OT and so far fetched in places, not to mention revisiting past characters from Bar Cynster and Bastion Club series is overly done because those characters seem to have become caricatures of their former selves... :o(

I think I'm going to need a break from Stephanie Laurens now just so that I don't disappoint myself with the rest of the Cynster and Bastion Club books I still have to read...

Anyway, back to Sunday night entertainment.

Play time...

Well, since you were intrigued as to what my PTI blow-out consisted off, here are a few pics with which to better illustrate... ;o)

Some stamp sets - there were more I really wanted but had to show some restraint.

A good selection of very versatile dies including two of the fillable frames. I was very good and removed a load of fillable frame sets from my order but wish I'd added one of those mat stack dies now! Oh well... I'm sure I'll survive!

And the rest... all the felt that was available to date, it cuts very nicely and some assorted buttons, alas the holiday button collection that I ordered last year and that got lost in the post on the last leg of its journey is no longer available. But hopefully there will be some more collections in future as I love all the colours but don't need bags of each of them, I already have dark chocolate and sweet blush buttons.

And as for play time... after finishing my work yesterday I got everything out of its box, updated the PTI inventory excel (I told you I'd need it!), got my stamp sets unpacked and ready to use and went and created! I wanted to do something for this month's UKS cardmaking challenge but also have a go at a challenge for the A Passion for Papertrey blog...

Paper: My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Papertrey Ink
Dies: Papertrey Ink, Cuttlebug
Brads: Lasting Impressions
Other: Felt, twine, button

The white felt is the PTI felt, and the leaves are cut with Cuttlebug dies from one of the quilling sets from some other felt I had.

And those Just the Ticket stamps and die are fab. Will definitely be using them on all sorts of things. 

Anyway, now that I'm done with work for the day I think I might just get back to my stash. The washing up can wait! ;o)

The Great Papertrey Blow-Out 2010!

 

Yes, I admit it.

I weakened and finally made a blow-out order with Papertrey for some stash tools I've been admiring for quite some time. If you are going to fall off the bandwagon, you may as well do it with style (in fact this is usually the way I fall off any bandwagon).

It's a good job I can only allow myself to do this once a year because the postage and import & VAT duty is well... painful. It's times like this when it would be handy to have a friendly person in the US to send things on. Mind, if that were the case I would probably end up ordering all the time! LOL

But this here box contains a good number of items that will last me a lifetime and well, I like that!

I was up early this morning to go and pick up the parcel from the depot and pay the charges and now I need to get on with a day's work and ignore these lovely items.

I also need to ignore the PTI blog and website because I need no more temptation in my life right now!

However, now that they've arrived, I have the annoying urge to catalogue everything in a handy excel sheet just so I know what I've got... oh dear...

Best get on with some work-work I think!

I think I need a kick ass brayer!

This week's DCM dare is all about masks.... well I came up with an idea I thought would be very cool to experiment with.

Basically I wanted to cut a fancy label die from thin paper, attach it with repo glue to my paper background and then stamp a big old background stamp over it so that when I peeled away the mask there would be a nice fancy label shape left blank.

Well, 4 attempts later and my poor BG background paper was destined for the bin - I just couldn't get the background stamp to stamp cleanly all around my mask... hence the need for a kick ass brayer I think!

Anyway, you get the gist right? Shame the execution wasn't quite all there. :oP

Stash was very basic for this one as I wanted to keep it all very simple.

Paper: Basic Grey
Stamps: Hero Arts (woodgrain background), Papertrey Ink (greeting)
Die for mask: Nestabilities
Other: Satin ribbon and Signo white pen

Anyway I hope you all have a nice weekend, looks like it'll be a working one for me but I really hope to finally start on my book proper! ;o) 

So much for catching up with my TBR pile...

I've not read a single word of my current book since trying to start it Sunday.

Looks like the next couple of weeks are going to be rather busy with work and I may need to work this weekend too. :o\ More than likely after today's progress!

But this evening I have caught up with some stuff at my desk, watched the latest Great British Bake-Off....

Only thing is it makes me feel rather peckish!

And I've taken the opportunity of watching some free movies online with Lovefilm. This one wasn't too bad:

Have just found that Lost in Austen is free to watch online with my package so am catching up now, as I never saw it the first time round - a perfect excuse for some period adventures!

 

So far so good... :o) Best get back to it!

Still wiggy...

Typepad still seems to be having a little mood on... the post I wrote yesterday didn't publish until today but at least I can add pics to my posts again!

So back to the weekend... Saturday I had a lovely afternoon out on the coast with Zoe and the girls including a trip to a beach I've never been to:

It might look rather hot and pleasant in the pic, but the water definitely wasn't warm! LOL

After a quick stop for chips by the sea on the way home Zoe and I headed out to see this:

The kid in it was very cute, Jason Bateman I rather like, but Jennifer Aniston - still playing the same character in every movie I see her in. There must be a non-Rachel-Green role out there for her right?

Also I quickly overdosed on pick and mix during the trailers, never mind the movie! Not good.

Yesterday I attacked this:

My very well-stocked To Be Read pile from the library, I feel quite lucky that the lending limit is 20 books in my area, it certainly comes in handy when reading series!

And here's what's at the top of my pile and first due back at the library:

Hopefully it'll be tons better than the Elusive Bride (the second book in this particular series and really disappointing) - the first one seemed to be on loan from the library constantly since mid-June so I've only just got it! Fingers crossed it was worth the wait, but I think I will need a break from Stephanie Laurens land so that her writing, characters and plots don't get too muddled and stale.

But who shall I try next eh? 

Sumptuous Sapphires...

This week's dare over on the DCM blog is to a create a card based on September's birthstone, the Sapphire.

Well, Sapphires come in a few colours - including pink!

Here's my take on a pink theme. ;o)

 

Paper: My Mind's Eye
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Chipboard: American Crafts
Pearls and bling: Prima
Ribbon: Making Memories
Other: Liquid pearls, Stickles

 

I really think I need to degunk my sewing machine needle - but I like the look of a distressed edge and some machine sewing around the card. :o)

Post-holiday catch-up and back to real life!

So here we are in September, my fab holiday to Poland via the Baltic coast seems a dim and distant memory now... but I've actually transferred pics from my little camera to the PC and am hoping the pics on the SLR are much better as I didn't take that many with my little Lumix! Oops.

So here is a snapshot of how my holiday looked:

 

A stop off in Bremen centre to see the sights, including the very famous statue of the Bremer Stadtmusikanten (The Town Musicians of Bremen) - I remember this tale from the book of fairy tales I had as a child, it was full of fairy tales that aren't that commonly known in Britain but were great none the less!

 

Next up the view from the lake of our hotel in Schwerin, complete with hot air balloon. Really wish we'd had time to venture into Schwerin itself and its amazing castle - maybe next year as this hotel was definitely a highlight and one to revisit!

 

The reason we didn't stay long in Schwerin was so that we could get to the island of Rügen and in particular Sellin and it's wonderful pier! Another blistering hot day....

 

At the Amber Palace in Poland they had all manner of photo-worthy sights, including a lovely lily pond where at long last I managed to catch a lily pad in full bloom!

 

It was so hot at the hotel when we arrived, the sky was really hazy so no blue sky pics that day... but it was sweltering!

 

After a brief stop by the sea we got to Gdansk - the hotel was perfectly positioned on the river - amazing views, never had anything quite like it. But when we went out for our evening meal I totally fell in love with this lampshade at the restaurant. They had photo transferred imaging on the chairs, walls, etc. of traditional Polish/Gdansk artwork/sights - including Kashubian needlework, I really think Ikea needs to get producing this lamp shade, it would look perfect over the dining table.

 

Gdansk at night - an amazing place, the city doesn't seem to stop, lots of street musicians, lots of looking up at architecture, lots of yummy smells - the sights just go on, and on...

 

One of the views from outside our hotel from a tour boat, that former warehouse is now a nice hotel over the river, not sure they had air con. like ours did (a total blessing when the temperatures were in the mid 30s!).

 

Oh and how could I forget the cake? Many cake-tasting exploits this holiday... yumyum.

 

Quite fittingly for this year we made a visit to Chopin's birthplace in Żelazowa Wola. Beautiful grounds and thankfully it was the perfect weather for wandering - not too hot for a change, only the high 20s!

And there we are... back in the UK...

 

Back to my garden where my Italian beans had finally appeared and were ready for harvesting (they tasted most delicious on Sunday and I had some tonight with my tea).

 

Room made on my dining table for a couple of new purchases - I love the blue and dot pattern of Boleslawiec pottery... I also have a little milk jug and salad/fruit bowl to match. But I am still holding out for the huge vase we saw last year but didn't buy!

 

Also that jug is the perfect excuse to take advantage of buy 1 get 1 free offers on flowers. Nothing quite like some glads to make an impression!

 

And it looks like I'll be on a watermelon diet this week... not that I'm complaining. I bought a small one in Sainsbury's yesterday (nothing compared to the 5.3 kg one I lugged from the shop to my auntie's in Poland!) and chopped it all up ready to eat at home and work. Best enjoy it now while it's still seasonal. :o)

And aside from that?

I managed to read 15 or so books - yes still in regency romance land... and speaking of, I'd best get back to the current one. ;o) I am sure the obsession will end soon!

That time fast approaches again...

Yep, Saturday I'm off on holiday and the past week has been fraught with last minute washing, sorting, shopping, and various other pre-holiday chores... I hate the few days before going on holiday as once you've packed you just want to be going already!

But, I am no where near packed, I will be doing that tomorrow night... oh joy.

Instead I have been busy finishing off some projects for various things before I leave.

And what sights will be on the agenda this year?

Well, off to Poland via the Baltic coast this time, so hopefully visiting Rügen in Germany en route:

For some reason the pier at Sellin reminds me of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang...

I think Usedom is also on the planned stop-off route...

We're entering Poland right up at the north, and heading along the coast and staying here:

Hopefully some stops by the seaside en route to Gdansk where we're staying two nights on the waterfront:

Then we head south to visit my Grandma and family... :o)

The camera batteries are all charged so I hope to get some fab pics! Only taking two lenses this year... no zoom this time.

Oh and one of the projects I have been working to finish is a gift for my grandma:

Anyone who goes to my local crop will be amazed to see that I've finished it, because it has come to every crop I've been to since March... gradually being filled up but never finished - until last weekend! LOL

It's a kraft binder from Paperchase filled with their kraft pages (quite thin and I would recommend getting those clear adhesive ring defenders from Smiths to provide added protection for the pages) combined with Basic Grey's Kokeshi and a good many photos from last year. :o)

I am rather partial to these alpha stickers from Prima and the bling/pearls you get with them.

Also I added my first attempts at the Cuttlebug quilled flowers.

The one on the spine isn't great, but I know where I went wrong with this one!

The inside is quite straightforward - same layout on each page...

Plus stickers/rub-ons for extra detail...

And I had and still have a lot of black rub-ons...

...white ones too, to use up!

And there it is standing up...

And now, I'm not sure whether I should head off to bed, or watch episode two of the BBC's recent adaptation of Emma, I really enjoyed it on its original airing, but am loving rewatching the DVD. Excellent cast, wonderful costumes and settings, beautifully filmed... and I just love the silhouette credits at the start and end!

Long time no post...

Well I'm back again albeit briefly this afternoon to post some "recent" cards. ;o)

Today it's my dare over on the DCM blog - the dare is to make a card to celebrate Girlfriend's Day and Sister's Day (ha it's a good job July - aka National Ice Cream month - is almost over, as making a card for that would send me in search of a nice accompaniment from the freezer!).

But I digress, here's my card that will be destined for a very good friend. :o)

Papers: Girl Friday by Cosmo Cricket
Ribbon: Fancy Pants
Pearls: Prima
Other: Bazzill just the edge, Stickles, Glossy Accents

They're very Stickles-friendly these patterns, perfect for some extra pop. I also Glossy-Accented the "Queen bee" bit.

Also recently on the Banana Frog blog, this little project was posted:

Stamps: Banana Frog - De Louisville
Cardstock: Bazzill glazed
Papers: Cosmo Cricket, Echo Park
Dies: Nestabilities
Bling: SEI, Kaiserkraft
Other: 3D foam

I just love how this alpha works with ultra-zingy tropical colours - plus you can't beat a bit of layering!

And I am still addicted to using Bazzill glazed cardstock for card blanks. ;o)

Anyway, I'd best go do the washing up and get my dinner in the oven - exciting huh?

Oh I forgot to add...

Looky here...

Something other than micro tomatoes have ripened in my garden.... after weeks of just ignoring my blueberry bush and only going so far as to water it, yesterday hidden away, I discovered that there were some berries ready for picking!

In fact there were at least a dozen:

(photo taken after scoffing a good handful in the garden in my excitement!)

Already more have ripened this morning, but will leave them there for now...

On the creative front, here's the card I made for this week's Layered dare over at the Daring Cardmakers Blog.

Papers: Crate Paper
Stamps: My Cute Stamps
Alpha: Prima
Bling: Prima
Other: Stickles, 3D foam

Feels odd to have made something after such a long time!

Anyway, now the sunscreen has sunk in, I'm off to sit out on the beanbag and do some reading. ;o)

Don't you think it's a sad day when....

...you trawl through 20 odd sneak peeks for CHA and only see two items you actually like enough to add to your imaginary wish list?

In fact I am mildly disappointed by the lines being brought out by some favourite companies like Cosmo - not really digging their Christmas lines this year and I reserve judgement for the new non-holiday lines... :o(

I quite like Togetherness but think it will be one to combine with kraft for best results.

 
However, the only Christmas line that has caught my attention so far is the one from Crate - Snow Day:

 

It is Distressed KI/Love Elsie meets MME meets Jolly By Golly. Nice.

Aside from that I will be looking forward to the new glitter cardstock from KI - I hope it will be well received and picked up by stores over here, as I am in need of new shades of glitter cardstock... Also I wonder what their 3D "Liquid Pearls" will be like, I could do with something similar in zingy colours.

Other than that nothing has wowed me. :oO

I wonder what Basic Grey has in store and October Afternoon, plus perhaps there will be a fab release from BoBunny...

For a break from everything, went to see Twilight Eclipse last night:

I think my retinas are still burnt from one particular moment! But I enjoyed it more than the second movie... and it was a good idea we caught the early screening and the queues were out into the car park last night when we left.

Anyway, hoping normal life resumes this weekend and I get time to make something - and that my mojo returns!

July...

Where has it gone??

I can't say I've done much momentous this month judging by my photos... for the last week plus it has been work-work-work (including the weekend)... a few trips to the gym and some reading to relax before nodding off. Boring eh?

However I have managed to eat a lot of these:

Because I...

strawberries!

There's been minimal outdoor beanbag time because well... it's been like this or threatening to be like this whenever I've had time to read:

Instead the beanbag lives in the conservatory - my favoured reading spot.

There has been a new addition to the garden decor - not that there are any visitors to it...

Picked this up at TK Maxx yesterday for £7 I think it was. Very sweet and loads to choose from.

But this is the one that appealed the most.

So when I've not been working I have got through these books...

Simply Unforgettable by Mary Balogh - First in the series and rather enjoyable, so I shall be happy to read the rest in this series. :o)

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas - First in the Wallflower Series, shame the library hasn't got the next one yet as the titles in the series are currently being reprinted. Grrrr... but I look forward to continuing this one!

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh - A nice little stand-alone novella, an easy evening read. :o)

Can you tell my addition to historical romance shows no sign of abating any time soon. However... I did have a little foray back into Nora Land with her newest title:

 
The Search by Nora Roberts - I found the last two stand-alone books by Nora a bit unexciting compared to her previous ones, but this one was totally back on form. Really enjoyable and great characters... makes me wish I could have a dog of my own, have been fancying life with a well-behaved Boston terrier for quite some time... but it ain't gonna happen!

And the current read... I am trying to give Stephanie Laurens a go again, but not sure I'm ever going to LOVE her books...

The Lady Chosen is the first in the Bastian Club series... I'm keeping an open mind, honest!

Tomorrow night it's a trip to the cinema which will be a nice break, time to see whether it's Team Jacob or Edward this time round... ;o)

Escapism is the only way to go!

Well there are too many things conspiring against me at the moment to be doing anything productive.

Camera battery dead (still needs charging) so no real photos to share of interest... But here are some shots from the garden.

Now that it is overcast my pink lilies have started coming out - tsk and I can't sit out on the beanbag and enjoy their scent what with the blah weather we're having here:

I just hope the wind doesn't knock them over again!

Then other things are doing quite well in the garden, The Begonia Basket being one of them:

And I am patiently waiting for the fuchsias to open... no doubt they will while the weather is miserably dark and wet and will promptly drop off!

The only thing thriving indoors is the good old Geranium in the conservatory which gets visited by bees when the doors are wide open:

Otherwise I have been trying to keep up with my pile of books from the library (they have increased the limit to 15 books out at a time... yikes).

I've recently read:

Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick - rather liked her historical version of the Arcane Society Series, not that taken with the modern day series enough to get into it, but I may check out more of her writing as Amanda Quick. :o)
 

 

Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas - it was ok, but I blooming well hate these "romance" covers...

Next I returned to some Mary Balogh:

First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh - the first book in the Huxtable series, enjoyed it so will be getting the rest of the series out.

Then a new author to try:

An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James - never read her stuff before and this was an OK read, won't be checking out the rest of the series in a real hurry, but would really like to read the book about Jemma and Elijah Beaumont in this series. Hope the library gets it in for me. :o)

And now for my current read, although when I finish it is anyone's guess! I shall be working extra time this week and probably the weekend. :o(

And on that note, I think it only fair I go and get a few chapters read before bed! ;o)

Time flies...

Even when you're not sure you've been having much fun! LOL

It feels like this week has passed in a whirlwind, and no I haven't spent the entire week with my nose in a book either. My TBR pile has tripled in size and I am still on the book I started Monday... tsk.

But for a spot of creativity... I have managed to get a card made for this week's dare over at the Daring Cardmakers Blog - this week it's all about silhouettes... oooh so many options to choose from, but I have used this fab silver rub-on from Colorbok that has its own matching bling:

Cardstock: Bazzill
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Dies: Top Note, Nestabilities
Rub-on: Colorbok
Bling: Prima
Ribbon: Scrapworks
Other: Glitter cardstock

Just look how shiny it all is. Yum - fit for the mantelpiece!

Well it doesn't look like July is going to be any better for me with regard to free time. So I shall be taking a break (as I have been) from trying to keep up with the Card a Day challenge I set myself... lol I must have been mad to think I'd manage it, and instead will go back to making things as and when the mood takes me. ;o)

I will be keeping up with my Inspire Me 2010 personal challenge but with my holidays fast approaching in August I am going to be creatively awol for much of the summer by the looks of it! 

Lost in Austen... sorta.

I have been enjoying the Austen dramatisations that they've been showing as light relief to the football on ITV3 - well... enjoying more some than others... 

I just don't really "get" the film version of Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightly, much prefer the BBC one... maybe it is like Dr Who - everyone has their favourite from their formative years!

And I much preferred the recent version of Emma the BBC did, thought Johnny Lee Miller was a wonderful Mr Knightley...

But ITV's adaptation of Persuasion had a great Captain Wentworth in the form of Rupert Penry-Jones:

 
  
Anyway, this has all been a nice accompaniment to my current guilty pleasure.

Regency-set historical fiction... erm, including some good old romance!

Definitely a guilty pleasure yet soooo many books to try and to choose from. My library list has been well-stocked and I have been in there almost every other day picking up something new and returning a little stack of finished books.

This weekend I've read:

Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh - have never read any of her books, but enjoyed this one although I hate starting in the middle of a series rather than at the beginning. But I shall definitely be adding her to my author list and following the series.

And then last night I read (very quickly and skimming in the end...)

The Elusive Bride by Stephanie Laurens, second book in the Black Cobra Quartet and it was very "meh" for me. Just a bit OTT and far-fetched in plot (well even far-fetched for this genre) and I just didn't warm to the characters at all. I hope the other books in the series are better as I have the first one on my reserve list at the library. Plus she seems to be a very popular author for this genre, but I much prefer what I have read of Lisa Kleypas and Mary Balogh so far. I've read another of Stephanie Laurens' books from the Cynster series and just hope the other books in that series are better too...

And now I am reading:

Amanda Quick's novel set in Victorian times and includes some paranormal talents... I find Jayne Anne Krentz a bit hit and miss in the books I've read. They are nice enough reads but never terribly exciting... So will see if her historical fiction style is any different. :o)

Ruby Tues... er Friday...

This week's DCM dare is an homage to the birthstone for July - the ruby!

My slant on this dare took me down a few avenues last night when trying to make my card... it was one of those evenings where nothing went as planned in the creative department!

However at least it's cheery - although I have always wondered why the girl on the swing has such a shocked expression in these October Afternoon stickers! Answers on a postcard please! LOL

Papers: Papertrey Ink, American Crafts, October Afternoon
Stickers: October Afternoon
Stamps: My Cute Stamps
Border punch: Fiskars
Other: 3D foam, Stickles

So there we go, slowly getting through some of my Fly a Kite stash, plus any excuse for some zingy colours!

If you are a fan of these...

Get yourself to Aldi!

They are selling multi-packs of peanut butter cups, nutrageous, Reese's Pieces, and Hershey's cookie and cream bars (white and regular "chocolate").

I stocked up the cupboard for emergencies... and have some peanut butter cups chilling in the fridge for optimum enjoyment later.

I bought some of the white cookie and cream bars to try... erm.

Think I will be sticking to just Reese's stuff from Hershey, I'm afraid I can't give up Milkybar as my favourite white chocolate! ;o)

Also Blue Cross sale in Debenhams today - was rather successful in purchasing a few items!

Summertime hop

If you've joined me from Debbie's blog, welcome to the next stop on this month's Banana Frog blog hop!

As you know this month's theme is all things summer!

And what better excuse than to dig into some new summer stash and play with some of the stamps in the new Sentimental Style set from Banana Frog:

 

This set will definitely be an indispensable addition to any cardmaker's stash - whatever their creative style! You can go very stylish, clean and vintage, or bright, funky and very mod.

Here's my little homage to our currently unseasonal British summer weather! Very much a cause for celebration! :o)

Papers and stickers: Echo Park
Stamps: Banana Frog - Sentimental Style
Pearls: Prima
Other: 3D foam

I love the bright colours in this collection of papers, and it just shows how Sentimental Style lends itself to all types of colour schemes and patterns. For extra zing and pop I stamped onto kraft in white and red ink, and the greeting stands out even more than had I stamped in black on white. If you're going to use bright colours, you might as well go the whole hog right? :o)

And finally, the winner of the Tropical Taste stamps from my Lilypad lesson at the weekend is Julie:

 Beautiful cards - I love the shapes - theyre fab and gorgeous stamps. xxxx

Posted by: Julie | Sunday, 27 June 2010 at 02:36 AM

Thanks for stopping by - make sure to check out the other Design Team blogs that are Frog Hopping this month - remember to leave a comment on all of the blogs, as you may just win something!

Now it's over to Michelle for your new hit of Frog temptation and inspiration!

Sunday round-up

Well the day has certainly passed quickly - much of it was spent outdoors in the sun finishing up the last of the planting for the summer (well possibly), getting the hanging basket bracket up for the trailing begonia, and the wire on the wall for the climbers.

All that remains is for it to all take nicely to its new earthy home. :o)

The hot weather hasn't been so kind to my David Austin roses and they have been drooping a bit, however it has meant that any victims of the sun have been cut and brought into the cool of the lounge:

Otherwise I have been staying away from falling for more Elemis luxuries, although I finally succumbed in the late evening to one huge temptation... it was rude not to!

So I shall be looking forward to my goodies arriving this week.

Also I should post the card I made for today's Project of the Day over on the Banana Frog blog - I've had a bit of a busy Frog Blog weekend! ;o)

Paper, journaling card and sticker: October Afternoon
Stamps: Banana Frog - Hiya Chick! and Sentimental Style
Border punch: EK Success
Twine: Papertrey Ink
Other: Rock Candy Stickles

 

Now I need to go and have a soak to get rid of the layer of sunscreen and BBQ soot (not that I partook, just got caught down wind of a party) - and I have just the item - I managed to stock up on 3 bottles of the now discontinued Dream Boat Milk Bath from the Bodyshop in their in-store sale yesterday. £3 each and so worth it!

 

Today over at the Banana Frog blog...

I am sharing these card projects:

Stamps: Banana Frog - Totally Tropical, Tropical Taste, Sentimental Style
Paper: KI Memories
Bling: Prima
Dies: Nestabilities
Other: Stickles and Liquid Pearls, 3D foam

The Fruit Punch Stickles went perfectly with the colours of this card. :o) 

Next up a bold and bright card:

Stamps: Banana Frog - Budmo Jiggler tadpole set
Papers: October Afternoon
Flower/fringing: Cuttlebug
Button: Doodlebug
Die: Top Note
Other: Stickles

Budmo Jiggler really pops with a bit of Stickles in the dotty accents.

And finally... a little romance:

Stamps: Banana Frog - Sentimental Style, Hiya Chick!
Papers: Bo Bunny, Making Memories
Pearls: Prima
Twine: Papertrey Ink
Button: Doodlebug
Dies: Nestabilities
Other: Stickles

So there you have it - 3 little notelet projects that are pretty quick to put together and will stand out on any mantelpiece. :o)

Now, if you fancy winning a set of the Tropical Taste tadpole stamps, just leave a comment here and to double your chances, post comment over at the original post on the Frog Blog.

I'll announce the winner this coming Wednesday! :o)

How cool....

This week's dare over at the DCM blog involves ice and snow! Yep, you may only have just got used to the unseasonably lovely summer weather in the UK, and now it's time to cast thoughts to wintry things... and in my case... get the Christmas stash out!

Any excuse, as you know I love it so!

Anyway, here's my card:

Paper and stickers: October Afternoon
Stamp: Papertrey Ink
Other: Glitter cardstock, Stickles

Lots of 3D dots in this one plus Frosted Lace Stickles have finally done what I hoped they would do... look like lovely snowy ice! They've usually looked a bit dull in the past when I've used them, but here they really are the perfect accent for the house. :o)

So the only problem now is that I am feeling rather inspired to do some Christmas cards.... in June... well I suppose it would be better than leaving it until December!

Also thanks for all the comments on last week's DCM blog post. I shall be picking the two lucky winners this weekend so come back to see just who got the stash! 

My sincerest hope today was...

That England win that match today... not because I am a follower of football, yadda, yadda, no... it was purely, ok, almost purely for the selfish reason that the gym was practically empty come 3 p.m. and I managed to use every machine I wanted to! Yes, long may England stay in the World Cup if nothing else than to allow me to enjoy going to the gym again! :oP

Also enjoyable was the surprise that my lovely little order of My Cute Stamps had arrived:

Some new additions to the existing stash, but I did buy some "boy" sets as I am really stumped for boy cards...

But the project I made tonight for this week's DCM dare has put me in an entirely different creative mood... LOL
 

This is summer....

The view from my beanbag in the garden... accompanied by some sweet ripe M&S cherries (let's forget the price tag!) and a new book!

Also two new albums I have been waiting for rather impatiently were finally released yesterday:

Lissie's debut album - Catching a Tiger

And Sarah McLachlan's long awaited new album - Laws of Illusion!

So these will be playing away in iTunes for the immediate future!