Golf a good walk ruining or is it?

Afternoon, it is a glorious sunny day here, the washing is out, the dog is walked and the jobs I intended to do are done.  Now I can't decide to garden or make some cards?  It's a tough decision.  It doesn't mean there aren't things that need doing but I refuse to spend all of a good day inside.

Are you bored of the holiday snaps yet?
For those who didn't get the films yesterday the first was from Alice in Wonderland and the second was Big Ben from Peter Pan.  Classic Disney films.

Today pull up a chair and get a fine cuppa 'cause it's story time!
Are you ready?

A long time ago in a land not far away a jolly fine chap decided to take a not very princessy girl on a holiday of a lifetime.  OK not totally spot on but it sounds far more interesting than, when my husband and I first met 20 years ago he took me away to Florida for a fortnight and we had a good holiday, except for the tornado the second week.....but that isn't the part of the story I'm sharing today.  Back on track........
You see in Orlando there are so many other things to do as well as all the theme parks and on one particular day he decided to take me to a crazy golf course called Pirates Cove.  All the way round the course he basically whooped my ****.  Beating me every step of the way....that is until the last hole of the day.
Now there was a challenge at this last hole...whoever got a hole in one got a pirate token which enabled the owner a free round of golf at your next visit.
Guess who got a hole in one at the last hole.....when it really counted?!
Yep me....and I kept the token and in true crafty style I scrap booked it.  I was proud of my last minute reprieve and it gave me something to remind him about!

Why am I telling you this....well, we thought we'd take the kids to the same crazy golf place and share the love with them too.

It was still there!

Upon arrival we told the staff and they said if I'd brought the token they would have honoured it.  

It's worth more to me to keep it!  LOL.

Still we had a great morning wandering around the course....mind you there was a bit of cheating going on!

And a few lost balls in the water!

But all in all we had a great morning doing something a little different and it wasn't busy like the parks.

In the end there had to be one "evil" winner.........with a wee pirate bag for the kids and an ice-cream to round it off, a good morning was had by all.

We all got a hole in one at one part of the course or another but not one of us managed it on the last hole, boo!

Such a shame not to carry on with the tradition but it wasn't meant to be.

I hope you enjoyed today's story?!*

I have now finished my crochet project, I just need to sew it all together and then I can share.  

Enjoy your Wednesday and I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine too?  x

It's mouse land! Well it would be rude not to share?

Hi all, more holiday snaps today.

A little foggy here first thing today but enjoyed my morning walk, hopefully the fog will lift and it will be sunny later, as it has been all weekend.
The gorse is out in full bloom down the front just now, bright yellow flowers and the aroma of coconuts, a smell I associate with brighter sunnier days and holidays.  I think we might be through the worst of the weather now.  Maybe I shouldn't say that out loud?
This is my favourite time of year as plants and animals start to bloom as we head into the warmer months.

Today I am sharing with you Disney's Magic Kingdom.  I don't seem to have many photo's of it during the day but we did pay a second visit at night to see the evening light parade too.  My youngest wasn't so keen on this park.....I think it was just too busy for him.  Lots and lots of excited children about!
Let's start at the train station on entry to the park.

One of our favourite rides.....Splash Mountain.

This and Big Thunder Mountain where the boys favourite rides of the day....basically anything that threw you about or got you wet was a winner.  Although I did think these rides are now looking a little dated when you see newer rides elsewhere.  (Shame on me!)  Of course the funniest thing was that mum always seemed to get put in the seat that gets the wettest, which to the kids was even more fun!

By night I was surprised that the park was equally as busy but found it even more magical.  We found a great spot to watch the light parade with some other lovely people.
You would not believe how horrible some people turn when getting a spot to watch the parades.  Grown adults shouting for the characters attention refusing to let small children in front of them.  It was shocking.
It was the only time you saw the other side to folk as the rest of the time people seemed happy to queue and chat.
We ended up in a nice group....we had two families that stood in front and demanded the best view but the funniest thing was that the parade came over the bridge behind us so we got a better view from the side than them, LOL.  What goes around comes around!
Oh and we let all the other children in front so they all got a better view.   ;)
Now can you guess your films from the floats?

Have you got it?  How about this next one?  It is a little harder but both are classic Disney films.

The day was finished with the firework display at which point my youngest was more fascinated that at 10 p.m. at night, he was still in his shorts and tee-shirt, exclaiming "it's still warmer that it would be on a good day at home, during the day!"

I have to admit I preferred the night parade because it was a little cooler than the day one.

That's all from me today.  

I have the delights of more housework and ironing today but I am nearing completion of my next crochet project so I do hope to share that with you soon.  

I hope you have a good day.  x

Favourite shopping and eating places in Orlando.

Hi folks and I hope you all had a super Easter weekend?
Full of chocolate?
Whilst talking of food I thought today I'd share two of my favourite eating places in Orlando starting with Ihop.  Karen and Gayle this picture is for you!

Yummy pancakes with bacon and syrup.....mmmm!  Naughty but nice.

The next one is....

LOVE Red Lobster.....they had me on the raspberry iced tea and cheese biscuits....even before my order arrived!  

My eldest boy tried the snow crab and hubby had beautiful shrimp but my salmon was amazing.  In fact we ended up there a few nights.  Nomm.

To me, put aside all the parks and the rides the one thing the Americans get SO right is service in restaurants. Yes you are expected to tip and I suppose that is an added incentive but the staff take time out to make sure everything is perfect, great with kids, and refill drinks/bread/biscuits without being asked (at no extra cost). It's just a much more enjoyable experience and we could certainly learn from them on the service front here.

Now to my favourite shop....can you guess?!

A trip to Orlando would not be complete without a visit to Michaels.  I could spend as long in there as a theme park!  But my boys were having none of it.  Boo, hiss!  Still I managed a couple of crafty bits and bobs to add to my collection of fine crafting products.  :)

Finally this was the boys favourite shop and as it is Easter it would be wrong not to include some chocolate.

This has got to be the biggest M & M going, mind you my youngest was a little disappointed it wasn't real!

Just look at the selection too.  How can you possibly choose which one to go for.....well, for me it would have been teal but I was trying to be good.  

Needless to say a few made it back to the hotel room, just!

That's all from me today, no Easter Monday celebrations up here in Scotland.  Kids are in school so guess I better crack on with the usual jobs. Hopefully if I'm quick I might get some crafting in later.

Enjoy your Monday.  x

And now for a wee crafting interlude.....

Afternoon to you all and Happy Easter.
Are you having fish tonight?  I don't know what we are doing as the cupboards are bare, best I go food shopping soon.
It is a beautiful sunny day here in the north of Scotland, so much so my conservatory furniture has been stripped and is now hanging on the line.  #Spring cleaning.
I've got everyone home so I won't be getting any crafty time today but it is great weather for a long walk along the beach and an ice-cream.

Instead of more holiday snaps today I had been asked for a couple of bespoke cards so I thought I'd share them instead today....just in case you thought I'd given up crafting all together?!

The first brief was a donkey, not a cute Eeyore type of donkey, a proper one.

Apparently the lady in question keeps Donkeys and it is not a slur on her character!

The second was for a simple bunch of flowers.

Briefs followed to the letter, the cards went out last night before I made another couple of crochet flowers.

I shall be sharing that project when it is finished.

It only remains for me to wish you all the very best for this Easter weekend, I'm in work tomorrow but hoping to enjoy a nice family chill out day Sunday with maybe a nice roast dinner.

I hope you have a visit from the Easter bunny too.  x 

What was next on our journey?!

It's wet and wild today, the white horses were fairly jumping down the beach and the sand blast fairly woke both the dog and I up.  It's a tad nippy too.....a perfect day to forget about the jobs, put on the fire and do a little crafting!

I am I boring you with the holiday snaps yet?
Guess this is the modern version of having your friends around for the evening to show them your holiday slides?!
Does anyone remember that?
I used to enjoy playing with my Dad's slide machine just before an evening event of viewing and nibbles....making sure a couple were the wrong way around or upside down, used to make me giggle....the simple things!
It certainly would add a little fun to the evening.

Not so many pictures today as I don't really want to plaster lots of the family over the net....I have picked a couple out for you as a wee taster.

The second park we visited was Disney's Hollywood Studio's.

Now, at all parks there are activities for all ages but I do think this is a good one for older kids.  Lots of rides/attraction like Star Wars, Jack Sparrow, The history of the Movies, Studio tours, The Twilight Zone and Rollickin 'roller coaster to name but a few.
This is also where you are shown all about how props are made, stunts are done, filming, costumes, editing and the history behind Walt himself.

The Rollickin 'roller coaster was my youngest first roller coaster ride and boy what a ride.  I think I even closed my eyes at some points....talk about waking you up with force first thing on a morning!

We did giggle about it once off the ride.  You just really don't expect the start......and I'll leave it at that as I know a couple of you reading this are planning a visit later in the year and I don't want to spoil it.

Next was the haunted house.....I LOVE this ride....it is done so well and waiting in the queue is equally as interesting as there is so much going on. Some of the gravestones will really make you laugh.  Very clever at winding you up before the ride, so much so my youngest refused to do this.

Once you've done the Tower of Terror no ghost ride in this country will ever come close.

This next picture was from a play area for children and related to the film Honey I shrunk the kids.  It was great fun for kids and adult alike. Everything was at mammoth scale, lots of large plants and rubbish, waterspouts, ant runs etc...  At one point I kept hearing sniffing and I said to hubby "can you hear sniffing or is it me?"

It turned out round the corner there was a 6" dog nose.  It did make me laugh.

Final photograph today is of food....now we didn't have one of these apples, I thought they are far too good to eat.  The detailing on the "treats" was amazing and each Disney park had these sort of shops.  As I like to bake I can only dream of getting this final effect....bit like some of the fancy makes you see on Pinterest (they look too good to be real!)

Anyway that is all from me today I plan on an afternoon off today, I have a bespoke card to make and either some crocheting or sewing planned.  More from me tomorrow, enjoy your Thursday.  x

Our first visit was to Sea World.

Hi folks, not so warm here as it was yesterday and the early morning walk on the beach was "fresh!"
Still working here on that mountain which seems to be never ending so I'm just doing a bit each day.

My excitement yesterday.....not in a good way, was a wee dead bird in the conservatory, bless....who managed to cover everything in poop before giving up on life.  Such a shame as if I had noticed I would have tried to let it out.  Still I have the joys of tidying that later.

The first place we visited in Florida apart from the hotel was Sea World as we were staying in one of their hotels just around the corner.
Sea World has had a lot of bad press of late with regard to their Killer whales but I have to admit I thought the trainers had a good relationship with all the animals at the park, with a real emphasis put on only working with the animals when they want to.  I'm sure some will disagree and I have yet to watch the documentary "Blackfish" behind all the controversy....maybe that may make me change my mind?
One of the arguments seems to be on the size of the tank in relationship to the ocean....which is a strong point but you could say that about most animals in captivity.

Do folk feel the same about animals which have been rescued from extinction purely by breeding programmes in captivity? 

Deep questions for you today folk!
I certainly don't have all the information to be able to make a decision either way.

Personally I think the whales are magnificent and very clever creatures, I enjoyed watching and learning all about them.

The kids had other ideas with two big roller coaster rides to do....the first being The Kraken!

I have to admit to having wobbly legs after this one!  

Talk about being all shook up.  The boys loved it and went back on again and again.  Sorry the picture quality isn't' the best.  It is probably a good thing.

The second was called The Manta....and once seated actually tips you to simulate the position of a Manta ray.  At first I didn't want to do this one especially after having wobbly legs from The Kraken but I'm glad I did, it was a super roller coaster.

The boys loved it too.

My youngest at the start of the holiday didn't want to do any rides!

I know....we didn't know what to do....no amount of encouragement would sway him, but at some point mid first week that all changed and by the end of the holiday he was a roller coaster demon!

I think it just him a wee while to get into the swing of things out there, the heat, food, drink and all the activities.  By the time we had to head home he really just wanted to stay forever!  Kids.

More from me tomorrow enjoy the rest of your Wednesday.  x

Did you guess correctly? But it wasn't my favourite place!

Hi folks, and yes, some of you guessed correctly.  The family and I went to Orlando in Florida to see "the mouse" although I have to admit it wasn't my favourite place we visited.  What I hear you gasp?!
I know how bad is that?
But there are so many other places out there to visit, with not a mouse in sight!

Today I thought I'd share a few pictures, with many thanks to the photographer at Discovery Cove for them. I must mention that these are for my own personal use and can not be copied, thank you.

Discovery Cove was an all inclusive day out, everything was provided.  A buffet breakfast up on arrival, photo's taken, snacks, drinks, lunch, sun cream , wet suits, snorkel and mask plus towels, shampoo etc...

It was a huge site and the day we were there it wasn't very busy at all. We grabbed beds by the Coral Reef and Ray Lagoon, a pool where you could snorkel with the fish and rays.  It was fabulous, although having not snorkelled before it took a little getting used to at first.

I was soon keeping up with the boys, who use them all the time in the sea here.

My favourite time of the day was heading to Dolphin Lagoon around lunch time to spend a little time with dolphins....yes I know....how magical is that?

Our dolphin was called Latoya and we were warned she was a bit of a diva!  She kept disappearing to play with the other dolphins but the trainers work with that and still give you the same experience with the animal even if you have to wait a little longer for the fun to start.  We got there in the end!

I got a kiss too!  (My youngest wasn't keen but give him his due he did it, but refused to take the picture to school!)

This was the best bit though.......

....my swim with Latoya.

Another thing ticked of my bucket list!

It was a super experience and Latoya was a star performer, she seemed to be enjoying the fun just as much as we were.

This was followed by a super buffet style lunch, I had a Chinese meal followed by red velvet cake!  Well, I was on my holidays.  Yum, yum!

The afternoon was then spent swimming in the tropical river, feeding the birds at the aviary and in the resort pool (complete with bar seats in the water!  Very bizarre!) before more snorkelling at the coral reef to finish.

All in all, a fabulous day out and well worth the ticket.  A lovely relaxing and chilled out day in amongst the dashing and queuing at the theme parks.

I'm back! Can you tell where I've been?!

Hi everyone, did you miss me?!
No crafting has been done over the last couple of weeks, not even a little bit.  Oh my, how many withdrawal symptoms?
I've been busy, very busy having lots of family fun.
I didn't mention what I was up to before hand because you never know who is reading your blog being open to all, you can't be too careful. Now I'm back in sunny Scotland I can share with you.
Let's have some fun first as I've got lots of lovely washing and ironing to catch up on.....the worst part about coming home from holiday....yes I've been on holiday, but can you guess where?

Here's a photo for those of you not on Facebook....who will already know.....

Can you guess?

I'm away to fill up my washing line as the sun is out.

The dog is suitably walked and chilling in the sunny conservatory having also had a fun couple of weeks staying with good friends, I think she had a fab time too.  More of that later.  

She is really clever too, we came home to "welcome home" banners and a card, together with rock and soap made locally in the village! (That is where she has spent her holiday!)

My pal who had looked after the house had also popped essentials in my fridge and flowers in a vase for me.

I am grateful for good friends......you guys know who you are, and I totally intend on repaying your kindness very soon.  x

Whether you like it or not!

That's all from me today.....have you had a guess of where I've been?  

I'm sure you'll get it straight away.

More from me tomorrow.  

Patsy Clairmont-crafting Part 2.....there's also a chilly edge to today's project!

Good morning all, brr it was cold this morning out walking on the beach and wet, not my favourite walking weather but it seems to be brightening up now.

I wanted to share is this video.....the part two from yesterday's "I like to craft!"

When I listened to this yesterday I really did laugh out loud.  

Have you listened to it and  have you had a project like this?!

I have, I planned on making a wreath and loved the idea so much I bought a dozen more wreaths to make as Christmas gifts one year.

Guess how many I made?

Yep, one and I kept it, LOL.  It too so long to make, my hands were sore by the time I finished.....I must find a picture of the culprit and share it with you.....another watch this space!

Back to today's post, it is the last day of school before our local Easter holidays, I would say my last day of freedom for a while but the wee man has been off again this week.  Apparently there is a virus doing the rounds that seems to be lingering and returning.....he isn't really poorly but just off colour and not his usual self. Calpol to the rescue!

As the kids are due their break I have decided to take time away from blogging over the next few days and enjoy some quality family time.  If I do get around to anything crafty I will share it with you but I'm not promising anything.  I intend on getting out and about and having some fun.

Before I go today I wanted to share this with you.  This is a bespoke card made recently for a lady with a very specific brief.....a snowcapped mountain with skis, poles and boots!

I'll see what I can do......

                                                                                                                                .......and here it is.

I think I've fitted the brief don't you?

It only remains for me to wish you all the best over the coming days....if you have children at home, enjoy!

I'll be back soon with more crafty fun.  x

I'm a crafty woman!

Morning all.  I've been missing in action in the early part of the week.  Lots to do before the kids break up this Friday and a few extra hours at work keeping me out of mischief.

I saw this clip on Facebook today and just had to share it.
At the moment I have to agree with this video............I own crafts just now! :D
It really made me giggle.....so this is to all those unfinished projects.
I'm sure you must have one or two too?

Enjoy your Thursday and I'll be back tomorrow with more.

Nifty at 50!

Good afternoon all, have you got that Friday feeling?
I haven't as I'm working all weekend but then I've been off during the week so you can't have it all!
Last night my BBF rang me and said any chance of a plain 50th card for a man for tomorrow?
And why not.  It would be rude not to.

A bit of tartan and layering, personalised and Bobs your Uncle.  Clean and simples!

I caught the dog napping on one of the boys bean bags yesterday, obviously more comfortable than hers. 

You can tell from the look she's giving me that she knows she is not were she should be...one eye open!

Can you guess what she is saying, I reckon....."just ignore her, she'll go away....I'm not really here!"

So cute but then I'm biased.

Have a good weekend, I hope you are up to something fun or interesting.  

Happy crafting if you get chance.  x

An artist by any other name.

Morning!
A lovely walk along the beach today, dare I say Spring could be on it's way?  Best not.
The kitchen cupboards are all looking a lot cleaner and emptier after a mammoth chuck out....just the appliances to go now and then the larder.   I'm just doing a bit each day in-between other jobs.  Mind you today I have my rope and crampons out and at the ready.....can you tell what I'm going to be doing soon? Boo!

Today I am sharing a bespoke order for an artist who will soon be 70. This chap enjoys painting watercolour land and seascapes so this is what I came up with.

Lots to crack on with today, I will share more later!
I hope you have a great Thursday.  x

Crafting with friends.

Morning all, still on my knees in the kitchen today, these jobs are always longer than you think that they'll be, aren't they?
Today I thought I'd share a couple of photographs from the crop on Sunday.  Not so many of us this time but we still had a good craft and giggle.

Don't you think the girls look very productive?

We had sewing, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching as well as card making and scrap-booking, basically anything creative goes.

As you can tell from the photos we like to bring a lot of stuff with us!

Three of us are missing as were behind the camera ooooing and arhing at Tracy's selection of papers that she brought in to share.  

To top it off we had a lovely selection of home bakes this session washed down with lots of tea and coffee, my perfect kind of day!

On that note I better get back into the kitchen.  :(

You hum it, I'll strum it.....can you name that tune?

Did you have a good weekend?
I had a busy day at work on Saturday and then watched the rugby, shame England lost the Six nations to Ireland but what a way for O'Driscoll to end his career in professional rugby.  It was a great competition this year with some very close run matches.

Yesterday I got together with some of my crafting buddies but more of that tomorrow.  Today I am concentrating on yesterday for another very special reason......
It was my eldest boys 15th birthday!
Where did that time go?
He had plans during the day as he has just started doing his Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme so was out with his mates walking and map reading.  He wants to have his friends over for a beach BBQ for his treat so I have suggested leaving that until the weather improves nearer the summer.
It felt really strange not dashing about organising a party of sorts and actually being out crafting too....but he wasn't bothered.  #Growing up!

I decided I would use a rubber stamp from LOTV I bought a while ago to make his birthday card of a little boy playing a guitar, he loves his music. However once I stamped it and coloured it I just wasn't happy with it.....I didn't feel it was grown up enough.  So what to do?
I had a limited time span to play so had a wee look on Pinterest for inspiration.
I must at this point thank Labullard for her inspirational card and set to work on my own version using my trusted dies.

I have used Spellbinder dies Classic circles and Labels 25, plus Sizzix egg dies and SU tag punch, framelits dies & stamps.  I've distressed the edges with tea die and embellishments from my stash. 

This card was great fun to make and I was really happy with the finished article but was was even better my son thought is was fab.

It only remains for me to wish you all the best this Monday I am away for a cup of tea and to make a bespoke card.  Then I have an appointment in the kitchen....new floor fitted at the weekend and the dust!

Kitchen cupboard cleaning time, yawn!  Can you tell how much I love housework?

It so gets in the way good quality crafting time.  

A good walk ruined.....CAS style again.

Evening all?
Why when I say that do I want to bend my knees or should I say demi plie and raise my hat?
Is it because I am the daughter of a copper?  LOL.  Ex copper.
Are you all ready for the weekend?

I've had a good day.  A busy morning in work today but I enjoyed the company and giggles whilst beavering away in the background.  This afternoon I have had a couple more family cards to make and my work tops have been at last fitted in my kitchen.....it's really starting to come together, although at the moment there is dust everywhere!
Here is my card for my Uncle who is a very keen golfer, his birthday is on St Patrick's day.  It's another very simple card....just how I like them.

The stamps and dies are from Papertrey ink, Distress ink Peacock feathers, charm from Buttons Galore and ribbon from the craft shop in Forres.

I best go and check the dinner which is busy cooking why I'm typing, then I think I'll be cleaning the kitchen.
Have a super weekend and I'll be back!

LIS on your 50th birthday

Morning all and what a difference a day makes.....in the earlier part of this week the weather has been glorious, real Spring like feeling in the air.
Lots of washing done and on the line so that ironing pile has just grown again.  Today it is dreich and cloudy, perfect for hiding in my craft room and catching up with some orders.
It is my eldest cousins birthday tomorrow and it's a big one!
I haven't seen him now for over three and a half years but wish him all the best for tomorrow.  We've always had good banter between us both being the eldest on either side of the family (I must point out he is much older than me) and I'm sure if we met up tomorrow it would be just as we left things last time we saw each other.

My challenge at the moment with cards it to see how minimal I can get them!  ;)  It can't get much more or can it?!  

I am really loving the clean and simple phase I am having with cards just now, no fuss at all, just straight to the point, sign it and send it out.  

More cards to make this morning and then a trip to the hairdressers for a magical makeover, known as removing the grey!

I will have a trip into town later for a few messages and then hopefully a relaxing evening in front of the box crocheting.  I'm in work tomorrow and Saturday, then hopefully having some fun with my crafty buddies on Sunday.

Not a crafty show in sight....

Hi folks did you miss me yesterday?
The day just flew by with my crampons out and rope climbing up the ever growing mountain that is the ironing pile!  Yawn!
Then in the evening sitting down to watch The Great British Sewing Bee, the perfect end to a productive day.
Love that show, weren't the dungarees cute....I love dungarees but I don't think I'd get away with them now. I lived in them as a kid and a teenager....but as a woman of a certain age?!

I have been plodding on with my crochet daisy chain on an evening.
Having found another couple of yarns I like the look of I've been making more flowers, even more colours to choose from.  NO!  Decisions, decisions.
This is me having done all my jobs and looking forwards to an evening crocheting.

However my hubby says that this is more realistic...

Well, really!  

Mind you I have to say earlier in the week I was trying to master a selection of leaves which included double stitches, double treble stitches, treble stitches and treble treble stitches....my brain was hurting!  

So maybe at this point getting the calls of "Mmmmmuuuuummmm!"  Was not the thing to do.  LOL.

I do need to concentrate with a new pattern but once I've done it a couple of times I do get the hang and then speaking is allowed.  Is it just me?

I also saw this on Pinterest and it did make me smile....

I have a few bespoke cards I must crack on with later this week and a couple of family birthdays to make for.  Better try and get in my craft room and get a move on before the taxi driving to drumming lessons later this evening.  Enjoy "hump" day and more from me tomorrow.  x

Dress up your bags.....jewelry style.

Morning, and what a beautiful morning it is.  Blue skies and the sun is shining, still a nip in the air whilst at the beach but it definitely feeling more like Spring.

I love to make these hand bag charms for gifts, this one was for a teacher.

I really would like to make one for my own bag too but never seem to get around to it.  I don't know why?!

Did you watch the rugby yesterday?

What a cracking match.  I had planned to do a little crocheting after work but got engrossed in the match.  A nice lazy Sunday afternoon was had by all.  Isn't that what Sunday's are all about?

As for plans this week I am hoping to get my kitchen finished off by the end of the week, at long last. The work tops and sink arrive mid week, they will by fitted before laying the new floor....can't wait to see the finished room.   

I have a couple of card orders this week and the usual weekly chores....exciting.com, on that note I had noticed that quite a few of my friends have given up something for lent?

Have you?

How about this......

Now don't you think that is a better thing to give up than chocolate or alcohol?!  

With the added benefit of more crafting time.

It's a win, win situation, don't you think?  Definitely got my vote.

Enjoy your Monday, more from me tomorrow.  x

It's nearly birthday time again...looking back in time.

Good evening, I had a busy morning at work today followed by a mad dash home. I then headed down to school assembly for a rousting sing a long of "All things bright and beautiful!"
Home for tea and a full Sunday roast, I know, a couple of days early!  We always get side tracked on a Sunday and I'm working this coming one. Mind you I have got the day off tomorrow, hubby's birthday and my eldest has a music competition so I shall be busy with other things.
Do you have plans for the weekend?

Today I thought I'd share a card with you I made a while ago when my eldest boy turned into a teenager.....

The image is by Mo Manning, I love her digital images and this is so age appropriate....I'm sure anyone with a teenage boy will know this image!
Zone out and plug in!

It only remains for me to wish you all the best for the weekend, I'm now away to pour a cheeky B & C and pick up my crochet hook....let's hope I don't make wonky daisies!
Hick!

Another sewing bee day!

A late post from me this evening having had a busy day pottering again.
Today Irene and I got together for another sewing day although we did lots of chatting too.
I have started the material base for my crochet cushions today learning how to use an over locker machine.....oh I like!
Would it be wrong to want to make clothes after playing with this machine?  Such fun!

I've been set my homework to stitch the cushion squares together and add the zips.  I guess that it only remains for me to say.....watch this space.

I have work tomorrow and my son's school assembly so I will probably catch you later again.
Happy crafting. x

Baby 1st birthday.

Afternoon all, how are you this Wednesday?
Today has been a busy day, tying up loose ends.  With my wee man feeling better and back at school I managed into town this morning with a list of jobs to do.  I even managed a very good cup of coffee at the The Drouthy Cobbler and a mighty fine piece of lemon drizzle cake.  Nomn, nomn.
This afternoon I have been tatting around the house....major clear out under way or should I say a spring clean.  I don't venture in the boys rooms as often as I should, I have 3 black bin liners of old clothes today, one for the local rag collect and two with practically brand new clothes in.
That's before I start on the mountain of toys!
I really should do my craft room too which is probably worse!

Anyway enough of all this excitement did you have pancakes yesterday?
I made Scotch pancakes at lunch time which we had with sauce/jam and then at tea time I made traditional pancakes with a whole selection of toppings.  I like to stick to tradition and have lemon and sugar but the boys, well basically....put everything and anything on!
My mum bought me a pancake machine years ago and it's really sad that it only comes out once or twice a year.  I don't know why because they're easy enough to make and everyone enjoys them, every year at this time I always say we should do them more often.  The youngest came home from school today and said....please can we have pancakes again tonight? Bless.

Anyway back to the card I was asked to make this card recently for a little lady who is turning 1.

The brief was pink and girlie!

I even got my sewing machine back out.  

I'm loving the butterfly which is a Sizzix die I bought ages ago but just hadn't got around to using it...I'm glad I have now.

Anyway I better go and sort tea....drumming lessons are us tonight, back tomorrow with more.

A new baby in the family....clean and simples!

Morning, wet and cloudy here today and yes my washing is out.....it must be my fault then?!
I'm hoping that it will brighten later or it will be re-spun and tumbled, the excitement of it all!
How are you this Tuesday?
My wee one seems to be on the mend but is always left with a hacking cough that seems to take ages to clear, hoping to get him back to school tomorrow.

Today I am sharing with you a card.....I know.....don't fall over in surprise will you?
I have to say it's another clean and very simple card, I am so loving minimal just now.  Shame my craft room doesn't follow suit.

The die cut and stamps are from Papertrey ink and the button is from Dress it up.  Aren't the little buttons so cute?

Just a regular day here today, housework, jobs and maybe a little crafting later.  I could chat about it in detail but you'll be yawning....although my kids told me last week that it is a myth that you yawn when tired...apparently it's because you need more oxygen....QI has a lot to answer for!  (Love that show).

Enjoy the day whatever you have planned, back again tomorrow with more crafting.

Before I go don't forget today is pancake Tuesday....nomm, nomm....how do you celebrate?

I saw these this morning and thought I know someone who would love these....no not the kids....hubby of course!

May the force be with you this pancake day!

Oh and I nearly forgot, the castle in yesterdays post is Edinburgh castle.

Daisy's but not as you know them......hooking style!

Morning all, another dreich start here but then it was forecast today, the weekend was bright and sunny if not a little cold so we shouldn't complain.
How was yours?

Work was busy Saturday and Sunday with a lot going on, all the fun of the fair!
Yesterday afternoon after I'd finished work I met up with my crafting buddies and had some fun crocheting. With a chilled out night continuing my crocheting.  That was my weekend gone!
So I've got a dilemma.....my daisy chain I would like to create in the colours of my room to replace the heart bunting I made in February.  I therefore would like to stick to a white, teal and biscuit colour combination.
These are my practise flowers getting to grip with the pattern and what size hook to use.

I've put them in the order I've made them....I'm preferring the forth one on a smaller hook but I think I like the colour combo of the second one....what do you think?

Decisions, decision.....I do have better things to be doing!

But not nearly as much fun.  

I will let you see the finished article when I've got it done and dusted.  

This week is will mostly be my evening project for in front of the fire!

Now did you recognise the chapel I got married at then?

Those of you lovely ladies who left comments, which I am always very grateful for, didn't get it....how about I give you an easier clue......

You must have got it now?!

Especially those Scottish girls....an even bigger clue!

I shall leave that with you and be back tomorrow with more.  Have a good Monday.  x