Pink Candy by Caroline

Things that make you go 'oooohhhh......'

Found some gorgeous 'stickers' whilst shopping.  From Accessorize for £2.50 you get 32 flowery resin spots - great for the centre of a flower or on their own.  I do like finding potential crafty items in non-crafty places, don't you, lol ! 

Got two CJ layouts done this weekend.  One for UKS Retailers called 'Pop' where we had to show our first pop idols.  My first really serious interest in music was for Adam and the Ants.  I liked Bay City Rollers when I was ten and I liked others after that, but the ones that really made me go 'ooooh' was Adam and the Ants.  I liked them even more cos my Mum and Dad thought they were rubbish, lol.

The other CJ was for one on the BF Forum and this one was Kathy's called 'Stash Attack', where we had to use some of our favourite crafty bits.  I could of filled a whole CJ on this subject just by myself, but llimited to just one layout I kept it simple.....

left hand side of layout and.....

the right hand side......(the bit of fibre hanging from the top of this page isn't part of my layout, lol - its from a tag on the sign in page)......

I am getting braver with my own handwriting too.  Darren says its awful and difficult to read, but its mine and its me and I can't do much about it!  At least the children will see a part of me on every layout and page I do that has my writing on it.

And, some of you may be surprised now, but I made a card!  And I enjoyed making it too, so you might see some more from me, lol.  This was a Confirmation card for my friends son.  Now what do you do for a ten year old boy on his Confirmation?!  So I just went with birdies and bright and lots of heat embossing!

My cards and my layouts, in fact anything I do, seems to come together if I doodle at the end.  I just have to do some doodley frames or bits to finish it off.   Harry said he liked it anyway, so thats what matters.  Although it might have been the £10 note inside......hehe

*Tagged!*

I've been tagged by Karen.......

I am sure I was tagged by a couple of other people a while back and I forgot to do them.  Apologies to whoever that was, and if you want to tag me again I will do it, honest....

1. If a movie was being made of your life who would you like to be cast to play yourself? And why?
I would like Jennifer Saunders to play me and in the style of Edina from Ab Fab.  My daughter says I am like Edina and my friend is like Patsy.  I do laugh at the thought......wish I had her money though too, lol.

2. You are spending a whole month on a desert island for charity and you have to choose your favourite celebrity to spend the first two weeks with & your least favourite celebrity to spend the second two weeks with, who would they be & why?
There are lots of fave celebs I wouldn't mind spending some quality time with (hehe), but at the moment it would have to be David Duchovny as Fox Mulder (X Files).  We could investigate some happenings on the desert island and then he would have to comfort me when I get scared.....

Least fave would have to be some airhead woman or someone who is famous just cos they are rich.  You know the ones, but I don't like to name names.... Paris Hilton...

3. What are your three favourite crafting products?
Chipboard, Big Shot, Cropodile

4. If you could invent something to do anything what do you think it would be?
Something that enabled us to live forever, should you want to.

5. What are the last three books that you read?
The Good Guy by Dean Koontz, The Potters House by Rosie Thomas, and am reading Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult at the mo.  I have a huge pile of library books to read - a couple more by Jodie Picoult, a couple by Dean Koontz and some by Stephen King.  Will keep me going for a while - will have to renew them though as I am not going to get through them all by the due back date of 23 April, lol!

Also have a new BF Book Club book to read - The Shipping News by Annie Proulx.  If I didn't have my books to escape into, I am sure I would go mad.

6. Qvc or create & Craft?
Neither

7. Docrafts or Dovecraft or DCWV?
Defo not DoCrafts, Dovecraft is good, DCWV is a little bit gooder.

8. What is your claim to fame?
Having a PM on UKS from Ty Pennington, when he dipped in during a CyberCrop last year.  I had made an offer to help him, in suggestive tones (hehe), and he PM'd me to thank me for my offer.  Cheeky man.  Cheeky, sexy man.  Sexy man. Sexy...

I am going to tag - any of the Bubblies who fancy giving it a go.  There are more than five and I would hate to miss anyone out....

Edited to add a couple of pic of Ty Pennington - sorry, I just assumed everyone would know who he was, lol.... I mean, how could you not who he was!!  Where have you been??xx

Ty Pennington - Extreme Makeover.....

I believe in angels.....

Doesn't time fly!  I've been so busy the past few weeks I can't believe we are mid-way through April already!  And no sign of Spring either, bummer.

The new style Bubbly Funk monthly kit is being posted on Tuesday and the Bubbly Scrumptious Blog is available for those who bought the kit too.  It is themed like an e-magazine, so over the months we will build up a whole load of useful and usless info, lol.  Thats what magazines are about isn't it.  Bits and pieces of this and that, with the Kit projects being the main posts throughout.  I hope everyone likes it as I do think it will grow into such a valuable resource, and not just crafty bits.  It is going to be something you can flick through whilst having a cuppa, and also the kits projects will give some winderful inspiration.

So this alone has kept me very busy, together with the Kits for the UKS CyberCrop taking place at the end of April.  Not complaining though, as I do love it.

I did manage a CJ entry for the Retailers Cj on UKS, which I posted last week.  this is the only crafty thing I have been able to fit in of late.  The theme for the CJ is Magical and Mystical......

I love Angels and the whole spirituality surrounding them.  I have a number of books of peoples wonderful experiences with Angels, so it is nice to believe and I do.  Several years ago I used to go to a Spiritual group which met up every week, and was headed by a lady who had medium-like qualities and would be able to give us messages.  Darren thinks the whole thing is a load of nonsense, but I believe.  I would hate to think that you live and die, thats it, and nothing after.  Darren is very logical and practical which is fine, but I am the opposite and want to believe there is more. 

I also believe in the power of positive thinking.  And that negative thoughts breed negative happenings and the same with positive.  The book 'The Secret' is worth a read to anyone who hasn't already.  I've only read part of it, and watched the video, but it changed the way I think, and for the better.

My Spirituality has taken a back seat the past few years, as all I do is craft related, lol, but its still there with me, with every breath I take, even if I am not seeking to know more at the moment.  There is a time and a place and I believe my energy needs to go on the business and my family, of course, at the moment.  So I don't go to any Spititual groups or anything like that at the moment, but I am sure I will again, as its something thats always there with me.

To this end I always want to think the best of people, and I always assume first that peoples motives are honorable even if further down the line they prove not to be.  I can be happy in myself that I gave them that chance, and then just feel sad if they prove not to be as nice as they should be.  It is their problem then and not mine, as I gave them a fair go. 

Oh gosh, that was a bit deep wasn't it.  Don't know why, lol.  Anyway, do you believe in Angels?

I have a daily calendar with an angel sentiment on each day.  Todays one says

"Wherever we are, if we open our eyes to truly see, we find the wonder of God's handiwork."

If you are blessed with good family and friends, then this sentiment rings true, don't you think....and the beautiful things that nature provides, which are around us every single day.  Take time to really look....and really see....

Famous Stars and Straps.....

I actually managed to get a CJ entry finished ahead of time last weekend!  This is one for the BF CJ and the entry was in Rosies 'Favourite Memory'.

Popped into town with Abi yesterday as she needed some new school shoes.  Mind you thats not all she managed to get out of me, not sure how she does it, really I'm not.  Shoes, two jackets and make up, and a she bought a sparkly belt buckle for a belt she bought where you can change the buckle.  Ridiculous price.  The buckle cost more than the belt and the belt cost £20.  She is buying that out of her pocket money though.  I don't mind treating her, but thats a bit extravagant!  I had never heard of this design either but its very fash by all accounts 'Famous Stars and Straps' - this is the buckle she bought...

I said 'Won't people think your name begins with 'F' if they see your belt buckle?'

Abi looked at me astonished and the shop owner chuckled at me and said 'Nooooo, I shouldn't think so.'  And then laughed.

Am I that out of touch?! lol.  At one time I would have known what the 'in' thing was, but obviously not anymore!  I did feel old......

Happy Easter

Last weekend (gosh that makes me realise how long ago I blogged!) the boys and myself made a whole load of gorgeous choccy muffins.  The boys don't very often express an interest in baking but they both fancied a go when i suggested it, bless 'em.

So we made two batches of 12, making 24 gorgeously chocolatey muffins, because 12 wasn't enough, lol !  It is a Cadburys recipe and it makes the bestest Chocolate Muffins in the whole wide world.  Then blow me down, those 24 had gone by Sunday lunchtime and so Abi made another 12.  Thats how piggingly fabaroonily scrummy they are.  Pig out weekend it was.  Muffins all the way.....

Jake was camera shy for some reason, might be because he hadn't done his hair, lol, and so wasn't keen on me getting a full frontal shot.  But I did manage a couple of sneaky sideways pics of him making the muffin mix, with Cam too.

JAKE - WEIGHING INGREDIENTS

CAM - CRACKING EGGS

CADBURY CHOCOLATE MUFFINS - see recipe under Pages, left hand side.....

In my last post I mentioned that I had done a couple of layouts for my friend, who has a beauty business.  She wanted a couple of layout showing her room, which she could display on her table when she goes to shows and fayres.  I came up with two very simple layouts, in her chosen colour schemes, which she was very pleased with.  I kept it simple so that there would be minimum damage due to handling, as they will probably be handled a lot.  I also backed them onto 12x12 chipboard to make them sturdy.

Anyways thats it for now folks.  I have done a CJ (albeit a little late) and will sort out the photos for that for another post.  I'll sort out the Cadbury recipe for the muffins too and createa recipe section on here for those that are interested and who haven't got the recipe already!

Have a wonderful Easter folks...........xx

Tulips to kiss with......

Not been feeling too good over this past weekend, full of cold and all sniffley snoo.   OK now though and just trying to catch up on everything I failed to do over the weekend!

Have a look at these gorgeous tulips I got for Mothers Day.  They are still going strong too, although a couple of them are shedding petals now, but they have lasted ever so well.

I do love tulips......

Managed to get the March Sketch done today - its only half way through the month, but never mind.

Its a pic of Jake this time and using gorgeous Cosmo Cricket papers and rub-ons.  Their rub-ons are to die for.  Hardly no rubbing is required, they go on every so slick and easy.

Journalling reads: 'Oh boy, you are cheeky, full of fun and do make us laugh.  Such a clever soul too, but without the gentle prodding of a caring Mum and Dad I am sure you would be happy to just plod on in your own slow, steady way.  Do your best son...thats all....'.

I had to laugh, well actually I was in hysterics with Darren today.  He said to me, in all seriousness  'I think my lungs have dropped into my stomach'.  'What do you mean?' I asked.  'Well', he said, ' I have this belly thats appeared from nowhere, and when I breath my stomach moves up and down and not my chest.'

Now I laughed, and I have been taking the mick out of him all day, but I am pretty sure that can't happen, can it?! lol.  He is funny.

Busy

Well, busy has not been the word for it.  Mega busibloominlotaliciously flippin' mega amounts of stuff to be done, lol.

I had DT projects to do, of which you can see some peeks here and then pop over to Charmed Cards to see them in all their glory.....

and I had one for Fidgeons to do too which is due to go out in a leaflet later this month I think, but you can see a sneaky peek here:

As well as that I did two CJ layouts, which cleared me and made me up to date for a bit but they are piling up again, lol.......

I also did a layout for my friend to display for her beauty business, but she picked it up yesterday and then I realised I hadn't taken a photo of it!  I am seeing her tomorrow though so will grab one then.

Anyways, other than the stuff I have been doing things are busy on the shop, with gorgeous new Maya Road goodies in, and the Auction for Ellie finished on Monday evening with a whopping £227 raised and a further £15 donated today.  How fab is that!  I have spoken to Kirsty and she is pleased too.  Thanks you to everyone who helped and took part.  Love you all.....x

I was tagged by Janice a while back - sorry hun not forgotten, when I blog hop I will pick it up and do it.  My desk is looking like a bomb has hit it.  Two weeks of unorganised chaos has left me with a 3 inch space on which to rest a cuppa and thats all.

Catch ya later.........xx

Auction for Ellie and then some....

Well half term came and went in the blink of an eye.  Kids had dentist and optician appointments which, when combined with other things on that day, seemed to take the whole day.  Days out bowling and visiting in-laws, a bit of shopping and the week is over! 

Went to Stitches last Tuesday to source some new chippie products for the shop, and whilst I didn't find anything I didn't expect, I did order some lovely Maya Road stuff, which should be on its way soon I hope. It is such a tiring day though, not helped by Darren taking us the long way round to get to the car and at the NEC you know how far away the cars can be!  I reckon I must have walked at least 157,000 miles that day.......

Met a friend for coffee yesterday and as she is not a scrapper it is usually a day for gossip and coffee and completely non-craft related chat, which you need sometimes when its usually 24/7, lol.  Anyways she wants me to do some design work for her and that developed into something much bigger which is quite exciting but I'll have to keep schtum on that a while longer.  If I tell you now I will have to kill you. 

I have a ton of DT work to do as well as CJ's and recipe cards.  Sounds like I am moaning but I am not, I love it all really.  Just wish there were more hours in the day, but don't we all......I will pop up some sneaky peeks when I can.

Don't forget the Auction for Ellie which is going on on the BFF (Bubbly Funk Forum).  Take a look here and it will take you to a couple of links where we are trying to raise a bit of money to  help this little girl. I have had lots of bids in already, but we could do with some more!!  So what are you waiting for.........

That spring feeling........

We started a Book Club on the Bubbly Funk Forum (hereafter know as BFF, lol) and our first read was The House at Riverton, Katie Morton.  I haven't picked up a book for months and months and so was glad to get into one again.  Anyway finished it within 10 days or so and feeling bereft of books I paid a visit to the local library.  Haven't been for ages but picked up three for now.  I love a bit of suspense, occasional horror and books I know with absolute certainty, I will not be able to put down.

Dean Koontz and Stephen King do it for me every time.  I know I am guaranteed a bloomin' good read with these guys.  Anyways, just finished reading Velocity by Dean Koontz.  The only problemo with reading is that it eats into my day and I know I have one zillion other more urgent things to be doing.  But I just have to get to the end of a chapter, and then maybe just start the next one cos its a short one - you get the picture.

I love reading though.  Transports you away for a little bit.  Whether that be into the mind of an old woman or into the mind of a homicidal maniac, either way you are in their lives for a while.  I kinda imagine that when I have finished reading the chapter and put it down for a while, that these characters are suspended insitu until the next time I give them life.  Or sometimes I think that even though I am not reading about their life, they are still living it and going about their daily business.  Ho hum.....

I managed to finish the Feb Sketch for the BFF (do ya remember what it stands for, lol) and so thats another page for my album.  Must try and do more than just one a month though, eh.  Have some yummo pics of the boys to do too, so that is my creative focus at the mo - scrapbooking.  Love it......

Here is the sketch, which, incidentally, I always make up after I have done the layout.  I don't make up a sketch and work the layout to suit, its always the other way around.  Purely so that people can use the sketch in a simple form if they want, and it kinda gives permission for people to scraplift, which when I do a sketch is fine by me......although it is nice to be given credit for the sketch....

Half term now for this next week.  Have such a lot of exciting things planned - dentist *open wide*, opticians*can you see it yet* (in a Rolf Harris twang), hairdressers *oops*.  The kids are gonna love this week I can tell you.  We plan a whole day sorting out the loft too.  We all need to have hands in on this one, as the loft is chocka with all sorts, that once sorted can go to charity.  I reckon there will be enough for them to collect in a van!

oooh, that Spring cleaning feeling is upon us folks......such fun.......:-)

Catch up.......

Ooooh its been ages since I blogged.  Losing Kappa left me feeling a bit flat for a few days and I still feel the loss whenever we bring Wiggy inside at night.  He must feel the loss more than anyone, and we try to give him lots of touchy feely comfort and some warmth from another living thing, which we all need to survive, don't we.  I have always spoken to them lots and I know he knows my voice.  He has started to make a kind of purring noise whenever I speak to him, so cute, bless him.

Anyways, thanks for all the kind words and comments from those of you who read the last couple of posts.  I knew some of you would understand *hugs*......

Nothing very exciting to talk of really.  Jan-Feb are bleak months aren't they.  Although the sun is shining lovely today and I wish it would stay like that for a bit more than just the odd snatched hour here are there, before clouds roll in and make it a murky grey again.  Can you tell I feel a bit sun-deprived.  I'm not on my own there I am sure.

Did a few crafty bits over the past couple of weeks.  I was asked late last year to be a guest designer for January for the Artist Trading Club - a website is due to be live soon, www.theartisttradingclub.com.  Its a club where ATC's are swapped and exchanged and is run by Christine.  I had to do five Black and White with a red accent, so I am looking forward to getting a mix of five back!  Here is the one I did.......

I was also reminded by Linda that I had her CJ to complete, which I did and it was posted yesterday, sorry for the delay Linda.  Kids Cult TV and my theme was The Magic Roundabout.  Linda's theme was 'Best Friend', so I had to do Dougal of course.  I think I did about Dougal in most of my entries into this round of CJ's.  The top is the left hand side of the layout and the bottom the right hand side. 

I also completed an entry in the Retailers CJ, although that was done a couple of weeks ago.  My Favourite Book.  If you have never read Meet Me Under the Ombu Tree by Santa Montefiore, then you must.  I love it and its one of my faves.  I kinda made an extra page in this entry so I could include a pic of the cover of the book, lift it over and there is a write up of the book.  Go get it now and read!  You will be enchanted.....

I made use of some beads I had too and I was able to sew easily into the cork flower too.  A mass of glue bound the beads to make a centre for the flower - you might see better on the close-up.....

It was Rosie's b'day on 2 Feb and I actually made a card!  Must admit I don't like making them, sorry to you cardmakers out there, but I do try and am usually disappointed with what I do.  Part of it is also busting a gut to make something wonderful and then having to give it away, lol!  Is that selfish?  I only bother with cards if I know the person will appreciate it, and only if I have the time.  I am so desperate to get on with scrapbooking that cards come way down the list......

note the little 'hehe' I have inserted in the doodley bits.  Not sure if Rosie noticed.....hehe xx

It was my turn this month to set a cardmaking challenge on the Craft Diner, so go take a look and see if you fancy having a go!

I am in the process of organising a February Scrap Sketch for the Bubbly Funk Forum too, so will update on that once I have finished it!

Well, so much to do and not sure if I have enough ooomph to do it.  Perhaps a cuppa will give me some much needed get up and go...........xx