Furry Little Monster

Time For A Change.....

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000+01:00

I have been blogging sporadically here on Furry Little Monster for a few years but for some reason I have never been inspired to post regularly as I could never think what to write about. For a while now I've been thinking about my relationship with this blog and I’ve decided it’s time for a change, to me it has always been a purely scrapbooking blog and I’ve felt quite constricted as to what I should publish here, I kinda feel like I’ve grown out of it but I’ve also realized that I do have things I want to share with you all that up until now I haven't.

Over the last couple of months I have quietly been working on something new, on something that reflects me as much as possible and it’s finally time for me to reveal my new creativity and lifestyle blog Life, Love and Other Treasures which is being launched today!

I have a weekly blogging schedule in place and I will be posting at least 3 times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with extra posts some in between some weeks. I have planned posts about a mixture of my everyday life, scrapbooking and things I love, everything from art and films, to thrifting and my collections, but most importantly I will still be talking a lot about scrapbooking. In fact I have a whole range of inspirational posts planned and waiting to be shared, including ways to beat scrappers block, challenges and ideas for saving money by making the most of your stash.

So please come and join me in my new home, you might just like it there!

Secret World 1 - 25

2011-10-09T11:26:00.000+01:00

In July we went to an open day at Secret World Wildlife Rescue centre in Somerset with my parents, Paul's mum and our nieces, it was a really nice day out, definitely a good family day trip because the under 10s would just love it. Our nieces were in their very early teens, so maybe not quite so much, but they still showed an interest. It was just nice to have a relaxed day out just wandering around, sharing some lunch and meeting some of the animals.

01. This cute, but massive cat was just lounging around on all the picnic benches.

02. This tortoise was huge, it lived in a gated area open to the public.....

03. .....and it kept trying to escape out of the gate, one of the keepers had to keep hauling it around.

04. This lady gave a talk about the foxes, sadly they were rather shy....

05. .....until it was dinner time, boy did they stink though!

06. This hare was about the size of our dog!

07. I think these were tortoises too, just a different variety, correct me if I'm wrong.

08. This goose was soooo loud, you could hear it right across the wildlife centre.

09. The ponies were really sweet, they loved all the attention.

10. The ponies were also giving rides to the kids, and my two nieces had a go.

11. Two of the keepers gave a talk about caring for hedgehogs in your garden.

12. I loved the albino one, I wanted to cuddle it, but obviously they're way too spiky for that.

13. It was hard to get a close up of the brown one as there was such a crowd, it was pretty cute as well.

14. Ferrets.

15. Umm, baby seagulls. You want them to be cute, but they're a bit too big for cute I think.

16. Barn owl.

17. Can't-remember-the-species owl, Paul loves owls.

18. We took a big picnic to share between the 7 of us.

19. Paul and I.

20. This dog was so bolshy at begging for food that he would go under the table and pretty much put his head in your lap!

21. More little tortoise type things.

22. Bees. I was very happy they were the other side of glass because normally I am terrified of them!

23. These goats were awesome, the white one looked really cool with it's big horns, but wasn't very friendly.

24. This brown one was a bit too friendly, especially if you had food for it. What made me laugh with this one was we were feeding it big long grass, just like it had on the other side of the fence, yet it was only interested in the grass we were giving it! I think it would have carried on eating all day. I guess the grass is really greener on the other side of the fence. ; )

25. This cockatoo was very noisy, such an attention seeker.

PS: Just in case you were wondering, there aren't any photos of my parents because they don't like their photos being put on the internet and I have to respect their wishes.

Have you been on any fun day trips recently (or not so recently)?

Layout To Share: Posers

2011-10-05T18:01:00.000+01:00

Today's layout is based on Shimelle's Sketch Of The Week for 26/1/2011. These American Crafts papers have been sat in my stash for such a long time, which was such a shame because I actually really like them, especially the pink woodgrain and the blue flower-like things. I've already used up most of my American Crafts paper and these were just odd sheets, I didn't really have anything else from any other manufacturers that I though would work, but it finally hit me that they would actually work well together.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazill, The Paper Company, Papermania. Patterned Paper: American Crafts. Alpha's: Pink Paislee. Die-cutting: Slice: Noteworthy Design Card. Brads: American Crafts. Ink Pads: VersaColor, Impress. Ribbon. Buttons. Staples.

These photos are old-ish ones taken at arms length in the back of a car, they didn't really have a story behind them but I still wanted to scrapbook them, luckily the zebra print in my top matched the black and white zebra paper perfectly! The white and blue ribbons are actually hanging tags from my clothes, I almost always cut them off unless the clothing won't stay on a hanger without them of course.

I've amassed a nice little collection of these awesome brads because Hobbycraft was selling them off a while ago for about £1 a pack, which I was so excited about that I bought a pack in every colour and style I could find. These should definitely keep me going for a while.

5 TV Shows I'm Loving Right Now

2011-09-28T18:00:00.000+01:00

1. True Blood
I am so happy they're showing series 3 on TV in the UK (a Tuesday night favourite). I was a bit of a latecomer to this show, we don't have all the Sky channels on our TV so I miss most of the shows when they air in the US. Hubby Paul actually bought me series 1 on DVD last Christmas and we watched it together, now we both really love this show. I also have a major thing for Eric Northman, played by Alexander Skarsgard, he is just so gorgeous, tall and well-built, yum!

2. The Inbetweeners
I really didn't want to like this show, I avoided it the entire time it was on TV. Then, about a month ago I was bored and just wanted to watch something on 4OD, so I saw the Inbetweeners, and I thought why not. I watched the first episode and basically laughed my head off, which is pretty unusual for me, normally I find comedy shows amusing, but full on laughter is pretty much unheard of. Where as Paul will laugh at an-y-thing, really! I think the local phrase is "he'll laugh at a cat's arse on fire," although if he saw a cat on fire he definitely would not laugh, he'd help the cat, but never mind.
When I made Paul watch the first episode he found it so funny he was in hysterics!

(couldn't find a trailer)

3. Peep Show
This is a great show, but I must admit I only find it amusing, not laugh out loud funny. Again this is one I missed on normal TV, that I have been catching up on with 4OD (just finished series 2). Paul's been trying to persuade me to watch it for a while and I finally succumbed. Now I think I'm a little bit addicted to it, good thing I've got another five series of it to watch yet.

(couldn't find a trailer)

4. Gok's Clothes Roadshow: Get The Look For Less
The second series started last night on Chanel 4 making Tuesday nights my favourite for TV. I've been a fan of Gok Wan since he first came on TV and I will watch anything he's in. I think he's a great stylist who's budget friendly and really into customising. When I've lost my weight I'd love for him to style me, although I wouldn't want to be on TV particularly.
This series is going to be even better because he's creating outfits for £50, that's definitely more my budget for clothes especially these days.

Source. (couldn't find a trailer)

5. The Body Farm
I read a book last year called The Body Farm by Patricia Cornwell which was a really good read, I don't think there's any connection between the new TV series and the book because the book is set in the US and the TV programme is set in the UK and the characters are different but both are medical crime thrillers and both are brilliant. Another Tuesday night favourite, I just find this one fascinating.

Source. (couldn't find a trailer)

What are your favourite shows?

Gorilla Invasion Now Over

2011-09-23T23:34:00.000+01:00

All summer, Bristol has had some very special guests in the form of 61 amazing gorilla sculptures sponsored by local businesses and schools, then decorated by regional artists. This public art display has been arranged in celebration of Bristol Zoo Gardens 175th birthday. Many of us Bristolians have therefore spent the entire summer trying to find and photograph all 61, I am proud to say I have photographed two! Yes, how amazing, I hear you cry! OK so I didn't really try that hard, I photographed the ones I came across, but that's it. To check out all of the gorilla photos taken by the public, have a look here on Flickr.

Apparently the gorillas have just had some maintenance and tomorrow they'll be appearing at the Zoo for the public to view until 28th September at the Goodbye Gorillas event, 20 of the gorillas have also visited London up until yesterday, 22nd September.
On 29 September Bristol Zoo Gardens will auction the gorillas to raise money for gorilla conservation work and for the local Bristol charity Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal.

I really want to go and see them all, but I don't think I'll have time, because my day off work is after the 28th, ho hum.
For more info go here.

What's been going on in your hometown this summer?

A - Z Of Me

2011-09-21T18:10:00.000+01:00

A. Age: 29
B. Bed size: Double.
C. Chore that you hate: Ironing, I don't buy anything that has to be ironed and don't iron things that should be ironed.
D. Dogs: Love dogs and cats, but cats just win by a little bit cos they're a bit more clever.
E. Essential start to your day: I'm useless before I have a shower.
F. Favorite color: Any bright colour really, but I always say purple.
G. Gold or Silver: Always silver, or white gold because it looks like silver.
H. Height: 5’5 1/2”
I. Instruments you play: None, I'm terrible. I always wanted to learn the guitar though.
J. Job title: Watch technician.
K. Kids: None. Probably someday.
L. Live: Bristol, England.
M. Mother’s name: Margaret.
N. Nicknames: Sunflower, Little Bear, Sweet Pea among others from hubby, he always seems to come up with new ones.
O. Overnight hospital stays: None sine I was a baby, I was born with a dislocated hip.
P. Pet peeves: Mispronouncing words and bad grammar. I'm a serial corrector. Ironically I can't say my 'th's properly, so 'Thor' sounds like 'Four.' I don't know why, I've just never been able to.
Q. Quote from a movie: I think I have too many favourites, can't think of any specifics other than Jim Carey stuff.
R. Right or left handed: Right.
S. Siblings: Only child.
T. Time you wake up: 7am, 8am or 9am on weekends or days off (I work weekends too). Otherwise I feel like I've wasted the day asleep.
U. Underwear: Shorts style and bras. I can't understand how thongs can possibly be comfortable!
V. Vegetable you hate: Beetroots, love the colour, but they taste rank.
W. What makes you run late: Other people, I hate being late, it doesn't usually happen.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Hips when I was a kid, every year from what I remember, also my chest more recently.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Healthy paprika chips, other than that I'm not a patient cook.
Z. Zoo animal: Penguins and flamingos are my favourite animals ever, they're awesome.

My Birthday

2011-09-08T22:34:00.000+01:00

My 29th birthday on saturday was quiet, but nice. We had some family around for homemade chilli with rice and nachos, with homemade rice pudding for afters (does anyone else call dessert 'afters'?).

After lunch we had an iced sponge cake - with a jam and blue buttercream centre - made by one of our neighbours, which was lovely and so kind of them to go to all the effort.

In the evening, Paul, our friends and I met up so I could finally watch the last Harry Potter film, it was brilliant, I even cried in a few places, definitely worth the wait. If you haven't already seen it I highly recomend it. We then went for a few drinks at TGI Friday's before heading home.

So, over all, a pretty relaxed birthday.

Sunshine And Carousels Are Having A Giveaway

2011-09-08T11:10:00.000+01:00

Erin from Sunshine and Carousels blog is having an awesome giveaway of a mustard yellow Holga toy camera, it's beautiful, I so want one. I really want to start collecting toy cameras, but due to lack of funds I won't be able to yet.
Anyway, go and check it out, and comment to win. Deadline September 11th at midnight (US central time).

For more info on toy cameras check out Elsie's Toy Camera Guide and Kaylah's amazing camera collection.

It's My Birthday!

2011-09-03T10:55:00.000+01:00

29 today! I'm getting way too close to 30 for my liking (photo taken in the car in case you're wondering).

Shimelle's Hot Pink Hoopla

2011-08-17T19:32:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's next challenge is to make a layout inspired by this one. I took inspiration from the colour, I used a 7"x7" square and I took inspiration from the sketch, but flipped it.

This layout's about my mother-in-law, the photo was taken new year's eve 2009.

Shimelle's Bingo Cards And Butterflies

2011-08-17T19:20:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's next challenge was to "create something inspired by the video. It can be very similar to the page if you like, or you can take inspiration from any element you like – the colours, the photo placement, any technique – whatever takes your fancy."

I took inspiration from the Bingo card and the butterflies, and worked in a similar warm colour scheme for my layout.

As you've probably gathered by now I'm sticking to a limited selection from my supplies and then trying to use up the scraps on the next layout.

Shimelle's Go Retro Challenge

2011-08-17T19:05:00.000+01:00

The next challenge I completed was Shimelle's Go Retro Challenge: "For this challenge you have to scrapbook a photo from before 2011. No current pictures allowed. If you can, embrace the idea and scrap something a bit retro or something from your childhood, but I totally understand not everyone has pictures like that at the ready. So anything that is not 2011 will be acceptable!"

By the way, the hearts over the faces of my mum and Grandma are for their privacy, well my mum's. My Grandma passed away a few years ago now, but still.

This photo was taken in Bath while I was at uni, over 7 years ago now, so I think this qualifies as before 2011! I love the colours in these My Mind's Eye papers (Andrea Victoria), gorgeous.

Shimelle's A Stickery Challenge

2011-08-17T18:51:00.000+01:00

The next challenge from Shimelle is sticker related: "Create a project using stickers from more than one collection. (The stickers can be the same manufacturer or different manufacturers, but not the same paper collection – make sense?)"

Believe it or not, that's me on the left, yes I had Sid Viscious hair when I was in college.

The stickers I used are American Crafts, some from the Teen range and some from the Buddy range.

Shimelle's Half The Page Challenge

2011-08-17T11:08:00.000+01:00

The next challenge that has been set by Shimelle is to:

"Create a layout that only uses half the page. It can be whatever half you would like, but somewhere around half the page space needs to be breathing room!"

Shimelle's 3 Is A Magic Number Challenge

2011-08-17T10:57:00.000+01:00

This challenge from Shimelle is all about 3's:

"Create a project (layout, card, etc) that includes a group of three in the embellishment. It can be three kinds of flowers like I used, but that’s not a requirement – you could use three squares, three butterflies, three things that are red, three apples, three hedgehogs… whatever group of three takes your fancy!"

I've used two groups of three, the patterned paper and the Cork embellishments.

Shimelle's From The Heart Challenge

2011-08-17T10:50:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's next challenge From The Heart, is to "create a layout with I love… or I heart… as your title." This photo was from my wedding, Ive had it for ages, and I love it but wasn't sure what to do with it, now it is ready to go in my wedding album.

Shimelle's Colour Challenge

2011-08-17T10:41:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's Colour Challenge is to create a project in red, white and aqua. This one was fun, although the cardstock I have used is more orange-red than I would have liked, at least the thickers are very red.

Shimelle's Grid It Up Challenge

2011-08-17T10:35:00.000+01:00

Shimelle's Grid It Up challenge was to create a project with a grid as a design element.

I'd had these hideous passport photos from last year and being a scrapbooker I couldn't bear not scrapbooking them and this was the perfect challenge for them.

Shimelle's Chop Your Paper Up Challenge

2011-08-17T10:26:00.001+01:00

The next challenge from Shimelle (here) is to embellish a layout with patterned paper only, well i couldn't resist a bit of texture on this layout, but I did die-cut the title and use a patterned paper pinwheel that i'd won ages ago, so I think that makes up for it.

Shimelle's Starting Point Challenge

2011-08-17T10:13:00.000+01:00

Last weekend Shimelle hosted a scrapbooking weekend full of challenges and giveaways, this was just what I needed to get my scrapbook mojo going, and I'm going to enter a few of the challenges. The first challenge I'm entering here is the Starting Point challenge.

This layout is from my niece's birthday.

Just to let you know....

2011-05-31T08:28:00.000+01:00

I'm taking a bit of a break at the moment because the psoriatic arthritus in my hands is flaring up something terrible so i'm going to have to rest them for a while. I'll be back soon so please bare with me.

Belated Phat Club Friday - Week 8

2011-05-21T22:26:00.000+01:00

I know, I know, Phat Club Friday is not only a day late, it's also getting late today as well. As you probably guessed life got in the way, we had a belated birthday dinner for my husband who's birthday was last sunday.

So without further ado, let's proceed as if it still is friday.

I have been having a hard couple of weeks with the weight loss, the last two weeks I have only lost 1/2 lb each week, which I think is because i've been having more carbs than I was before and less protein, so i'm going to try for more vegetables and fruit instead of the carbs.

But, I have lost a lot of inches. Since I started this healthier eating thing on 26th March I've lost 7 1/2 inches off my waist and 1 inch off my hips.

26/03/11

20/05/11

I'm now 6 pounds away from having lost 2 stone, I was hoping to have lost that in the last few weeks, but I don't mind too much because I'm noticing such a difference in my face and waist and that helps keep me motivated.

See you in another four weeks....

Shimelle Scrapbooking Day Entries

2011-05-14T19:05:00.001+01:00

Last saturday was (Inter) National Scrapbooking Day and Shimelle hosted a day of fun and challenges on her blog for what she refers to as 'Scrapbooking Day' with giveaways for joining in, here are my entries:

Challenge 1: Patterned paper background:

Challenge 2: Create a triangle of 3 similar colour/size/shape thins, preferably with the photo inside:

Challenge 3: Add a border between the photos:

(This was also made from Shimelle's 4 x 6 Photo Love sketch for February)

Challenge 4: The story behind the photo:

Challenge 5: Try a new photo edit:

Picnik Neon effect. Just awesome!

Did you enter the competitions too?

4 x 6 Photo Love: Week 3

2011-05-13T19:30:00.000+01:00

Here's another layout inspired by Shimelle's 4 x 6 Photo Love series, this one is March's prompt with three photos. I love these photos even though they're obviously over-exposed and I wanted to use them, so this sketch was perfect for the three of them. Although it took me a bit longer to think of a title to work with them! The papers are BasicGrey Euphoria, which I LOVE too, i'm trying to work my way through my old stash/stuff i've kept and just not used.

Scraplift Saturday

2011-05-07T20:44:00.000+01:00

Hello and welcome to Scraplift Saturday, this is where I find an amazing layout and I take elements of it or use it as a sketch to create my own layout.

This is another one based on Mandi from Here's Looking At Me Kid's layouts, I really wish Mandi would share more layouts on her blog because I LOVE her style, the way she sets her layouts up, is so unusual and you just wouldn't think to leave such gaps. I've followed this layout very closely because I was trying to work out how it works so well, if you know what I mean. I think it just sticks to the triangle form of composition, this would be a great one to use up your scraps.

4 x 6 Photo Love: Week 4

2011-05-05T21:19:00.000+01:00

A couple of days ago it was time for Shimelle's monthly 4 x 6 Photo Love post which was just what I needed to jump start my creativity this week. I'm really loving sketches at the moment, and I just can't seem to scrapbook without them. Hopefully I'll get around to doing the other three months soon.

This layout was inspired by that post and the sketch, here is the layout with the flap down:

Here is the layout with the flap up:

I'm not sure why the tone of these photos is different as I took them one after the other with my camera, and both without a flash, weird! The papers I've used are all Heather Bailey from Autumn Leaves which are just gorgeous.

I love taking photos of flowers but I never know what to do with them, so this sketch was perfect for these photos as I could hide a couple of extra photos underneath the flap and there wasn't really any need for journaling on this one.

Are you taking part in Shimelle's 4 x 6 Photo Love too? I wonder how she'll manage to fit 12 photos on?

Scrapbook Sunday

2011-05-01T18:34:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone and welcome to another Scrapbook Sunday!

This first layout uses a photo left over from my holiday mini-book (which I still need to finish) of Ilfracombe, Devon last year. I've used Bazzill cardstock with BasicGrey papers, an American Crafts badge and Numbers. I finished off with a cross-stitch I stitched myself a while ago, it was a freebie in a cross stitching magazine that i've been holding onto for just such a purpose.

Usually, with my holiday photos I like to use an 8x8 post bound album with about 20 page protectors in it, and then I do a summary page to go in my 12 x 12 travel album (one layout per holiday).

This layout was inspired by Mandi's layout here.

My husband Paul has been obsessed with Dunkin' Donuts for years and when we went on our honeymoon to New York City in 2009 he was very happy to find one down the street from our hotel. I think if he'd had his way he'd have had a box full every day we were there. Donuts aren't really my thing, I certainly wasn't as enthusiastic as he was about them but as you can see in the layout above, it didn't stop me having a few ; )

I took the brown, pink and mint colour scheme from the donuts themselves, but I must admit that i'm not that crazy about these colours together. However I have had these Papermania papers in my collection for years and these photo's were the perfect excuse to use them.

My Day In Photos - Mystery Solved

2011-04-29T17:58:00.000+01:00

I had a few comments on the My Day In Photos post, not quite sure what one of the photos were, so to stop any rumours ; ) I thought I'd better add a bit of an explanation.

1. My Hello Kitty alarm clock: I get up for work at 7am.

2. My husband Paul: he's off work sick at the moment so I leave him in bed looking this cute every morning.

3. Weight Watchers bread: toasted for breakfast, I'm trying to loose weight as you probably know.

4. On the way to work: I get a lift by car, here i'm sat in the front.

5. My locker: at work. I wouldn't be allowed to take photos on the shop floor without asking permision so I thought I'd just keep it simple.

6. Lunch: salad obviously, yum.

7. View down the stairwell: our staff canteen is on the 4th floor (there's also a 'roof garden' on the next floor up) so it's quite a dizzying height, I was worried I was going to drop my phone down the centre taking this photo.

8. At the bus stop: nope, not waiting for the bus, waiting for my lift, yes I'm very lucky!

9. Beautiful roses: a surprise gift from my husband when I got home, he's such a sweetie.

10. My legs under the duvet + tissues for my cold: I was feeling pretty rough when I came home and decided to curl up in bed and watch a film.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get it printed soon and make a layout for it, so watch this space.....

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T13:22:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, thank you for all your comments on wednesday's post, I've not been very well (stinking cold) so I'm running a little bit behind with responding. Stay tuned for the mysterious photos in the last blog post to be explained later on today!

Watching the Royal wedding, makes me think of my own wedding, Paul and I got married Valentines Day 2009, it was a beautiful day, one we will always remember. So perhaps you'll forgive me for sharing a few of my layouts from my wedding album. Any of you who have been following my blog for a while will probably have seen these layouts before, but I don't see any harm in re-posting them today, as it's a special occasion, and there are so many new readers who probably haven't seen them.

(This layout was made using the paper I used to make the wedding stationary)

As I sit here and write this millions of people from all over the world are gathered in London to witness what is, whether you like it or not, a historical event. Me personally, I'm sat in the comfort of my living room with my family watching the ceremony and the parade. Until yesterday, I wasn't really that bothered about the whole Royal wedding, but having followed a bit of the coverage it sparked my interest.

(This 1st layout shows the transformation of my hair)

I know a lot of people don't think we need a Royal family any more. As a Brit myself, I have to disagree. Us Brits are notoriously a bit different, a bit quirky, and I think that having a Royal family is a small part of what makes us the way we are, it makes us a bit different from everywhere else I guess. We (normally) can't compete for the weather, there are better beaches in other countries, unless you like them a bit more rustic of course, but it's our history and quirkiness that attracts visitors the most, and the Royal family are living history.

(This layout shows me getting my make-up done)

Until now I think I've sat on the fence about this subject, but this fairytale wedding has made me feel proud to be British, I'm enjoying the ceremony so far, even if it's a little religious for my tastes, but they can't have a Royal wedding without it.

(Trying to get into my corset dress with help from my mum)

The only thing that makes me laugh about this wedding is how the press are refering to Kate Middleton as a "commoner." I'm sorry, but have they heard the girl talk? There is no way she is common! However, she comes across as a really nice girl, and she must be brave as hell to go through all this, so I say good luck to her.

(Here's a layout about my amazing dress)

For those of you who are married like myself, think about how nervous you were on the morning of your wedding day, I simply can't imagine how nervous Kate must have been this morning. Before I got married, I didn't think I'd be nervous at all, but come the morning of the wedding I was a nervous wreck. Not because I thought Paul wouldn't turn up, after all, he was my fiance and my best friend. It was the thought of having to walk into that massive room of people. The fact that they're family and friends was irrelevant. So times that by a couple of million and I guess that's how Kate is feeling.

(This is one of my favourite photos of myself from the day)

Most little girl's dream of marrying a Prince, and Kate is doing just that. Her dress is stunning, I think she looks amazing, so demure and actually very regal, and Will, although he's not actually my cup of tea, looks very handsome in his uniform. What an amazing ceremony, definitely worth watching. Thankfully it's not raining.

(This one is one of my favourites of Paul and I)

I'll leave you with a couple of questions:

What are you thoughts about the Royal family?

What did you think about the Royal wedding?

My Day In Photos

2011-04-27T08:00:00.004+01:00

See more days here.

Scrapbook Sunday

2011-04-24T15:36:00.000+01:00

I Used 2 B A Pencil:

Today's first page was inspired by this awesome Cosmo Cricket paper and I choose the blue and orange colour scheme to work with the paper and the photo of me as a little girl. Then it was a case of raiding my stash to find things that would work. I have to admit to loving the Bam Pop journaling spots, I just wish they would make them in bigger sizes too. I have real trouble layering journaling spots, they never look right to me. I think I would probably journal more on my layouts if I could find some big journaling spots because they're all so tiny and I hate writing straight on the page.

Journaling:

"Although my initials were H.B. nobody seemed to link this to the well-known pencils. Instead, Bromberg got changed to 'Brom-burger.' Now i'm married, my name and initials spell out 'Hello.'

Helen = 'Hel,' Louise = 'L,' Overton = 'O.' "

U R My Silver Lining:

The idea for this layout I've had floating around in my head for a while, the original quote is "Every cloud has a silver lining" meaning, to me, that from every bad thing something positive will happen. My husband Paul means everything to me, he is my every happiness and he helps me through every bad or negative thing in my life. That's what this layout is about and ode to my husband, so he knows how special he is to me

I've been looking for some silver cardstock for ages to make this layout and I finally found some going cheap in The Range. The photo was taken when he was heading to a neighbour's baby's christening (I was working) and he looked sooo gorgeous I just had to take a photo.

Phat Club Friday - Week 4

2011-04-22T20:41:00.000+01:00

This week I lost.....

5LBs

I'm 1/2 a pound away from loosing my 1st stone, which I can't believe I've nearly done in four weeks, and I had a big slice of lemon cake this week!

Before After

Measurements:

Before

Chest: 46"

Waist: 50"

Hips: 52"

After

Chest: 46"

Waist: 46"

Hips: 52"

I've decided that I want to only do a Phat Club Friday post every four weeks, and I'm hoping to find some way to display this in my sidebar as I don't think it warrants a full post every week. Just got to work out how now.

Beyond Blogging For Scrapbookers: One question

2011-04-19T13:27:00.000+01:00

After taking part in Shimelle's Blogging For Scrapbookers class when it ran live last year and I found it so helpful there was no way that I couldn't take Beyond Blogging For Scrapbookers.

Today I've been thinking about my blog in relation to what I actually blog about, and I've also been thinking about what I want to blog about. The last few weeks I've been thinking about, and planning blog schedules and post ideas on quite a range of subjects which are what I want to make regular posts for my blog.

Now Shimelle is suggesting that I should be focusing on a niche, or what I'm actually passionate about. My problem is, I don't personally want to just post about scrapbooking, or just art, if you know what I mean.

Which is why I would be really grateful to get a bit of feedback on this subject from all of you, please would you fill in this poll, pretty please? Choose as many as you like. I know my middle coloumn's a bit narrow, but that's something I'm hoping to rectify in the class so please bare with me.

Any problems: furrylittlemonsterblog@yahoo.co.uk or comment below.

Ten For Tuesday: Easter

2011-04-19T12:00:00.001+01:00

Source

Media Monday: Scott Pilgrim VS The World

2011-04-18T09:00:00.002+01:00

Source

Welcome to Media Monday, and I would like to introduce my special guest reviewer, my husband Paul!

Scott Pilgrim versus the World

Media Monday Guest Review By Paul Overton

Year: 2010
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Starring: Michael Cera,Mary Elizabeth Winstead,Rory Culkin

Where do I start with this one.

I suppose a bit of background may help Scott Pilgrim Vs the World is based on a series of graphic novels that came out circa 2008/2009. These were split into 6 volumes Scott Pilgrims precious little life covered one arc Scott Pilgrim Vs the World another and Scott Pilgrim Vs the Universe made up the final arc.

So popular was this graphic novel series with its fun loving game reference laden story that a movie was soon commissioned by Universal.And the movie itself is pretty bloody good in fact its utter awesome F**king awesome so awesome that it sprinkles awesome hundreds and Thousands on the pinnacle of its awesome cake!.

The Story is actually based on Scott Pilgrims precious little life the first arc of the Scott Pilgrim saga Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera). Is a 22 year old bassist for a group named Sex babomb that lives with his gay room mate Wallace (Rory Culkin), and is going out with a high school student named Knives Chou. His life consists of band practice and going out with Knives that is until he clamps eyes on a girl named Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) she is sexy she is cool she is fun and interesting but she has a dark secret. You see Ramona is no good in love, in fact her exes have a murderous streak, as Scott is about to find out, much to his despair.

Que insane fight sequences, endearing love and every kick ass game reference you can pile into a film. From super moves to massive KO’s every time Scott kicks the ass out of one of Ramona’s evil exes. The film translates well from page to screen, direction is good and the script is handled and acted well by the awesome ensemble cast. One problem being Michael Cera he is always, well just Michael Cera playing Michael Cera. But as in the comic, Scott Pilgrim isn’t a swauve person, he's an ordinary joe thrust into a hilarious mad cap situation. I digress it is not so much a problem if we hadn’t of seen it in EVERY film he does… The other actors and actresses (Including Winstead) are really good. Winstead brings a edginess to Ramona Flowers that she needs and also that makes for a good character with layers. Rory Culkin provides comic relief as his dead pan gay friend and he pulls it off really well. The Exes are each represented by a appropriate (or as appropriate actor as they can be). Stand outs include Lucas Lee (Chris Evans, Fantastic Four) and Todd Ingram as a vegan superbeing Bassist in Scott's ex Girlfriend's band Clash at Demon head played by Superman actor (Brandon Routh).

The effects are also awesome Anime esque fights dripping with Street Fighter goodness and Girl on Girl brawls challenges, and a epic final showdown, all choreographed well and with no punches pulled… Cera as a fighter is really convincing, although, as in real life we can all fight like animals, but as a fantasy setting where he suddenly pulls kung fu from his ass and channels Bruce Lee are masterfully done.The other references are all there, even a nod to Monster Battles.Its all here and if you are a game fan you’ll love it,Hell if you love action, romance, far eastern culture and fighting/game references then this one is for you.

Shameless plug time folks and Helen might kill me but if you liked what you read above you can read more at http://www.chicksdiggeeks.blogspot.com/ also check out my channels on You Tube Hauntedman1 and TheDIRGE1982.

Until next time take it steady…

Scrapbook Sunday

2011-04-17T10:27:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, and welcome to Scrapbook Sunday. This week's first layout is with a photo I took last summer (pre-diet, I should add) when myself and my mother-in-law used to go to Costa once a week for a coffee and a cake, or in my case, hot chocolate I don't like coffee.

The papers are a mix of old Sassafras Lass, a Hambly overlay and American Crafts Teen and Love ranges. I'm really happy with these photos, I took them on my phone and they came out rather well I think. The hearts and the cupcake were cut out of the American Crafts papers. The layout was all made from scraps.

The second layout is for my Book Of Me, I spent an afternoon last year with a bunch of t-shirts, scarves and hair accessories taking self-portraits to scrapbook. Not having kids, I have to admit to scrapbooking about myself rather a lot.

Most of the papers are BasicGrey Urban Prairie range, but the ones behind are old Papermania, it's pretty rare for me to mix manufacturers because I'm not very confident at it but I think these wrok well.

Phat Club Friday

2011-04-15T20:40:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, I'd like to officially welcome all of you to my new feature Phat Club Friday!
I figured as I was going to be having a weigh-in every week for at least a year until I get down to my target weight I might as well make a regular feature of it. Of course, I've already posted for a few weeks, but now I've made a banner for it and everything. ; ) I'll also be posting a new photo and my measurements every four weeks, and in between that just the weigh-in results.

This week, I lost:

1 1/2 lbs!

Wardrobe Wednesday

2011-04-13T19:19:00.000+01:00

Welcome to my new weekly feature, Wardrobe Wednesday. You may have noticed the recent emergence of a two outfit posts last week, well I'm enjoying doing them so I've decided to make a weekly feature now. Please excuse the lack of make-up and the same sandals again, but my face is flaring up at the mo and my toe's still healing.

Dress, leggings: Simply Be.
Waistcoat: Tesco.
Vest Top: Sainsbury's.
Necklace: Jon Richard @ Debenhams.
Flower Corsage: Newlook.
Sandels: Clarks.

Friday Weigh-In

2011-04-08T20:45:00.000+01:00

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kazamatsuri/37884867/

This week I lost........

2 1/2 lbs!

Which meant that I got my half stone award, I was also slimmer of the week so got to take a bag of fruit home with me.

However, I have a small confession. I am slightly annoyed with myself because I forgot to take my heavy wooden necklace off before I weighed and I'd really been hoping for 3 pounds. Which I know is very greedy and it's silly to be annoyed with myself over it, but when I came home I actually weighed it and it weighed 1/2 pound, doh! Oh well, at least if I don't wear it next week i'll have (hopefully) an even better week than normal.

Here's the outfit I wore:

Boyfriend shirt and turn-up shorts: Simply Be.

Cardigan: Sainsbury's.

Necklace (my favourite): Primark.

Feather Earrings: Made by me.

Fabulous Thursday: Prairie Chic

2011-04-07T21:26:00.000+01:00

My first in a new series of outfit posts, I've been loving all the outfit posts on the style blogs I follow so I've finally plucked up the courage to do one myself. I want my blog to about more than just scrapbooking, and I'm slowly working towards a more well-rounded blog which reflects my own interests and passions. BTW, I am rubbish at photo-editing so apologies in advance and excuse the lack of make-up, but my skin is really sensitive and playing up a lot. : )

You can probably also see my bandaged toe too. I had toe nail surgery about 4 weeks ago and my toe's still healing, hence the really stylish, ahem, Clarks sandals. Which is one problem with being such a curvy girl, my feet have always been wide anyway, so you're unlikely to see me in any nice shoes really.

I absolutely love this top, it's so different to what I used to like, it's funny how your tastes change over time, this is a lot more girlie than I used to be. A lot softer, I used to wear a lot of bright colours, but I think this suits me better. What do you think?

Cardigan, jeans, top: Simply Be.

Waistcoat: Tesco.

Sandals: Clarks.

Scarf: Market stall.

Necklace: Primark.

Earrings: BHS.

Check Out MessyCarla's Awesome Giveaway!

2011-04-06T16:39:00.000+01:00

Carla is giving away this awesome bag (below) from ShopALike on her blog. You'd be a fool not to enter.

Weigh In - Week 1

2011-04-02T21:02:00.000+01:00

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kazamatsuri/37884867/

Just to let you know I lost......

4 1/2 lbs!

So, if I can loose another 3lbs next week, then I'll have lost half a stone in a fortnight. I know that's just because it's the first couple of weeks, but if I can loose 2lbs a week, that'd be great.

If at first you don't succeed.....

2011-03-26T21:49:00.001Z

Hi everyone, I know a lot of you will remember reading a few posts about how I was going to diet and loose some weight, well you may have gathered by the lack of posts thereafter that it didn't go very well. I guess I just gave up, and stopped caring about it anymore. Well this has taught me I just can't do this on my own, and it's so important for mine and my husband's future together, let alone my own health. So I decided it was time to join Slimming World and I did just that on Thursday, I even walked down there. This is my second day on it and so far so good *fingers crossed* I've managed another walk today too. I'm hoping the fact that i'm having to pay to do it will motivate me, even changing my diet for the last two days has made me feel more energetic. So here's the embarrasing part, the photo's and the vital statistics:

Please excuse my work outfit and lack of make-up, obviously I took this at work : )

Weight: 19st7.5lbs

Chest: 46

Waist: 50

Hips: 52

My final target is 10st, so obviously i've got a lot to loose. I've been eating plenty of fruit and veg and I'm trying to incorporate a little more exercise into my life, even if it's only an extra five minutes a day to start with, I'm keeping track of everything i'm eating and trying to not over-eat. I even cooked roasted vegetables with couscous for myself tonight, I NEVER cook.

Does anyone have any tips on staying motivated?

In The Wars

2011-03-14T20:11:00.000Z

This is Daisy my mother-in-laws dog. As my husband and I have been living with my mother-in-law for a few years now she has become my dog too, and I love this sweet little dog to bits. I've never met such a happy and affectionate little dog in my life, she's friendly to everyone and loves to be petted and cuddled.

Well I thought I'd dedicate this post to her (obv I know she can't read it) because she's feeling a bit sorry for herself at the moment, as you can see in the photo below.

Last thursday she had to have surgery to remove a tumour on her breast (is that what you call it?) and today is the first day that she's started to act a bit more like herself. One thing she has been doing that makes me smile is whenever a guest comes round, she'll roll onto her back to show said guest her 'boo boo', I can imagine her saying to them "look what they did to me" coupled with big puppy dog eyes. And yes she has been getting a lot of love and sympathy, even more than she normally gets if that's possible!

Isn't she cute?

Love This Song!

2011-02-18T19:55:00.000Z

This is the first song i've heard for ages that has got my foot tapping.

Word For 2011

2011-01-03T20:01:00.000Z

Courage

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nglklm/244820592/in/photostream/

"Courage doesn't always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day

that says 'I'll try again tomorrow.' "

Those of you who read the previous post will probably understand why I chose this word, I think if I was going to choose a second word it would be 'determination.'

Luv Helen : )

Update

2011-01-02T21:46:00.000Z

Hi everyone, happy new year!

I just wanted to let everyone know why I've been away so long. I last mentioned in my 'M.I.A' post in november that i've been suffering from joint pains in my hands, knees and feet, well they've been getting worse.

The doctor diagnosed me with Psoratic Arthritus (basically arthritus related to psoriasis) and put me on some painkillers, and I've been booked in to see a rheumatologist (sp?) on the 5th (Jan) for confirmation, and I guess, some plans of action. For a while, things were ok.

Well the last few weeks the pain has increased, and the painkillers aren't cutting it, I went back to the doctors, but i'm already on the strongest pain relief they can give me so I'm just going to have to wait a few more days. I'm certainly going to consider alternative remedies too once the diagnosis is confirmed, my mum mentioned drinking cider vinegar with honey and water, and another friend mentioned another herb I could try but I can't remember what it's called.

The pain seems worse in the morning, when i'm so stiff I can barely move, which makes getting ready for work hell. It starts to ease off a bit during the day, but gets worse again in the evening, I daren't sit on the floor or in the bath because there is no way I would be able to get up again.

So needless to say I haven't felt like blogging at all and have taken a long break. Tonight I'm feeling a little better, and I thought i'd give you all an update. I should say that I'm not posting this for attention, or pity. I just thought that those of you who read my blog deserved an explanation for my absence and I hope that you will bear with me while I recover because I really want to get back to regular blogging again sometime in the future. Any advice about my situation would be much appreciated : )

Giveaway at Taylord Creation

2010-12-03T20:40:00.000Z

Just to let you know that Erika over at Taylord Creation is having a massive blog anniversary giveaway with over $900 worth of prizes so go and check it out here:

http://taylordconcepts.blogspot.com/2010/12/most-wonderful-time-of-year.html

Quote Of The Week

2010-11-16T19:42:00.000Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timsnell/4212356173/

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs.

Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then

go do that because what the world needs is

people who have come alive."

Howard Thurman

M.I.A

2010-11-03T11:23:00.000Z

Hi everyone, I know, I know, I've been M.I.A for way too long. I've got no excuses, I've just lost the blogging love I guess. Plus, husband is very difficult to remove from our only computer.
I've had an interesting couple of months, I celebrated my birthday in september (28 now, eek), I've made some new friends, and spent time with family friends. I've also developed joint pains in my knees, feet, hands and occasionally other limbs/neck, I've had this for about a month now. It started in my left knee, apparently my knee cap is moving around, I can't lift my leg without a lot of pain and slowly it seems to be getting worse so i'm going back to the doctor this afternoon.

I have been scrapbooking too, these have been up on my Flickr page for a while but I hadn't got round too posting them until now:

The first one is an update of the Cross Stitch layout that I was waiting on the photo for.

This one is made using a Crafty Templates Quirky kit, called What's The Story?

NYC

The background for this is an advert from a magazine.
Betty Blue

You Are Everything

Trust

Day Trip 2 Bristol

This is also made from a Crafty Templates Quirky kit called She's Creative.
Me @ 22

I've had this photo sat with this Sassafras paper for ages and been stuck with how to use it, finally I managed to get it done!

Dinner & A Movie

I promise I wont leave it so long between posts now.

This Week's Layouts....

2010-08-24T21:29:00.000+01:00

All three of this weeks layouts are made using Crafty Templates Quirky kit 'What's The Story?' I love Crafty Templates kits, they're a little bit different.

Have you ever made a layout you don't actually have a photo for? Well I've taken the photo now of my embroidery floss, so once I print the photo i'll add it on.

I love this M&S hat, i've never loved a hat on me before this one. The photo was taken in Ilfracombe (Devon) during a long, hot weekend in June where I got badly burnt on my legs. Apparently my skin wont absorb suncream, then all the sand sticks to it, and I can't put any more on because trying to rub it in to my sensitive skin kills. I tried to cover up but apparently I was too late, I've still got a patch on my hip that hasn't faded which is a bit worrying. So no more beach holidays for me then! My skin is so sensitive that if my hubby doesn't have a full beard I can't kiss him because it hurts, if I did i'd end up with a very red, sore chin. Nightmare!

Here's another one from my honeymoon album from 2009, I've done loads from photos in Central Park, 3 general ones, one about the children's zoo and one about the main zoo. Central Park was definitely my favourite thing about New York (other than the scrapbooking shop I found obviously).

I think my favourite of the three is the first one, even if it hasn't got a photo. What do you think?

Summer Crop Part 3 (finally)

2010-08-22T19:12:00.000+01:00

Finally, I've got around to posting the last of my entries for Shimelle's summer crop, I posted them on Flickr last week to enter them but it was such an intense weekend of scrapbooking that I needed a break. So here are the rest of my entries:

Scrapbooking With Hearts:

(Ok, having issues with computer, it's refusing to let me rotate these two images at all, so I'm going to post them this way for now until I can get them sorted out. It's very annoying because when I open view the files they're always the right way up but when I upload it to Blogger/Flikr it is always like this. Computer is telling me it's a read only file, if anyone knows how to sort this out I'd be grateful.)

Scrapbooking with red, white and aqua: layout.

Journaling around something: layout.

A layered embellishment: lollipop flower.

Scrapbooking with at least one stamp: tag.

Using one range of papers: card.

Using up your leftovers: card.

Photo: your craft space.

Photo: Through the glass:

Photo: Zoom out.

I also had two nice surprises this week, on the 14th I found out I won some blog candy from the lovely Katy at Random Musings which was really exciting, I received it friday and it was full of journaling goodies with some pretty handmade embellishments too. Thank you Katy.
The second thing I won was on Shimelle's summer crop. My name was drawn from a hat and I won the prize for the 'Patterened Paper' challenge, which is a patterened paper pack, haven't got that yet though, hopefully next week! I can't wait.

Summer Crop Part 2

2010-08-15T10:14:00.000+01:00

So day two of Shimelle's crop, and here are my next layouts.

Scrapbooking with hearts:

Scrapbooking with squares:

Scrapbooking with 4 or more patterned papers:

Hopefully i'll be able to get some more done tonight and post them tommorrow.

Shimelle's Summer Online Crop

2010-08-14T16:16:00.000+01:00

This weekend Shimelle is hosting an online crop where she's having lots of challenges with great prizes up for grabs, so definitely wort checking out. So far I have managed to make layouts for three of the challenges:

Scrapbooking with circles:

Scrapbooking with a sketch:

Scrapbooking with pink:

So, the next challenges I'm going to try and tackle are: scrapbooking with squares, scrapbooking with 4 or more patterened papers and scrapbooking with journaling around something. I'd like to do the photo challenges but I don't really have time.

Finally some layouts!

2010-08-01T19:47:00.000+01:00

I must admit that I did these a week or so ago, but have only just got around to photographing and uploading them.

The first three are made using Pink Paislee patterned paper, al from the Fetching range which I absolutely love, the cardstock is Bazzill and DCWV. I've made use of my Fiskars circle punch and X Cut heart punch to make embellshments for two of the pages, and my Fiskars Threading Water border punch which I've been wanting for ages. I really must get some more border punches! I even used some Banana Frog alpha stamps that I've had and not used. You are also likely to see more eyelets on my pages now as I also invested in a Cropodile.

Mostly Different

3 Wishes

Happiness

This layout is about the things I love about my husband Paul, I've used the heart punch again on this one and my lovely Cropodile. The patterened paper is one i've had for years, possibly since I started scrapbooking, you know how everyone goes through the phase of buying any paper they see, well this was one of those. It says "Attitude" on it which I've hidden behind the photos which was not appropriate for what I wanted but the beige was a perfect match for the curtains behind Paul. I think the blue and orange really gives the page some punch. I wasn't sure what to do with these photos for quite a while and I hate having photos languishing in the drawer if I can find a use for them, same with the patterened paper.

Paul U R....

I collect paper that I like (and I have a lot of it believe me) because I believe that eventually I will find the photos for it. I've also started putting my supplies together as kits, mostly just one range of papers together at the moment, but I love the way it showcases my favourite papers. I'm tempted to buy some more to frame and hang them in rows, that would be lush (sadly I can't because we live with Paul's mum) and then I would probably design the rooms colour scheme around it. I think I'd run out of rooms though : D

PS: I forgot to post on wednesday but I lost another pound in weight last week.

Weigh In Wednesday - Week 3

2010-07-21T11:40:00.001+01:00

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kazamatsuri/37884867/

So it's week 3 already, and I thought i'd add some photos this week. This week I have to admit i've been quite naughty, I went out for dinner with hubbies cousins and we had an Italian, so lots of lovely pasta and garlic bread as well as a couple of white wine spritzers, and we then went to the cinema to watch Eclipse which was awesome. While I was good in the cinema and didn't have anything other than a diet coke, the naughtiness didn't stop there, I also had several Jammie Dodgers and some Flapjack Pie (very chocolatey).

This week I wasn't really expecting to loose any weight, but I really wanted to loose 1lb. Amazingly I did loose a 1lb so I'm very happy, although the scales now say that i'm 5'5" and I was definitely 5'6" before.

The one thing I've really noticed this week is the variety of clothes sizes I'm wearing. Yesterday for example I had work trousers were a UK24, my top UK20 and my underwear a UK16! What's also weird is that I have two pairs of shorts from one shop, the denim ones are a UK24 and are huge on me, but I've got some black shorts which are just right and are a UK26! Bizarre.

I'll leave you with the photos from the 1st week and this week for comparison:

Week 1 Week 3

Sorry, I know the photos aren't great, looking the same way, or even the same scale, but it wasn't me taking the photos as you probably gathered and it was hard enough trying to get him to hang around long enough to take shots that weren't blurry! Men, eh.

Week 2 Weigh In

2010-07-14T09:27:00.000+01:00

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kazamatsuri/37884867/

Hi everyone, sorry with delay with post, just a quick post to let you know that I lost 2lbs this week, which is good, but I have to admit to being a little disapointed that I hadn't lost 6lbs again this week but I know that's just being greedy and I am happy really, I promise. So my new weight is 18st 10lbs. For some reason the scales measured me as a whole inch shorter than my actual height of 5'6" so my BMI is actually worse than last week. I certainly feel a bit less "chinny" this week, but I don't feel like my stomach is getting smaller.

I was quite naughty this week as far as the exercise goes, I promised myself I'd go swimming on my last day off, but I'm a bit funny about going new places on my own and I really wanted hubby to come with me to the pool but he wasn't feeling well so I chickened out! I've also not been doing so much walking other than at work, and not eating so much salad so I think that has all made a difference. My treat for this week was a strawberry cupcake from Costa Coffee, yum : )

Week 1 Weigh In

2010-07-05T19:42:00.001+01:00

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kazamatsuri/37884867/

In the last couple of posts I said I was going to take my starting weight as 19st4lbs, which I weighed last monday, because of the confusion over the scales. So that makes today weigh in day! Well this week I've been a little naughty because on saturday I had a take-away chicken chow mein, and I ate the whole pot myself, but other than that I've been really good with my food. I've been lazy about the walking, but the stairs are my new treadmill at work and other the week I have noticed it getting easier as far as having to stop and such like which is great. I was going to note everything I ate each week, but to be honest, life is too short! Maybe if I start at a Slimming World class or something then i'll have to but I can't be bothered until then.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how helpful the Doctor was when I went to see her on Friday, she prescribed me some slimming aid tablets which are supposed to help to burn any fat you eat and this is the third day I've been taking them now. I have to say that they do make me a little erm, gassy, but any help has got to be good I guess. I think she was so helpful because I am classed as (at least) clinically obese, probably morbidly obese, and also because weight gain affects the symptoms of PCOS, so I'm trying them for a month, apparently if you eat to much fat when taking them then things would get rather unpleasant in the stomach region, nice! Good thing I won't be. So if you are very overweight like me, and serious about loosing weight then definitely speak to your Doctor.

So, without further ado, this week I lost:

6lbs

My weight was 19st 4lbs, and now is 18st 12lbs.

My BMI was 43.9, and now is 43.6.

I have to say that I actually squeeled and jumped up and down when I saw how much I lost, it really helps keep you motivated when you see results, it'd be nice to loose the same next week, lets see what I can do, I definitely want to go swimming on my day off.

PS Shimelle's new class starts today, although i'm sure that as most of you already knew that and, like me are probably taking part too. Off to read the prompt now, yay!

Thank you

2010-07-04T10:04:00.000+01:00

Thank you Kathy Kirstie, Liberty, Cheryl and Lizzie, for your supportive messages. I don't think I lost 10lbs though because when it said 20st, that was on carpet too, and my trousers definitely don't feel 10lbs looser :)
I've decided to take it as if I started last monday at 19st lbs because I definitely know that weight is correct, I think I may have lost 3 or 4lbs last week but I'll never really know, I hope to loose a couple of pounds this week but i've been a bit lax with the walking. The stairs at work are getting some use instead though, must do more walking this coming week. Also I think I need to vary my diet so I don't get stuck in a rut, I've been watching Cook Yourself Thin on Channel 4 (4od to watch online) which has given me some great ideas, definitely check it out: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/cook-yourself-thin/4od
Luv Helen :)

Mystery Solved

2010-07-01T19:36:00.001+01:00

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kazamatsuri/37884867/

I told my friend at work about the bizarre scale issues I was having and she asked me what I had the scales stood on because apparently if you stand your scales on carpet it adds weight on! I don't know why and neither does she but it explains the problems I was having. When the scales said 21st 3lbs I had them stood on thick carpet, when I weighed myself on holiday it said 20st and that was on thin carpet, obviously the 19st 4lbs on Monday was on the scales at Tesco's, and then when I weighed myself on my scales as soon as I got home on a laminate floor. So now it all makes sense!

Thank you for your comments, next weigh-in will be monday, so here's hoping I loose something :)

Confused.....

2010-06-28T18:04:00.003+01:00

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kazamatsuri/37884867/

So i've just come back from the lovely Ilfracombe in Devon and as I promised I would post once I'd weighed myself. Well, I actually took the scales to Devon with me (yes I'm a nutter, I know) so I could weigh myself on the same scales, now I weighed myself the saturday before and I was 21st 3lbs. Baring in mind this is the first week of the diet, well I weighed myself this saturday and the scales said 20st! I made sure it was set bang on zero both times but I can't believe i've lost 17lbs in one week, that can't be right.

So I went up to Tescos back home in Bristol this afternoon with my mother-in-law and I weighed myself on their scales and today I weighed 19st 4lbs on the Tesco scales. Then we went home and weighed myself on our scales and it says 19st 5lbs, mother-in-law also checked her weight on both Tescos and our scales today and there was 6lbs difference between the two (Tescos said she was lighter than what ours said)!

If you followed all of that you can probably understand why i'm so confused. What do you think?

PS: I'll post some photos of Devon within the next couple of days too.

It's Time For A Change.

2010-06-19T20:01:00.000+01:00

I am absolutely disgusted with myself, after just over a year of being married i'm the biggest i've ever been, I have let myself go and it has to stop now, before it's too late. I am a few months off of my 28th birthday, 5ft 6in and I'm wearing a UK 22 on top, and a UK 24 on the bottom and i'd really rather be a UK 14/16, although at the moment i'd settle for 18. I think part of my problem is that unless I actually look in the mirror I don't realise how big I actually am, in my head I feel like a size 12 so I guess that isn't going to help.

Well today is a fresh start, the start of a new healthier me, I have to loose weight now before it effects my health any further, it's already giving me a bad knee, plus I can barely walk any distance without getting out of breathe and I also have Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the heavier you are to more this effects you, in my case, no periods. As Paul and I want a baby I have to get my weight down, because PCOS effects your fertility. Sorry for over-share.

I have been inspired by Cathy Zielske who has been blogging her weight loss as well as her scrapbooking, I thought that if I blog my progress it might make me feel like I have someone to answer to, which might help motivate me. Before, I would eat well for a few weeks and then just give up, I don't do fad diets so I can't even blame that, I just lost motivation. I also thought that if I scrapbook it too then that would be a good motivator. I'm not doing any particular diet, I'm just going to eat sensibly, three meals a day, without snacking in between, and do some exercise, starting with walking. If anyone has any more suggestions I would welcome them.

So here are my vital statistics and brace yourself for some horrible photos, I am aware that I look quite different from my profile photo, I do look different with my hair up and no make-up:

Day One:

Weight: 21st 3lbs (hoping scales are wrong).

Not sure what my target is, i'm 5'6" and I want to be about a UK size 14, so i'm not sure what weight I would need to be, I want to lose at least 7/8 stone minimum but I'm not sure how long I should expect it to take, I guess a couple of years?

I will be weighing myself weekly, and taking photos every four weeks so I will try and blog at least every saturday (apart from next saturday, will have to be tuesday but I will weigh myself) with my weight, i'm only going to do monthly photos because otherwise I won't be able to see any difference.

I really hope you can join me for my journey : )

Leslie And The Lys rocks my world!

2010-05-26T22:02:00.000+01:00

I just came across this awesome lady through a really old blog post on a random blog, love it, had to share!

This Weeks Layouts

2010-05-15T11:40:00.000+01:00

The first four layouts were made using two sheets of Pink Paislee patterened paper from the Fascinating range (one sheet of each), four pieces of cardstock, a set of embellishment stickers and chipboard alphas, also from the same range. Plus scrap cardstock, embroidery floss, paint, a blossom, a button and some ribbon. I just love the colours in this patterened paper!

This layout was inspired by the Woody Allen quote I came across, I thought the patterened paper was rather appropriate for the quote so I used that as my background. The quote I wrote on note paper and a journaling block, then I embellished further with rub-ons, stickers and a badge. All supplies, other than the note paper, were from American Crafts.

A Rare Saturday Off

2010-05-06T09:54:00.000+01:00

Well last saturday I had a very rare saturday off, I always have to work weekends so it was such a treat and even better I had booked my place in a crop run by Ellie from Mod Scraps. Even better, it was a special (Inter) National Scrapbooking Day crop so there was a free kit, challenges and prizes. The were four challenges and everyone who completed a layout for one of the challenges was entered into a prize draw for each. I managed to complete three layouts and I was very happy to win a prize from one of the draws, it even matched some papers that I'd ordered to collect from the crop.

The first challenge was the kit challenge and you had to use the items from the kit in your layout, here's my take on it:

The kit contained the patterned kraft paper, a set of alphas and a set of die-cut arrows. I used the kraft paper as it was, I stamped using Shimelle Laine's Background stamps from Banana Frog onto the arrows to add interest. I also stuck the clear alphas onto one of the larger arrows and cut around it to make the alphas a bit more interesting. Then I used the same arrow to cut the journaling strips. I added some Papermania alphas to complete the title and stuck on some dome stickers from Hobbycraft to compliment thebackground images.

The second challenge was a sketch challenge, here's the original sketch:

Here is my take on the sketch:

I decided to carry on with the dandelion theme as I had a photo and some patterned paper that worked together. I used leftover alphas from the kit challenge with this one too.

The third challenge was to create a layout using 3 or more different patterned papers but I ran out of time to do this, I only had 45 minutes to do the 'Just Blow' layout as I'd taken so long doing my layout for the 4th challenge.

The 4th challenge was to create a layout without using any patterned paper, cardstock only, here's my take on the challenge:

I decided to get my paint out for this one, I stuck some alphas on the cardstock first after taking some of the stickiness off on my clothes so that the cardstock background would show through once they are removed. I used three colours of acrylic paint and white gesso, brushing it on, stamping it using bubble wrap and painting through punchinella. I stamped with Banana Frog's Build-A-Bloom stamps in black and white StazOn ink. I then layered netting with a border punched piece of cardstock, I also embellished with a blossom, punchinella and buttons.

Spin Me Around

2010-04-24T14:40:00.000+01:00

Another playful layout that I made yesterday, I took these photos on new years eve, Paul and I were having a dance (no we weren't drunk) and even though the photos are a little blurry, I love them. I decided to try and create a disco effect and I found this transparent patterned disc with a hole in the centre which I thought was perfect as a mirrorball, although I'm not sure what it was supposed to be in a previous life.

I started with four pieces of American Crafts paper, using the reverse of one for my base I tore strips of two roughly the same width using a ruler and distressed the edges. I stuck each strip down from the centre of the page outward leaving the ends hanging off the page and then cut around the edge of the page. I then cut a 2inch circle from the black reverse to cover the mess in the centre of the page but before sticking it down I threaded the transparent disc onto a large brad with the black disc. I stuck the black disc down to leave the transparent disc to spin.

Again using the final piece of paper I used the patterned side, which was large spots, I used my circle punch to leave a border around each of the coloured spots and layered them on pop dots, some with more of the large brads on too. I also stuck the title and an arrow onto the disc and used rub-ons on one of the dots.

Technique Experimentation Part 1

2010-04-22T15:44:00.000+01:00

I said in my previous post that I wanted to experiment more with my scrapbooking, well yesterday I thought I'd break out the paints stamp and glue and had a play. First I made a background for a layout using some new stamps from Paperartsy, here is the cardstock background before:

(DCWV 12x12)

I started with a large number background stamped in black StazOn, then I used shades of lilac VersaColor ink pads directly on the cardstock to create a mottles affect, I then stamped through punchinella using VersaColor in magenta. Using Anita's acrylic paint in Fuchsia i stamped with bubble wrap. I stamped the large number background again, before flicking Black, Fuchsia and Baby Pink paint using an old toothbrush across the page. I also stamped the coffee ring stamp with silver ink and then the text stamp that PaperArtsy very kindly sent with my order with black ink. Here is the layout that I finished today:

The patterned paper is the reverse of a Sassafras paper, I made the clock from a magazine page stuck onto the back of a notebook and then the batons are made from the exclamation marks from three sets of Thickers. I used gesso to add more texture through some more punchinella and then attached it to the layout with staples. I used the leftover ring from my double-sided tape to stamp more circles with black paint, then added the title and journaling.

This second layout I made yesterday about my favourite magazine Nylon using pages from the actual magazine collaged onto the cardstock, then I stamped using bubble wrap and Fuchsia paint as well as painting through punchinella. I also used rub-ons, gems, buttons and sequins to decorate the page. The title was cut from a magazine page and mounted on cardstock to make it more sturdy.

Celebrate Life "mini-book"

2010-04-18T18:03:00.000+01:00

Long time no blog, I know, bad me! I've got no excuse, just taking a break, I was finding five layouts, in five blog post, a week a bit taxing. I realised I was scrapbooking more to coincide with my blog schedule than actually making anything that I was actually enjoying. I felt like all my pages were starting to look the same and I think that because I'd found my style I wasn't experimenting as much as I could have done. I think after three years of doing this hobby it was inevitable that I would get to this stage so now I am going to scrapbook for me, and have fun and play. I will still be posting periodically but I've decided not to pressure myself about it anymore. I hope you can understand.

On to other things, well I finally finished my Celebrate Life album which is from Shimelle's Something From Almost Nothing Post so here are the last six pages:

Don't forget everyone, the Scrap-Weekly challenge will be going up today.

Super Scrapbook Sunday

2010-03-28T10:15:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Super Scrapbook Sunday! Today's layout is one of my absolute favourites at the moment despite the fact that I've used up some old alphas which I'm not really a fan of any more. I created the photo collage in Boots ages ago but I just couldn't find the right paper to scrap them with. This paper I absolutely love but I needed a bit more colour to work with the colourful photos so I used the American Crafts floral sticker underneath the photo collage and under the title. The journaling block is also from American Crafts.

Don't forget that the Scrap Weekly challenge is up today here.

Cheeky Challenge Tuesday

2010-03-23T06:00:00.001Z

Welcome to Cheeky Challenge Tuesday. Today's challenge is LAYERS, use at least three layers on your layout. Here you can see i've used a Hambly transparency, K&Co (?) die-cut plus a journaling block and a border strip behind my photos. I also made a flower embellishment from a badge and a perfume sample.

I'd love to see what you do, anyone who wishes can leave a link in the comments.

Magnificent Moodboard Monday - Red

2010-03-22T06:00:00.005Z

1. Red and colorful parrot, 2. red curtain, 3. Red Arrow - Switzerland, 4. Red leaves, 5. Red berries, 6. Blood Red, 7. Paint the Town Red, 8. Red car, 9. MacBook in red #3, 10. Red, Hot, Beating Heart, 11. Little Red..., 12. Red White & Blue Fighting Fish, 13. Red Son Superman - Elseworlds, 14. Red boots, 15. A red glow world, 16. Lil' ol' Red

This layout was inspired by a red colour scheme, the layout documents mine and Paul's first wedding anniversary this Valentines day. Almost all of the stash I've used came directly from items received on the day. The flower was made using the faux rose petals Paul decorated the bed with, the centre was made from shapes punched out of the Valentine's crackers Paul bought for us. The tissue paper came in the bag of presents Paul got me and the large block of white card with 'Love' on it is from the cracker and the white and red bits of paper slotted behind the photo are the jokes from the crackers. The wide red border behind the photo is one of the hats that came from the cracker.

Now for your audio enjoyment, we're going a bit rawk today:

Super Scrapbook Sunday

2010-03-21T06:00:00.003Z

This page is another from my wedding album, I really loved having my hair and make-up done and it really made me feel special, this layout documents the transformation of my hair. The photo on the left was taken in the car (no make-up) on the way to the hairdressers on the morning of the wedding, the middle photo was taken in the hairdressers and the photo on the right was taken during the evening reception.

Something From Almost Nothing - Title page + Pages 1-3

2010-03-20T06:00:00.011Z

So, I've been taking part in Shimelle Laine's class Something From Almost Nothing and I've been working on an A4 size 'mini-book,' however so far I haven't posted ANY of it here on my blog, I have completed the first four prompts and I'm quite happy with them so here are my first four pages:

Title page:

(Journaling to follow once I have an idea of how the mini-book is going)

Page 1:

Page 2:

Page 3:

Favourite Photo Friday

2010-03-19T06:00:00.001Z

(Apologies for the rather distracting background)

I grew up in Weymouth and only left to go to university, as I still have family there I do get to visit with Paul occasionally. These photos were taken a couple of years ago but I've really struggled with what to do with them, because I like the photos I'd printed them out really big but in different sizes and I din't really want to do a scrapbook page for each photo so I was stuck.

Then I stumpled across this blog post by Scrapchick on her blog Through The Camera Lens which inspired my layout, although I used less strips and changed the layout a little, so thank you Scrapchick.

Fab Flickr Thursday - Birds

2010-03-17T06:00:00.001Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/desmondkavanagh/2873354964/

(Bird Of Paradise) http://www.flickr.com/photos/jalalspages/1495349476/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladywings/3198668908/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacy/111054525/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/depo17/3392683259/

Cheeky Challenge Tuesday - 3 Key Phrases

2010-03-16T06:00:00.001Z

'Not The Best Models'

Today's challenge is inspired by the layout above which is from my honeymoon album. The photos were taken in Central Park, New York City. I spent ages trying to get a photo of these pesky squirrels, would they pose for me? Not a chance! Luckily I am nothing if not persistant and managed to trick aforementioned pesky squirrel to pose for me in the end (this mostly involved whistling and pretending I had food).

Your challenge is to create a layout using three key phrases as your starting point, the layout can be on any theme you want. For example, if one of the phrases was 'zig zags' you could for example, use a punched edge on patterned paper under your photo. Or, you could use ric rac on your page for example, interpret them how you wish.

Today's 3 Key Phrases are:

- Multi-photos.

- Journaling Strips.

- Rub-ons.

I'd love to see what you do, anyone who wishes can leave a link in the comments.

Marvellous Mini-book Monday - C & C's Wedding

2010-03-15T06:00:00.001Z

Hi everyone and welcome to Marvellous Mini-book Monday. Today's album is of a friends wedding a few years ago, I've made it from K&Co Tag Pads and BasicGrey tags. I cut the photos into ovals of various sizes so that they overlapped the tags a little and embellished with punched shapes, ribbon and blossoms.

Super Scrapbook Sunday

2010-03-14T06:00:00.002Z

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

This layout documents the first time Paul came with me to my hometown of Weymouth to meet my parents over three years ago now, I can't believe how skinny Paul was. I seem to remember Paul packing a load of towels (he seemed to be under the impression my parents might not have towels :-) not sure why) and not packing ANY of the toiletries that I'd packed for us! The background paper is from The BasicGrey Obscure range and the cardstock is Bazzill.

Favourite Photo Friday

2010-03-12T06:00:00.001Z

This photo was taken on my wedding day in the traditional stretch-your-arm-out-above-yourself way, as a scrapbooker and the main photographer of the house it was difficult for me to relinquish photographing duties to a professional. I do have some lovely photos from the day that were taken by him, but I did take some myself during the reception and this quite accidentally turned out great. Although I think Paul looks a bit 80s doesn't he?

Fab Flickr Thursday - Seeing Stars

2010-03-11T06:00:00.001Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stawarz/2981086612/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/petergorges/3147557572/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timsamoff/67985943/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/besar_bears/222912273/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adjustafresh/3101151106/

Cheeky Challenge Tuesday

2010-03-09T06:00:00.001Z

Welcome to Cheeky Challenge Tuesday, today's challenge is BUTTONS.

I challenge you to make a layout using at least 9 buttons, the rest is up to you......

I'd love to see what you do, anyone who wishes can leave a link in the comments.

Magnificent Moodboard Monday - Brown

2010-03-08T06:00:00.003Z

1. Brown pony, 2. 71/365 - I Really Want To Do Just What My Body Wants To, 3. Eye to eye, 4. All the leaves are brown...., 5. Dan Brown, 6. Brown Beetle or Shield Bug?, 7. Brown Bear cubs in flowers, 8. Brown Letter Day 365/28, 9. Brown duck, 10. city hall, 11. sunshine brown, 12. Brown Argus (Plebeius agestis) butterfly, 13. Brown Creeper, 14. Brown Fish Owl - 褐漁鴞, 15. How now brown cow?, 16. Hamburg is Brown and White

This layout is from my honeymoon album and was inspired by the brown colour scheme.

Now for your audio pleasure:

Super Scrapbook Sunday

2010-03-07T06:00:00.001Z

This layout documents one of my friends hen parties a few years ago, it was made using American Crafts 'Teen' products and bits from the Gauche Alchemy Lady Marmalade orange mixed media kit.

Favourite Photo Friday

2010-03-05T06:00:00.018Z

This photo is from my honeymoon series and shows hubby in Central Park, I love this photo because if it wasn't for the frozen lake it would look like summer. The skies are so blue, it's just stunning, after British winter skies which tend to be a horrid grey it certainly made a nice change.

Journaling reads:
"Even though Central Park is huge, it's not easy to forget where you are surrounded by skyscrapers. Thankfully, on a mild sunny day like this, the contrast is just beautiful."

Fab Flickr Thursday - Swirls

2010-03-04T06:00:00.001Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cibergaita/334522543/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lovestruck94/357574568/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kymberlyanne/2748142351/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/donnagrayson/113828473/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhapsodicirony/4163853639/

Cheeky Challenge Tuesday - 3 Key Phrases

2010-03-02T20:09:00.000Z

Today's challenge is inspired by the layout above which shows a selection of photos of my mum from when she was 'Just A Girl.' Your challenge is to create a layout using three key phrases as your starting point, the layout can be on any theme you want. For example, if one of the phrases was 'Circles' you could for example, layer circles punched from patterned paper under your photo. Or, you could use photos with circles in them, interpret them how you wish.

Today's 3 Key Phrases are:
- Vintage.
- Grid.
- Vertical Title.

I'd love to see what you do, anyone who wishes can leave a link in the comments.

(ps: apologies for lateness of post, hubby was not feeling well today bless him)

Marvellous Mini-book Monday - My 26th Birthday

2010-03-01T06:00:00.021Z

This mini-book was inspired by one of Shimelle Laine's and documents my 26th birthday nearly two years ago, I used up a lot of embellishments in this mini-book, I probably should have used less as it doesn't shut.

Super Scrapbook Sunday

2010-02-28T10:06:00.001Z

'Wedding Make-up'

I have to admit I went a bit overboard with the American Crafts 'Teen' products on this layout, but as I won them it'd be rude not to, doesn't mean I don't love it though! The only things that aren't American Crafts are the three felt buttons (top right) which are from a Crafty Templates Crafty Bales 'Carnaby Street' kit. I really love these stickers and rub-ons, they're so me.
The layout is from my wedding album, where I work there's a Mac make-up counter and I get on with the guys on there. Some of the them also work as freelance make-up artists so I got my friend Maddie to come to the hotel and do the make-up for me, my friend Ana and my niece Jess, who were my two older bridesmaids. A big thanks to Maddie as she did an amazing job, I felt and looked gorgeous all day.
I must say that I really struggled with these photos for ages because of the colours in them but I didn't want to convert them to black and white because I really loved Maddie's dress even if blue, purple and brown are a difficult combination. In the end this paper seemed to work, the white and blue of her dress were also in the paper, and thankfully multi-coloured paper can be quite forgiving even if the other colours aren't really there.

Don't forget everyone, the Scrap Weekly In 2010 challenge will be going up today on the blog so go and check it out.

Favourite Photo Friday

2010-02-26T06:00:00.001Z

This layout was made using a now discontinued Prima Paintables which I coloured in using watercolour pencils, this is from my wedding album, I took this photo on our wedding day.

Fab Flickr Thursday - Stripes

2010-02-25T19:08:00.000Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xctmx/365366448/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilspicys/2348875917/

The stripey column on the La Defense Plaza.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eiratansey/127111254/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xctmx/384380374/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jblndl/421297824/
Sorry for lateness of this post, I hope you all enjoy it.

Cheeky Challenge Tuesday

2010-02-23T06:00:00.011Z

Welcome to Cheeky Challenge Tuesday, today's challenge for you is to use photo-corners, they can be whatever size you like, maybe you want to use four small ones to frame your page like I have, or maybe you just want to use one extra large one to create a statement. This layout is from my Document 2010 album.

How creative can you be with yours? I love to see what you do.

Magnificent Moodboard Monday - Purple

2010-02-22T06:00:00.003Z

1. Purple, 2. Flower Purple Macro, 3. Purple Macro, 4. Purple Flames, 5. 365:52 Purple Peeps, 6. Iris 'Baby Prince' violet purple standard, 7. Purple, 8. Purple♥hair, 9. Purple Barbershop, 10. Purple Orchid, 11. Purple Rose, 12. Purple Lillies, 13. purple fountain, 14. Purple window, 15. 188: Purple, 16. miss bell / purple set

Apologies for slightly blurry photos. This was made using Bazzill cardstock, American Crafts thickers, journaling spot and sticker. All of the other embellishments were from the Gauche Alchemy purple kit.

Super Scrapbook Sunday

2010-02-21T06:00:00.002Z

'Getting Ready.' This layout is from my wedding album, and is made from American Crafts products, the embellishments are from the Gauche Alchemy pink parts kit.

Don't forget everyone, the Scrap Weekly In 2010 challenge is up now on the blog so go and check it out.

Favourite Photo Friday

2010-02-19T06:00:00.001Z

This photo was taken on my first daytime visit to Bristol when I was 21. I had just graduated from university in Bath and was job hunting in Bristol with my parents. The only other time I'd been to Bristol was on a housemates birthday when we went to the Thekla nightclub (which is on a boat).

Here's the layout I made which is part of my age album:

A Lucky Week

2010-02-18T20:45:00.000Z

I must be having a really lucky week, so far I've won the Gauche Alchemy competition to name the black parts kit which is now called Black Out, then I won a template on Liberty Cottage, and last but not least I received the following parcel from Scrapbook Magazine:

It's a load of American Crafts products from the 'Teen' range, I absolutly screamed with excitement. All I did was send off a postcard with my name and address on. Needless to say you'll be seeing a lot of these products on my pages in the near future!

What's the best thing you've ever won?

Fab Flickr Thursday - Polka-dots

2010-02-18T10:58:00.000Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/x_mrswarhol/2404254620/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pyxopotamus/2599060785/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/harthillfarm/3907933578/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/melsatcs/2413445320/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42537354@N00/3753308418/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/camkage/4342949665/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dygatiqah/2337492290/sizes/m/

Cheeky Challenge Tuesday - Tell A Story

2010-02-16T06:00:00.001Z

Welcome back to Cheeky Challenge Tuesday, today is a short and simple challenge inspired by comic books. Your challenge this week is to use a grid of photos to tell a story, either a series of events or snapshots from one event like I have done below. I would suggest at least 6 photos, but really it's up to you, maybe you could use four larger photos such as 6x4, or fill the page with lots of 2x3 size images.

Below is the layout that inspired this challenge, it is from my Honeymoon album. Here I have used Sassafras Lass paper, and the arrows have been cut from American Crafts paper. The photos are some of the hundreds I took on our honeymoon last year, these ones from Central Park Wildlife Centre show a Puffin who went absolutely mental when it saw me through the glas. I think it might have been the red coat I had on, maybe it's not just bulls that have issues with the colour red. I have to say I was very grateful for the glass between us.

I hope you enjoy the challenge, I would love to see what you do with it.

Marvellous Mini-book Monday - Bathroom Beauty

2010-02-15T20:25:00.002Z

Back and Front

1st and 2nd

3rd and 4th

5th and 6th

7th and 8th

9th and 10th

Sorry for lateness, had a bit of a busy day. This mini-book was inspired by one of Shimelle Laine's mini-books.

A Dedication Of My Love

2010-02-14T06:00:00.006Z

Dear Paul, (to everyone who is not Paul I apologise in advance for the soppiness)

Not only is today Valentines day, but today is also a very special day for me as it's my first wedding anniversary so this post is dedicated to my gorgeous husband Paul who is one in a million. I can't believe how quickly our first year as husband and wife has gone, I am so happy I married you, I can see us together for years to come, as eighty-year-olds walking hand in hand down the street.

Our Song:

He is my husband, my best friend and love of my life, without Paul I would be without soul, without colour, without love, without life. He is my everything. I am so thankful to have his kindness, his humour, his support and loyalty. The layout below I have made especially for Paul, it's basically like a scrapbook version of a Valentines/Anniversary card to him, I have got him a proper one too though.

"Happy marriages begin when we marry the one we love and they blossom whem we love the one we marry."

Paul, happy valentines day, but most importantly, happy first wedding anniversary. I love you with all my heart.

Happy Valentines day to all of you, I hope you all have a lovely day. Who are you making dedications to today?

Gauche Alchemy - I Won!

2010-02-13T09:44:00.000Z

In January Gauche Alchemy had a contest on their blog to name their black mixed media kit, I entered the following names:

Black Magic

Goth Juice
Gothic Gauche
Shadow Cat
Black Hole
Black Out
In The Black
Black Rose
Black Tie
Sirius Black (Harry Potter)
Black Market
Onyx
Black Pudding
Black Beauty
Pitch Black

If you look at my comments on Thursday you will see Julie Kirk (who happens to be one of my favourite designers!) has commented to let me know I won and yesterday it was posted on the Gauche Alchemy blog so I officially found out that Black Out won!