What a Spellbinding tree, sharing an oldie this Friday.

Good morning and how are you this Friday?
It's that time of the week again when I encourage you, just for the fun of it, to join me in reposting an old creative make on your blog.  I shall add a link below for you to join me and will visit anyone who plays along.  It's all about sharing your crafting journey and looking back at how styles change or maybe don't.  You be the judge!

Today I have the same Christmas tree as last Friday's oldie, but how different is the card?
This intricate tree die by Spellbinders so requires wax paper to get a nice clean cut but does means that you can keep the rest of the card quite simple in style.

For this card I have used Spellbinder M-Bossabilities folder Elegance together with 2012 Holiday tree and Shapeabilities Holiday tags.  The sentiment stamp is from PI Kirsty Wiseman's Many Greetings and the ribbon, bling and ring are from my stash.

I do hope you manage to play along with me, a big thank you for those of  you who do, as always I look forwards to my blog hope over the weekend, catching up with you all.

Time now for me to sign off and get into work.  Have a super Friday everyone, I'll be back later to catch up.

An InLinkz Link-up

It's the season to be jolly, but less is definitely more.

Evening all!
Bends knees and pulls braces.  Can you tell my Dad was in the Police?
Every time I hear that phrase I automatically bend my knees, pull my braces and think of the Police force.  Some things just stick!

How are you all?

It was a tad cold again for our morning walk today, but wrapped up warm, it was the perfect way to wake up and start the day.
I followed my walk with lots of excitement, scrubbing the bathrooms.  I know, exciting, not.
I don't know about you but I do love a clean bathroom.  There is always that added temptation to put police tape across it in order to stop anyone using it, just for the day.
I'd just like it sparkling for one day.  LOL.
Hubby was home just after lunch and today he took me for a drive out to Baxters, lots of lovely gifts and food to look through and then refreshments afterwards.
I'm enjoying the trips out when I am off work but I am not getting much done at home.
I did decide to craft once home and I have made another LIS card joining the lovely ladies on the "Less is more" blog this week.  The challenge this week is to use purple and gold on a card and keep it simple.  I don't know about you but I found this a tad challenging, the reason?  I would always tend to put purple with silver not gold.
But isn't that the point of a challenge, to get you to step out of your comfort zone and give it a go?

Sorry about the lighting on this photograph, by the time I had the card ready to photograph it was dark here, it is gold and purple, honest.

I have again used my Misti tool, first cutting out the shape using Spellbinders labels 30 whilst cutting I added embossing ink to the die so that I could add gold embossing powder once through the machine.  Then I inked and embossed Goodwill and the crown on my stamp from Waltzing Mouse Seasonal remedies, having cleaned that I then went back and inked the rest of the stamp using Distress ink Seedless preserve.  I punched two holds through the die cut and attached matching purple ribbon through it.  Before attaching to my card with tape I embossed the bottom of the card with a Craft Essentials Plaid folder.  I finished it with a tiny wee bit of bling just above the crown.

Thanks ladies for this challenge I have to say I was really surprised how well the gold went with the purple, it's just a shame that you can't get the best of the purple with the photograph, don't you just hate these early dark evenings?

That's all from me this today, I hope you have had another good day and plenty of crafty fun.  Back to work for me tomorrow and Saturday with a dine in so it will be crazy busy again.

As Arnold said "I'll be back" tomorrow with another festive oldie.  

Stay warm and cosy folks.

A little light on the subject.

Hello folks and how are you this Wednesday evening?
All I can say now is "well, today didn't turn out as planned!"
It started normally, getting the boys up and out for school.  Once the house was empty of male members the dog and I went for our morning walk along the beach.  It wasn't a bad morning considering some of Scotland was forecast snow yesterday.  Hat, scarf, coat and gloves and I was fine and toasty with the added bonus it was dry and clear.
Once back I caught up with a program I had taped whilst having breakfast, then pottered around but before I knew it hubby was home and he took me out for lunch at Allarburn Farm shop.
I can thoroughly recommend the shop for lunch, great VFM and homemade products, just head in early as the cafe can get very busy over lunchtime.
This was followed by a trip to the auctions where we left bids for four items.  I have since got a phone call to say we won two, whoop, whoop.  Shame about the third and fourth items though as I really wanted them, we had argued about the price to leave and I had wanted to put on more than we did.  It will be interesting tomorrow to find what the other items went for, better still, we better not as hubby will hate me saying, "I told you so!"
On the upside he has a great box of new to him tools which means he can get more jobs done at home.  I also have a lovely old mirror to alter.
This was then followed by a bit of shopping which included new fire baskets (our old ones are on their last legs!) and some bits and bobs for Christmas.
Needless to say I didn't get the crafting done that I had planned as by the time we got home it was time to pick up the kids and start tea and homework.  On the kid front I was impressed with my youngest child's school reports last night, a couple of areas to work on but on the whole the feedback was very encouraging as he settles into big school.

I just had to show you one of my purchases, I could not resist!

Aren't they cute.  Little gingerbread men cutters with lights!
I have hubby working on a wooden pelmet to cover the top of my blind (Pinterest has a lot to answer for!) in the kitchen and I thought I could put these on them in the run up to Christmas.

The other new I have for you.....remember last week's entry to the Less is More Challenge blog, you can see it here.
Would you Adam and Eve it, I only won a prize.  I don't very often enter challenges with work commitments, crafty work and usually "mummy stuff" so I was tickled pink to do so especially as it was their 300th celebration.
Thank you so much ladies you have fairly made my day.  

Sorry nothing crafty to share today I've just been sat repeating yesterday's card with my Misti in the hope I do have a few handmade cards to send next month.
Tomorrow is another day and I am not working so I do hope to fit a little crafting around the housework.....watch this space.

Take care folks and before I go I must just add GOOD LUCK to America after today's results.
Oh me, oh my what have ya'll done!
Lets hope it is good news and not bad but I can't help feeling it will be more doom and gloom than joy and happiness.  Only time will tell.

Oh Christmas tree, CAS all the way.

Good evening and how are you this Tuesday?
A busy day for me in work today followed by a busy evening.  I am out soon for my youngest first parents evening at his new school.  It is going to be a long night!  Let's hope it is a good one though.

Whilst I am busy I thought I would share you another of Christmas card design that I have been playing with.  I am afraid it is another retake on a style of card from last week, loving my chevron SU punch just now.  It might not be Christmassy but it is certainly getting a look in this festive season.

LIM all the way with me at the moment.  Again I have used my Misti tool with stamps and die from Papertrey ink Tags and tinsel.  The green cord was from a flower bouquet and the green bazzill card is from my stash.  I have used Walnut stain, Twisted citron and Peeled paint distress ink plus black for the sentiment.  I have finished with a little bit of bling.

That's all from me, I'm off now back to school!
I will be back either later to catch up with you all or tomorrow when I have a day off.
Enjoy the rest of your evening.

What would you rather be "rustic" or "distressed" at Christmas?

Good morning and how are you this Monday morning?
Cloudy skies here in the north but there is blue behind, here's hoping the latter prevails today.  Mind you it has definitely gone down a few notches in the temperature scales.  For me a perfectly good excuse to stay in the warm and craft but I'm off to work with my cleaning head on.
Before I go I thought I'd share the finished palette trees that I challenged my hubby to recently.
Now I have the problem of which one do I like the best.
One tree has been left totally rustic and just waxed with a clear wax.

It is just over three foot tall with the star and I love the fact that all the imperfections in the wood and the bark are highlighted by the wax.  Sorry not the best photographs as they were taken in the dark this morning.

The second has been painted with white chalk paint, then a dark wax added before polishing back, giving it a distressed feel about it.

The nature of the wood means that each tree will be slightly different.  I love them both but can't make up my mind as to which one I really prefer.

I have now purchased some green chalk paint, that will be the next challenge set.
I should not give myself so much choice, as I can't make a decision to save my life!

Did you have a good weekend?
I had a crazy busy shift at work on Saturday, Christmas is coming!
This was followed by a relaxing evening in, crocheting and catching up with Strictly followed by a family movie night which ended up being a lot later than planned.  With that in mind the FFF on Sunday ended up being a very chilled out, relaxing day at home with brunch and an afternoon of crocheting.  Not a bad way to spend a wet, chilly Sunday afternoon.

That's all from me today, off to work I go.
I shall be back later with a cup of tea and will catch up with everything you have been up to over the weekend.
Happy crafting!

It's the weekend time for a creative smile or two.

It's the weekend I would say yippee but I am working every Saturday on my new shift pattern, it is just a short shift for now but I'm sure it will stretch out as we get nearer to Christmas.  Whilst I am away I thought I would leave you with a few creative funnies hopefully to make you smile.
To start it is the 5th of November today, Guy Fawkes night. 
Are you going out this evening to an organised event? 
We have two locally but it will depend on the weather if we go or not.  My eldest isn't interested, another festival that he has grown out of, boo, so we will have to wait and see what the evening brings. 
Whilst sat last night looking for quotes I came across this and thought it fit the occasion perfectly.

How different the celebration would have been if it had been a sunflower, treacle and pop!

I have been full steam ahead on my crochet project this week and therefore my crafty features have a hooking feel to them.  First of all, this is me most evenings.....although the tea might be occasional replaced by something a tad stronger!

This is me at the moment.  Getting ready for Christmas!

This is so me too.  I was crocheting before I switched the computer on to write this post, so guess it is very true.

Finally this last quote is for all of you out there who try and craft with animals present.  I don't know about you but I am regularly joined by a little friend who likes to distract me, sit on my wool, pinch my wool, you know the picture.

Holly hasn't worked this out yet.  I wonder how long it will take her?  It certainly would work in this house and it did make me smile.

That's all from me today, I plan on a little more crocheting later depending on our Guy Fawkes experience. 

Then we have planned a little FFF day tomorrow. 

What is FFF I here you cry?

This is what one of my friends calls a family day out with teenagers.  FFF = Forced family fun!

You will go out as a family and you will enjoy yourself!

Or as my kids think, time for the parents to get their own back.  :)

Enjoy your weekend folks whatever you have planned, I hope you have a good one. 

More from me on Monday.

Oh Christmas tree, how fine you are to me. Oldie style of course.

Good morning and how are you this Friday?
Another day for me in work so without further ado I shall bring on my oldie.

For this card I have used Spellbinder dies, Grand Scalloped squares, 2012 Holiday tree and Shapeabilities Fancy tags.  The sentiment is again from Many Greetings.  The paper is MME 12 days of Christmas and the bling is from my stash.  This is a whopper card at 8 inches, not my normal size that is for sure.

I'd love it if you could join me sharing an oldie this Friday.  What is it all about?
Well, I encourage you to re-post a earlier piece of your handmade works and link up with me below.  
I find it fascinating seeing everyone's crafty journey, how fashions change and even go around in circles.  I shall visit anyone who links up with me below and can't wait to see what project you have picked for this weekend.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who regularly join me on a Friday or Saturday with your oldies, it means a lot to me that you play along.  I enjoy my catch up with you all.

As Halloween is now official done and dusted and we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK I thought I'd start and bring out some Christmas oldies.  Feel free to join me but it is not a requirement.

This is very true in retail, thankfully we don't have music in our store.  Two months of wrap around Christmas carols might just send me over the edge!

That's all from me today, enjoy your weekend and I shall be back to check out your oldies later after work.  More from me tomorrow.

An InLinkz Link-up

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

Good morning and how are you this Thursday?
It is dreich again here today, which made for a lovely wet walk along the beach this morning.  It really doesn't have the same appeal in the dark, cloudy and wet mornings, which is such a shame.  On the upside we were the only ones on the beach, the dog and I.

A day off for me today before the weekend rush at work.  Things are definitely ramping up for the festive season now, whether we like it or not Christmas is coming, full steam ahead.
Lots of the usual housework and less interesting things I should be doing but I thought I'd start the day with another CAS Christmas card.  This time I am playing along with Pixie's Snippet playground.

Again as on Tuesday I have played with my Misti and stamps/dies and papers by Papertrey ink, Tags and tinsel.  I finally settled on a little teal and red combo and a different twist to using the bauble die.
The wee snowman is a separate stamp to the Merry Christmas circle so I used my old Tombo pens (purely because I have tidied my craft room and now can't find my distress pens.  Argh!
It always happens when I tidy, now where did I put them?!) to colour him in.  Another great benefit of using the Misti being able to come back and add more details.  Now to just rattle a few more off to add to my very small stash of Christmas cards before coming up with another design.

That's all from me today.  I better go and crack on with the boring stuff in order that I can come back to play, I mean craft, later.  Enjoy Thursday everyone, I'll be back tomorrow with an oldie.  Catch you then.

Clean and simple all the way with that happy fella Noel!

Good morning and how are you this Tuesday?
It is a beautiful sunny crisp day here in the north of Scotland which makes a lovely change after the constant rain we had yesterday.
My morning walk along the beach was brisk.  The sea was a little choppy and as you looked out over the horizon you got that early morning tickle in the face that says "wake up sleepy head!"
So much quicker than waiting for caffeine to kick in the system.

Did you have many little ghosts and ghouls guising last night?
We didn't get one.  Much to the delight of my kids who tucked into the basket of sweets and home bakes I'd made.
I guess it's a sign that my kids are growing up although they're quite happy to eat the rewards!
Here are my quick bakes after work.  Rice crispy cakes, always a kid winner and some vanilla cupcakes.  I have added some Halloween sprinkles and spiders to add to the spooky night, even though it was very quiet here.

I also have two pumpkins that were untouched so I think I shall be making a job lot of pumpkin soup later today and I am contemplating having a go at roasting the seeds too.  I do love a pumpkin seed, maybe with a little cinnamon and brown sugar, mmmm.
I will have to see how time goes as I have food shopping and ironing to bag first.  The joys of a day off work.

On to crafting and today I have decided to join the lovely gang over at Less is more again.
The challenge this time is celebrations and festivals.  I have taken this as an opportunity to crack on with some much needed Christmas cards.

This is my first finished card using my Misti.  It is brilliant for multi layering stamps.  This stamp set is by Papertrey ink and is from the Tinsel and tags range.  I loved this Noel stamp but previously hadn't much success getting a good black finish, now I had the ability to re-stamp over my original image again and again I could get a much crisper deeper colour.  It was also then perfect to add the little leaves stamping first in Twisted citron then stamping again the second time on the bottom edges with Peeled paint.  I did the same with the berries using Barn door then Fired brick on the bottom edge.  The I cut the bauble using the matching dies with the Tinsel and tag range, adding a wee bow and a bit of bling.  On the background card I have used my SU chevron die and added black card to the rear.  I did play around with sequins and bling but in the end I preferred the clean and simple finish.
I think I might be making a few of these cards, plus in the set there are other similar stamps.  I wonder which one will be next?

Thanks for popping by today, I hope you have a lovely Tuesday.  I'm away to crack on with my boring old jobs in the hope I get some more crafty time later.  More from me tomorrow, happy crafting to you all.

Happy Halloween......now time to ramp up for Christmas!

Happy Halloween to you all.
I have failed miserably this year.  The decorations are not up, the lanterns are not carved and the sweeties are not bagged.  My two boys seem to have reached the age where they're no longer interested in Halloween.  Mind you I haven't really got into the spirit this year either which is not like me at all.
I'm away to bake some cupcakes and some crispy cakes just in case I get lots of kids later, mind you if the weather is anything to go by I don't think we'll get many visitors.  It is pouring down and has been all day.  You know the type of day when every time you leave the house or work you get wet?
Basically a perfectly dreich day.
A busy morning for me at work today cleaning, lots to do as we ramp up for Christmas.  I was also lucky enough to get a spotlight award.  It is when you get acknowledged for going above and beyond and it means I get a wee bonus from the management as a thank you.
Well chuffed!

Back to crafting, recently we had some wood delivered for the fire.
Is it sad that I got all excited because it was delivered on a palette?
I have been after a wooden palette for a while to try and make some rustic Christmas trees after seeing the idea loads on Pinterest.  On Sunday I sent my man that can into his "man shed" with a diagram and he made me this.

My rustic tree and a star for the top.  

It has been sanded down and now is sat with a coat of chalk paint on.  I did ummm and arrr as whether to leave it all rustic and just wax it.  

I decided instead to go for the shabby chic look and once the paint is dry I shall be sanding it back before waxing.  There is also the possibility of painting or decoupaging it, decisions, decisions, so much choice and not knowing what I shall like the best.  

That's all from me today, I did try and post early but the wifi was playing up before work. 

I better go and get cake baking before putting on the tea.  

Enjoy the rest of your Halloween, I hope you don't get too many scary visitors. 

I will be back later this evening to catch up with you all. 

BOO! It's the weekend time for a funny quote or two.

Morning, I hope you are well this Saturday?  I'm just getting ready to go to work for a short shift, whilst I'm out I thought I'd share a Halloween themed post today.

The following quotes made me smile this week, they not only have a touch of  Halloween but in honour of the final Great British Bake off this week, they do have a wee link to the mysterious art of baking also.

All the little newts walking around with sticks did make me smile.  

Oh come on, it is Halloween!

As for this next one, modern technology at it's best.

Although in this day and age I think a very large Kitchen aid in black or blood red would be nearer the mark.

Does this ever happen when you're trying a new recipe?

 

I do like to see a picture when making something so you know whether you have "nailed it" or not.
Unfortunately not all cooking books now have a picture of everything.  It is what we want folks!

Did you watch the Bake off?  I was gutted Andrew didn't win.  Instead the Queen of Pout won, but then she did have the best bakes on the the day, which is what the show is all about.

That's all from me today.  Everything went well at my appointment yesterday, I even managed a wee bit of shopping afterwards.  Unfortunately no crafting, but then there is always the rest of the weekend.  Fingers crossed!  Enjoy your weekend and happy crafting.

Time to share an oldie this Friday.

Sorry I am late this morning folks, this week has been a bit crazy getting back into the swing of things.  Trying to get the boys up for school is a task in itself especially after a lovely break.  Work this week has been really busy and I am in tomorrow too.  The joys.
I also seem to be having a few computer issues, my main frame is seriously playing up at the moment.  I think a little computer tidying is required!

On to my oldie.  It is Halloween this weekend, I have always loved this holiday but this last couple of years as the boys have gotten oldie, I have to admit, it has taken the shine off the event.
Anyway in honour of the season my oldie for today is this......

I made this banner with beer mats, buttons, and scraps of paper and ribbon. 

Do you recognise the papers? 

Have you got them in your stash?

I made this such a long time ago the make of paper has alluded me.

I hope you manage to join me sharing your oldie this week, it can be anything you have made yourself and either previously posted or never gotten around to posting.  The link to join in is below and I will visit all over the weekend and share in the love of all things handmade.
Thank you in anticipation of you playing along, you know who you are!  I love it that you take the time to play along with me each weekend.

It only remains for me to sign off for the rest of the day.  I have a check up at the hospital this morning after my operation earlier in the year then I should really come home and crack on with some housework.  Between you and I, I am planning on having a couple of hours to myself whilst everyone else is out and about.  What will I get up to, that is the question?
I'm sure I will share next week if it turns out to be anything exciting or crafty or both.

An InLinkz Link-up

Get ready. steady, nearly time!

Bake!

Are you ready guys?
It's nearly time for the bake off final.  The kettle is going on and I have baked.
I can't wait to see who wins, personally I am voting for Andrew to win, what about you?

I have made some "oranges and lemons" muffins especially for the occasion.

Yum.
Is it sad to say I've been looking forwards to the program all day?

It was so busy today at work I had to check with a few of the customers that we weren't giving something away.  Maybe I just didn't get the e-mail!  But no, we weren't.  
It was start of this weekends dine in where you not only get your main, side and wine as usual but you can choose from a starter or a pudding (which is a change from the normal).
If you decide to have both a starter and pudding, you can pay extra than the £10 but you actually pay for the cheaper item.  Yes, you heard me correctly the cheaper!  A good deal but not many were getting the right options.  This means we are set for exciting times during rest of the week at the tills.  :)  Fun and games.

Short and sweet from me tonight.  I am away to make my cuppa and get my cake ready.....steady for the bake off!
Enjoy the rest of the day and I'll be back tomorrow with more.

It's the little things that make the biggest surprises.

Good afternoon and how are you this Tuesday?
I should have been at work today but had a wee shift change this week to fit a couple of appointments in.  My first a trip was to the dentist, my four month check up.  All was good so I promptly came home and had a cuppa with a toasted scone to celebrate, as the title says, it's the little things!
I had an unexpected day off after my trip to the dentist, would I be productive.  I do have housework, a card order and countless Christmas cards to make, so what to do?
I sat and started a Christmas present!  You weren't expecting me to say that were you?
As it is for Christmas I can't show you much as I don't want to spoil the surprise but here is a sneak peak of my first part.

I'm not giving you a lot to go on am I?  MMMMM. What can it be?!
LOL.  I'm afraid you are going to have to wait as I don't want to spoil the surprise.  All I am hoping is that it looks like the pattern and it doesn't end up being a "nailed it" moment.

I also had a lovely surprise today.  My husband doesn't very often render me speechless but he has today.
This arrived with my name on it but it said ordered by him.  The plot thickens.
I couldn't think what it could be, so I opened it.  This is what I found.

Now those of you who know me, know that this is one charity I support.
I usually make poppies for this time of year, I haven't this November, instead I have supported the charity during the year by other means.
When I saw this box I got, dare I say, a little excited.  There had been something on their site I had admired but no he couldn't have, could he?  He wasn't even here when I had looked!

Goodness me, he had you know.
At this point of opening it I am not afraid to say I had trouble reading the certificate.  Sniff.
What was inside?

Beautifully packaged.  A fabulous Somme poppy in a beautiful red box.

Each 1916 Somme poppy commemorates the life of a Soldier who died in the battle and is made from a brass shell from the said battlefield.  My soldier is Private G E D Bishop who was in the West Riding Regiment.  He died on 24/09/16.
I had to share this today as I am so grateful, it will be treasured and I think it might even inspire me to look into the life of Private Bishop.  I wonder where it might take me?
I do love history.  I will let you know if I find anything.

On that note it's tea time again and my brood shall be shouting soon if I don't make a move.
Back to the little things!
I shall be back later this evening to catch up with you all in blogland.  Enjoy the rest of your day.

Back to the grind! Bottle it, that's what I'm going to do.

Good afternoon, whilst I have a beef stew brewing on the stove I thought I'd catch up with you after the weekend.  How was yours?
I got all the dreaded ironing done and dusted on Saturday, I was there most of the day but it was a good job done in the end.
As for Sunday I don't know where it went.  Getting ready to go back to work and school.  A nice walk with the dog and my best pal.  Not a lot else.  A little crafting but not really much to show you.
I was playing with these.  I found a die by Sizzix called Canning Jars and I thought it would go well with my Waltzing mouse stamps Seasonal remedies.
I can't decide which I prefer, I was going for the chalkboard look.

The first one is white embossed and the second just white stamped.
Can I make my mind up which I prefer?  Nope I can't.  One lid shiny and one matte.
Decisions, decisions.  I think they'd make good Christmas tags but quite fancy putting them on a card too.
Do you play with bits and bobs before finally coming up with a design?
I'll probably have half a dozen variations before I decide what I like the best.  Talk about indecisive!
Which combo do you prefer?
Tag or card?

We were all back in the thick of it today, boys back at school, hubby and I back to work.
I actually had a good day's cleaning and bizarrely enjoyed it.  I must have been in the mood today.
Very strange and not at all like me, I guess the holiday away has done me good.
Before I go I just wanted to share something else with you.  I don't normally get all girlie but when I saw this perfume on holiday I just had to buy it.

How cute is the packaging.  I just had to have it, it's just over 5" tall.  So unusual and very neat, don't you agree?
I like things that are different, a bit quirky. and this certainly is.
As they say "a change is as good as a rest!"
I've had both lately, my holiday and now new smelly.  I have stuck to the same perfume for years so thought it was time I shook it up a bit.  Do you stick to trusted smells or are you more adventurous?

That's all from me today I've just been asked the dreaded question "is tea ready yet!"  So I better get cracking.  Catch you with more tomorrow.

It's the weekend time to share a creative smile or two.

Good morning and how are you today?
This is the last weekend of my holidays, I am going to take bad to going back to work!
As for yesterday, I had a great day with my bestie at the Golf View Hotel in Nairn for our Spa day.

We had a swim, Jacuzzi, together with use of the sauna and steam room, topped off with an outdoor hot tub looking out over the sea.  It was a beautiful day for it too.  The view was amazing.

Then we had a massage which was followed by afternoon tea, sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream plus a selection of cakes and oodles of tea.  All very civilised and relaxing. 

Then on our journey hope we did a little shopping, I even got the first of my Christmas presents.

A great day was had by us both and it was lovely to have a good catch up.

Back to today and as always I have been hunting down some creative quotes to share with you.  It is started to get hard.  If you are a friend on Facebook I apologise as I have already shared these this week. 
I did think that they were good enough to share again, so here goes.....

I have many bags like the above one in my craft room.  Do you too?  I bet you do.  Do you know the worst thing though?  It's when you open the bag and look at the item you've bought and can't remember why you bought it in the first place!

This next quote I firmly believe in.

Shame no one else in the house thinks the same. 
Only me?! 
Having said that hubby has cooked the last couple of evenings which has been nice. 

Finally this one is so true.   Us bloggers are testament to it.

Lets share away!

I have a very important meeting with my ironing board today, yippee, crampons at the ready.  I can't put it off any longer as all the holiday clothes build up. 

If I am good then maybe I'll get some crafting in later?

Enjoy your weekend folks, I hope you have some crafty fun planned? 
More from me again next week.

Sharing an oldie this Friday, join my crafty journey.

Good morning and how are you today?
I have a lovely day planned today, my BFF got me a Spa day in Nairn for my birthday.
Today is the day that we are both heading over for a pamper day together.  Bliss.  I am going to be so chilled after the last couple of weeks that I am not going to want to get back to normal next week.  Not one bit!

Whilst away I have picked a real oldie to share with you this week.  You can tell just from the photograph how old it is.

It's not the best quality photograph I am afraid but you get the general idea.  This card is from 2008! One of my first Tilda stamps coloured using prisma pencils.  I have used my Cricut to cut out the numbers and name.  The patterned paper is by Heidi Grace and matched with plain card stock/kraft plus prima flowers and brads.  

This card was for one of my son's friends back in nursery.  He doesn't see her anymore now as she is away at another school.

I would love it if you'd join me sharing an old crafty project today, it can be anything you've made yourself and can be either previously posted or something you never got around to posting on your blog.  There is a link set up below and I will visit all and leave a comment, sharing the crafty journey!

Before I go I would just like to thank those of you who do join me every week, I really look forwards to seeing what you are sharing.

Finally before I go, I am still having a few technical issues getting up to date with everyone's blog. 

My computer decided yesterday that it needed updates etc....and it would take a few minutes, yawn, hours later and I was still waiting.  The joys of getting away from it all.  

Normal service will resume shortly!

Enjoy your weekend folks and thanks for popping by.

An InLinkz Link-up

Feeling hot, hot, hot.

Hello folks and I am back with you after having a wee break.  Now I did have the intention of getting the house all sorted and doing some DIY and decorating.
I did get the tidying and housework up to date but then whilst searching the internet for late deals in the sunshine we found this place in Ibiza and decided why not pop away for a week of sunshine, so we did.
We stayed at The Sensatori Resort in the bay of Cala Tarida for a week of sunshine and chilling.  Two books read, followed by lots of chilling, eating and drinking.  As for exercise, a little walking and exploring, swimming, tennis and a couple of sessions of archery.  Move over Robin Hood!  I even hit the target!
Such a lovely place, I really didn't want to come home.

The view from our room....

The beach.....

From the other side walking back to our hotel.

The rooms were really clean and tidy and just my colours, I wish I could transpose this back to old blighty, right up my street.

To the left was the balcony and to the right the sliding door lead to a small room with two single beds and a TV for the kids.  Behind this photo is the a big bath room with all you could need including robes, slippers and loads of toiletries.
I'm liking the wall art and the hanging lights next to the bed.  Oh and behind the photo lit up on an evening.  Very swish!

The pool was a tad cold but lovely once you were in with a bar close by to get snacks and drinks.  We were all inclusive for the first time which was great with the boys, they could help themselves whenever they wanted.

The restaurants were lovely and although you had to get up early and book it for the following night we had no problem with this.  Hubby was thrown out first thing in the morning to sort, which worked very well for the rest of us.  Our favourite restaurant was the Italian but the best view was from the Spanish.....

This was the sunsets that greeted you as you ate your tapas and paella.  How magic is that!
I could never, ever tire of seeing this view, with a lovely bottle of wine to wash it down.  ;)

The hotel was beautifully decorated throughout and I only wish I had taken more photos to share.  I seemed to be the only one with an old fashioned camera, most choosing to just use a mobile.  I did however find this quirky little number whilst out for a walk with my wee man.

I loved this iron gateway to a property, with Halloween approaching I thought it was quite appropriate and very cleverly made.

I also loved the shabby chic look of the beach bar and restaurant.  I would love these rustic chunky chairs and tables.

On closer look....

Nice and very rustic, just perfect down by the beach.

Lots of photos for you today, whether you like it or not!
Back to normal for me tomorrow, how do you fancy joining me digging out an oldie but goodie?
I hope you will.
I'm off now to make like Widow Twanky and wash till I drop, I better get some food shopping in too.
Wouldn't it be nice if everyday was like a holiday?
Back to normality with the Christmas rush ahead at work.  Yippee!  Bring it on.

Life gets in the way.

Good morning folks and how are you this bright and sunny Monday morning? 
The weather may not be as warm but who cares with the sun out and beautiful blue skies.

As you know I am on holiday at the moment and I was expecting to get plenty of crafting sorted.  I wanted to start Christmas cards and presents and have a good old tidy around the house, maybe even a little decorating too.  In other words lots to do.  With that in mind I have decided to take this next couple of weeks off blogging.  It would be nice to keep things going but I am going to see how much I can get done by keeping away from technology, I have a to do list and I want to get through it. 
Work will continue to ramp up between now and Christmas and I would like to enjoy time with the family and get ahead of myself before the festivities start.
Lets see if I can resist the pull of electricity!
Am I as bad as my kids?
The draw of my computer has me loosing hours and I really want to make the most of my time.  It is all to easy to download a box set on the TV or go browsing on line and I just won't get anything done.
On the upside it will hopefully mean that when I come back after a wee break, I will have lots to share. 
So ta tar for now and I plan on starting posting again a week on Friday with an oldie.
I better go and roll up my sleeves and find my bigger brushes, time to get creative in the home.

It's the weekend, time for a creative smile or two.

Good morning folks and how are you this Saturday?
It has become a habit to share a few creative quotes to make you smile on a Saturday whilst I am at work.  Today however I am not at work but still have plenty of things to do at home.  What to do first is the question.  Whilst I fight with what I want to do and what I really should do, I thought I'd share these quotes as they made me smile yesterday.
This first one is really advice. 

Purely for health and safety reasons of course.  Why?   Well, those of you who regularly visit know the reason.  Yup, my craft room is a mess, that being an understatement, a bomb having gone off is probably more appropriate. 

Then I start tidying, only to then have this issue....

Hands up who is nodding in agreement with the 69% point?  It is so hard to stay focused.  The will is there but the distraction is TOO great.

This next one has me slightly worried. 

I like to make my cards and presents but every year the festive season seems to approach so much quicker than my fingers can make. 

Every year I think I shall get more organised and every year I usually get worse.

Not panicking just yet but starting to think I might not get through the list of gifts I would like to make.  Gulp!

Finally something completely different but when I saw it I did think, I so need one of these.  If I feel this then I'm sure some of you might appreciate it too.

How neat is this line? 

I so want one. 

Anyway that is all from me for today. 

I spent yesterday baking, this time I made banana bread and more rocky road. 

I have been enjoying not having to rush about.

No plans as yet for today but I shall let you know how I get on.  Hopefully it will include a little crafting.