Tall Tales from the Elms

Set a date!

2011-10-11T10:00:00.001Z

I am on a MISSION to GIVE AWAY some Stampin' Up! Goodies - yes really - if you host a party in the first week of November with 6 or more attendees I will GUARANTEE that you will get £30 free spends in the UK catalogue. Book a workshop party today between 15th October and 30th November to find out more about this special one time offer and get your crafting Christmas sorted.

Rachelxx

An EXCITING time of year

2011-08-31T18:26:00.000Z

If you are an SU Demo or Customer as it is time for the sneak peaks to start for the new Catalogue and the list of retiring items to be published - what will be on there this year and what will you miss if you don't order it now????

I can take orders for retiring items right up to the end of September but beyond that they are gone and as we progress through the month less and less will be available to buy as the items go sold out. So don't miss your chance to purchase your remaining wish list items - possibly at a reduced price - before the end of the month.

With the new catalogue just around the corner its getting very exciting for us demos we are raring to go with the new goodies - which we get to get our hands on first as well. If you would like to earn some extra money or just get yourself a whopping 20% discount on your own purchases get in touch and I will talk you through how it works - there is never a better time to join than with a new catalogue and you get a whole 6 months to make your first quarterly minimum.

To get you going I have a pre-order offer for the new catalogue of £4.50 to include postage and a free invite to my Retiring Party in September and New Catalogue launch in October. want a Catty and coming along - for just £3.50 its yours if no postage is required.

Fuzzy Felt

2011-08-19T23:48:00.000Z

Well, I have been playing away from the stamps today - well OK had a little play this morning and made some bookmarks - but this afternoon I have been playing with felt, buttons and ribbons and resurecting some embroidery skills, or trying to.

I am intending on some photies to show tomorrow - as that makes things far more interesting.

I am off camping for a few days leaving hubs at home so its going to be quite an adventure!

Rachel

Questions questions

2011-08-19T00:15:00.001Z

I forget sometimes how much I know - till someone asks a question that is then it just flows out!!! SO I need you guys to ask me questions OK. So thinks like:

How DO you clean sticky scissors??
A: With a baby wipe, rubbing alcohol, stick stuff remover or even nail polish remover at a push.

How do you keep your scraps?
Three large plastic envelopes - colours: white and cream and patterned papers

What is the best way to attach card candy to acetate?
Well, after much experimentation and resorting to googling glues (I mean really that desperate), I have found dimensionals with a bit of tombow on the back of the backing and rest it on the acetate to dry - works perfectly, no mess, no string, just a few minutes patience required....

So do you have any random questions for me - on a postcard (OK comment will suffice) and I will get onto it :-)

Rachelx

A Fresh Start

2011-07-14T09:37:00.000Z

Sunshine and blue skies make me want to spring clean even though its summer!! So the to do list has had a battering on phone calls this morning and before I start on the difficult things I decided I needed to blog again.

I have not had an easy couple of years, I have kind of known redundancy was coming for a while and it did in May and I had to face the big dirty JCP - my word I can tell some stories about that......still another day. I get my stamp paid and 2 months down the line am waiting for my first payment to clear - what do they think people live off!!!

We spent last night on the finances and had a few actions to try and cut things down a bit. Even though I had already done alot there is more I can still do I think. We do need to identify some cheap and filling meals that allow for me being on weight watchers and John cutting some carbs out - OK so on the pasta days he will have to think of something else, but he has his way and I have mine - its all about getting our heads in the right place. We have also become a bit stuck in our ways on meals and need to freshen things up - any ideas, suggestions of blogs are welcome.

Currently Gym fees are still ON the budget as we are only 1 mile away and it offers swim, gym and free golf so not bad value at £105 for all three of us. Value and affordability are not to be confused though! Still my morning on the phone netted us £30 a month we don't have to pay, 550 credit and 101.11 credit so not bad for a mornings work.

I am also looking for a loft bed for Cait - she has decided that is what she wants for her birthday so I have been stalking ebay and found a couple localish and may speak to my neighbour about helping to collect them as our little car is too small, or I may need to identify a man and van - will still be cheaper than upwards of £300 for the full kit and caboodle new!

We are also doing a home party and I might as well use my crafty skills so we will be making a necklace and bracelet from some bead kits I found at Sainsburies, decorating a bag with their name on that I will caligrapher with the dual colour pens from kuretake I think they are and then make a card handbag - Cait loves hers and I think they will enjoy making them and we can do it all sitting down!! Cait is thrilled I am making the cake (despite insiting on shop bought the last few years) and I will be attempting a fairy castle!! Now need somewhere for bulk sugar paste - lol

Rachel

Life, lemons and lemonade

2011-01-19T19:52:00.000Z

Not suprisingly I am on the job hunt having been made redundant - still have some time at work left at the moment but am utilising some of that on my search for a new way of earning some money. I have been thinking about what it is I really want and although I don't want to be a FT Employee I also don't want to be a consultant - so I am weighing up some of the options and ways of gaining experience to see if I can come up with something a bit more out of the ordinary!!!

So I am busy making lemonade :-)

I am actually REALLY looking forward to some time off and it falls just right for 3 weeks of Easter Holidays - the world is our Oyster!!! What to do - ideas on a postcard :-)

I have some plans for a bit more crafting for a while - well I may as well, but also plans to seriously work on building my new portfolio career!

Lemonade is sweet

Rachel

Blurgh

2010-06-12T06:30:00.000Z

Its along time since I had such a sore throat - typical - first weekend for a long time not much going on other than Cait's dance class and show rehearsals tomorrow so though I would get a few things done - but feel pretty poorly :(.

We had a lot of fun last week for half term and got up to all sorts - Cotswold Farm Park which was great loads for the kids to do and a couple of days in London to see Dinosaurs and Grannies - and a few other things besides. Then Visiting on Friday and Mum had a lovely catch up with her friend int he pm while Cait had a mega play in the morning with one of her school friends.

The day job has been pretty hectic and is only likely to get more so in the coming months so I will be a bit more stressed and alot less around I feel. The need to go to London all the time is also ramping up - deep joy!!

Rx

Still here

2010-05-31T07:08:00.000Z

Sort of - busy girl normally - work is really busy at the moment so not much head room for anything else.

Half term at the moment so have taken the week off to be with Cait and as John is around we get to do a few things together which is fun. I don't think there will be a "Summer" Holiday as such as things stand so we are aiming to do a few things here and make life fun for Cait. She keeps bemoaning the fact that she is lonely!

I am still crafting loads although its not finding its was on here much, the last month or so I have let things get out of contrl on the house front - its clean but v untidy after about 10 mins of anyone being in the room. Its like things jump out and get in a squiggle by themselves.....

I am currently also painting the kitchen units which is a chore by itself - even trying to get the handles off them!! Still I have new ones in the post and they are looking good and I also have the walls to paint but as there are so many units = less wall. I am trying to think positive here.....

We have a busy week and have planned a couple of days in London with an overnight and visit to Granny Ag (John's Mum) somewhere in there. We are off to the science museum to see dinosaurs and volcanoes which is the current obsession!

I may get to go to the V&A which is my all time favourite place for meandering around - love the design galleries - furniture, clothes and so on that come right up to recent times (well for me!) like the 90's!!!

S'all folks - maybe some pics when we get back!

Craft Room - piccies

2010-04-01T22:55:00.001Z

Well it has been in place some time now and I thought it was about time I showed a few photies. It is no where near finished - there is still miles of sorting to do and as always some rearranging - you put it in and then find a better place etc.

The desk I have had for years along with the Ikea drawers on the top at the back - the white thing on top of that was a foam board ink pad storage unit but it was converted to Ribbon when I got the tower on the left. Actually you cant see it that well as it is just behind the light so barely visible in the first photo but OK in the second. The tool box is an actual tool box so that was easy!! I also have underneath an old engineers wooden tool box which I love complete with the old smell of oil in there. I use this for dies and cats eye type ink pads and buttons and other odds and ends like that. Can you see the latest order ;-)

The white drawers I have two sets of are Ikea - the drawers are a bit of a mish mash and one of the things that need sorting. but I have my beading and felt stuff in them as well as stamping stuff - which doesn't really work for me at the moment. The top of them is used for cutting mats and cello bags and such under the desk and it is also supposed to be my cutting unit on the other one but often WIP gets dumped there - I have tidied since this was taken but the baskets are still there holding some tools for a class I am doing soon with 4 different projects.

The shelving units also have two drawers at the bottom of each but there isn't really any rhyme or reason to what is where other than it fits. I have 12 x 12 in the middle section and stamps either side. The boxes are Ikea and contain envies, none su ribbon and SU wheels and ermmm need some labels - lol. Baskets on the top currently have stamps in them but that will change, unmounted are on the shelf below 12 x 12 stuff. I had to utilise the top part as well and there are a couple of boxes of beads, albums full and empty and some baskets of finished projects etc. I have some boxes of finished cards which I need to sort again to sell some off. I have more painting and colouring tools than I care to mention as well as a bunch of more arty stuff from art class, two of the drawers are knitting, one is full of things to alter, one speciality paper, one odds and ends and the other more odds and ends - more sorting!! The Red drawers are SU paper the shelves none SU.

I have since done alot of general tidying so the floor is clear and the desk for the most part but Looking at it all and describing it I need an OCD friend to come and attack it now - any offers

Rachel

Free Choccie ---->

2010-03-20T23:03:00.001Z

Well Ok a chance but I mean who can resist

All growed up

2010-03-10T22:32:00.003Z

This was Christmas - I haven't posted anything of Cait for a while - but she is so grown up these days! You can't really tell but a) she made that cracker - all the colouring and everything and then b) in the other hand is a camera and she was being very professional winding it on and taking the photos which considering she is used to digital from us I thought was very grown up as well.

Pinky DInk

2010-03-08T09:08:00.002Z

Please excuse the complete laziness of an out of focus piccie that also hasn't been cropped. Ach - ahh well. This was made using some of the Waltzing Mouse stamps I treated myself to a while back to make Irish themed cards for one side of the family.

This one was for a Christening of a little girl (how did you guess) I went a wee bit over the top with the pink don't you think - they loved it though.

Rachel

Something Random

2010-03-01T23:24:00.001Z

I just signed up for a general bloggers swap - I am stunted in inspiration at the moment in a whole range of areas and I want to expand myself and hopefully my experiences. I am so excited i can't wait!!!

Poorly Girl

2010-02-28T12:45:00.003Z

Well this last week I started with what I thought was an ordinary cold.......its been a complete nighmare I have been sooooo poorly, still not anywhere near 100% today and sleeping has been nigh on impossible as I wheeze and cough my way through the night poor huby has the cold but not the sinus and chest infection with it so he is really up against it will me coughing and spluttering and driving him potty.

Still we managed to get out and about yesterday and had a drive out down to Moreton in the Marsh and the reclamation yard and antique places - had a short wander - 4.5 yr olds are not very patient with parents when there is a tea room calling....Still I wasn't in much of a state for more than a mere amble around a few thing sthen head back home to collapse in a heap. We had some lunch at the Stag just outside Stratford on Redhill - really lovely food and really not a bad price. I had one of their fixed menu specials of peppered beef casserole with veg and new pots and really enjoyed it, was only £6.95 - hubby said he had the best burger he has had in a long time for 9.95 and Cait devoured the obligatory fish and chips she always has when we go anywhere.

I really ought to start taking my little camera with me for these adventures - although it poured with rain so not too many pretty pictures this time.

Anyway today is washing and tidying day ready for another week. Not sure I am going to be working tomorrow - still feel really rough, I think it will hinge on sleep tonight. In an ideal world I think i would be off nearly another week but I just can't take that time right now. Glad I work from home though as I can potter a bit and make hot drinks whenever and not feel guilty etc

Rachel

2010-02-06T19:41:00.003Z

Well a few weeks on and the snow is all gone and the bulbs are starting to poke through the remains of the grass and garden. Its exciting every year!!!!!

I am starting to feel more chirpy - there is more sunlight - every year I persuade myself it is unrelated and every year about this time I think no its definitely that I like sunlight for longer - I think it effects evry to some extent or other but as I get older it seems to get worse.

We had a nice day today - dancing this morning and I got a bit of knitting in (for a dancing cardi!!) then we came home, pottered about had some lunch and J phoned to say he wuld be back at 3pm at the station.....I had to decide Hobby Craft or Sainsburies!!!! So off we went and had a mooch around Hobby Craft!!! lol. One of these days I will try and find the craft shop that hides out in Coventry but when you are an SU demo you do loose sight a bit of what is in the market and the prices and such - people say SU is expensive but frankly seeing some of the tatt out there - I will say no more!!!!!!

We collected J and then went en masse for the Sainsburies run ready for another week.

I think we will pop over and see my sister tomorrow by train - Cait loves the train so that will keep her happy!

Rachelx

2010-01-14T19:50:00.003Z

Well we have been pretty snowbound, although at a push we can and have been out. Cait has been out of school 3 days in total the last two weeks. Once we hit the main roads things are fine but we do seem to be in a dip for snow and it is just over a mile to the main road so not easy but OK.

We managed to catch the bin men when they snuck round 6 days late without letting anyone know. We have been getting post about every 3rd day but it is still getting through. I did a big shop last weekend so this week we haven't had to venture very far. We both work from home anyway so we didn't even really get any snow days even when Cait was home - we had to work around it. Ah well benefits still outweigh the downsides and it did and some of it still looks very pretty. Just flood warnings now!!!

I got a bit cabin crazy the other day and ordered some felt bits and bobs to make little felt cupcakes - they are just so cute I have made a dozen already!!! So now I have a corner of a drawer for felty things in my craft room. Not sure what I am going to do with them yet though. I have an idea to make a bit of a window hanging with some of it and may have to order some more felt to do what I am thinking of.....

I also need to find some fabric for curtains in our living room and my craft room. More big craft projects not sure I have the time for but it will have to be found then we will get into the garden waking up and needing attention as well!!!

Cait has a couple of friends round Sat pm for a play and tea. I am going to make crispie cakes with them but I think the rest of the time I will just let them get on with it. I mean what more entertainment do 3 4 yr olds need than a pile of toys, dolls and so on.....we shall see might have a reserve crafty project in hand!!

Rachel

Love a Challenge

2010-01-01T22:35:00.001Z

and love crafting well come along and find out what the In Love With Stamping Challenge Cup is all about and maybe even win yourself some prizes or find some Mojo that has been missing in the hectic Christmas period

Rachel

Updated for Sale Items

2009-12-26T09:57:00.002Z

Pastels/Chalks

9 Glimmers chalks - softer and more moist than usual chalks but gorgeous shimmer to them - lightly used £4.50 incl postage

9 normal chalks Peach dark pink red, 3 plum shades light to dark, dark and brighter green and a purple (£4 incl postage)

24 normal chalks with 19 applicators White, yellow, sunflower, orange, dark orange, red. Pale oink, flesh tone, bright pink, Hot pink, purple, royal blue, blue, light blue, aqua blue, dark green, mid green lime green, rust, dark and light beige, brown, grey and black (£10 incl postage)

Some of the chalks may crack in transit (although I will pack them well) but they are still more than useable. All light useage.

Pack of purple eyelets £2 incl postage approx 100

Memories Acid Free Dye ink pads
Sand
Baby Blue
soft leaf
colonial blue
Soft Lilac
Black (slight lid damage but still works fine)

All reasonably unused except black

£12 including postage

Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers
Burgundy
Yellow
Red
plum
brown
orange
green
turquoise
hot pink
olive green
Mustard Yellow
Purple

Great for colouring peel offs etc

£8 including postage

Color Box Chalk Inks (Favourite of a certain Ms Werner at the moment)
Alabaster
Rose Coral
Rouge
Warm Red
Warm Violet
Chestnut Roan
Azurite
Frrench Blue
Aquamarine
Ice Jade
Charcoal
Warm Green

£25 including postage, ask me I will split

Moonglow embossing powders two toned EP!!! 5 tubs unused £10 + £2 pp
Silver Moon Turquoise; Venus Violet Blue;Holly Berry Red Gold; Midnight Copper Obsidian; Cosmic Pink Blue. These are really beautiful pearl finish two tone embossing powders.

Tinsel/sparkle embossing powders in silver purple, green, red (lge pot) , Gold and "Christmas" which is red gold and green all in one £3.00 incl postage

3 adirondack ink pads in Ginger, Raisin and Terracotta £4.50 incl post

4 Opalite Ink pads(Over £20 worth) all pretty much unused Glacier Blue,,Winter Rust, Crystal Blush, Orchid Ice !10 incl postage

And yet more fromt he craft stash to shift....

2009-12-08T12:49:00.003Z

Oh yes and even after this there are more things - just working my way through things slowly!!

Pastels
9 Glimmers chalks - softer and more moist than usual chalks but gogeous shimmer to them - lightly used £4.50 incl postage

9 normal chalks Peach dark pink red, 3 plum shades light to dark dark and brighter green and a purple (£4 incl postage)

24 normal chalks with 19 applicators White, yellow, sunflower, orange, dark orange, red. Pale oink, flesh tone, bright pink, Hot pink, purple, royal blue, blue, light blue, aqua blue, dark green, mid green lime green, rust, dark and light beige, brown, grey and black (£1o incl postage)

Some of the chalks may break in transit but they are still more than useable. All light useage.

pack of purple eyelets £2 incl postage approx 100

Even more things up for grabs

2009-12-05T18:26:00.003Z

Memories Acid Free Dye ink pads
Sand
Baby Blue
soft leaf
colonial blue
Soft Lilac
Black (slight lid damage but still works fine)

All reasonably unused except black

£12 including postage

Adirondack pens, alcohol based non toxic
Eggplant
Lettuce
Butterscotch
Denim
Currant
Bottle
Pesto
Raisin
Caramel
Stream
Rust

Prefer for all to go together - again relatively unused. £12.50 incl postage

Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers
Burgundy
Yellow
Red
plum
brown
orange
green
turquoise
hot pink
olive green
Mustard Yellow
Purple

£8 including postage

Color Box Chalk Inks (Favourite of a certain Ms Werner at the moment)
Alabaster
Rose Coral
Rouge
Warm Red
Warm Violet
Chestnut Roan
Azurite
Frrench Blue
Aquamarine
Ice Jade
Charcoal
Warm Green

£25 including postage

More things for Sale

2009-12-05T15:32:00.000Z

Moonglow embossing powders two toned EP!!! 5 tubs unused £10 + £2 pp
Silver Moon Turquoise; Venus Violet Blue;Holly Berry Red Gold; Midnight Copper Obsidian;Cosmic Pink Blue

Tinsel/sparkle embossing powders in silver purple, green, red (lge pot) , Gold and "Christmas" which is red gold and green all in one £4.50 incl postage

3 adirondack ink pads in Ginger, Raisin and Terracotta £4.50 incl post

8 Opalite Ink pads (Over £40 worth) all pretty much unused Glacier Blue,Cypress Frost,Winter Rust, Crystal Blush, Sterling Frost, Orchid Ice(2) and Golden Mist £18 plus £2 postage

Rachel

Few things for sale...

2009-12-03T13:14:00.002Z

I am slowly working my way through stuff to put back into my craft room so have a big boxful to sell on - here is the start of the sale!!!!!!!!

GONE Adirondack alcohol inks - 9 bottles barely used if at all £10 + £2 pp
Mushroom, Latte, Oregano,caramel, stream, wild plum, red pepper,butterscotch and ginger

GONE Posh Rainbow inks - similar above not sure they're alcohol based - £4.50 incl pp
cranberry, bottle, butterscotch, terra cotta, denim. Marked Acid free!

**Work great on backgrounds with shaving foam technique or for brayering etc.**

Moonglow embossing powders two toned EP!!! 5 tubs unused £10 + £2 pp
Silver Moon Turquoise; Venus Violet Blue;Holly Berry Red Gold; Midnight Copper Obsidian;Cosmic Pink Blue

GONE Ranger Heat set inks 9 bottles and the Medium (to lighten and mix colours) (lge bottle) £10 + £2 pp
says can be used on light coloured man made fabrics, shrink plastic, clay, acrylic, glass wood metal and paper - set with iron or heat tool.

red, green, brown, blue, orange, yellow, hot pink, black and turquoise

GONE STP Finally .... Sizzlets Alpha - Rat-a-tat £20 incl postage all in original case barely used

Thanks

Craft Room Developments

2009-11-15T08:15:00.002Z

Well the craft roomis moving on a pace - I am about 80% of the way there with stuff I had out (I have yet to filch all the boxes out that I have stashed in Cait's Room and under our bed etc out but I am getting there and its getting rather full!!!

I am hoping to get to staples and IKEA today just to pick a few things up that might help me out. I have given up on the idea of a day bed so maybe its as well after much searching I didn't find one to my liking as yet, there isn't the room!!!

I do need to get rid of a double bed and keep trying so news on that one soon hopefully. The loft is now all boarded out and we are ready to rock and roll up there - so I need to get onto packing and labelling up the boxes that I want up there and then that is another hour or two of humping and shifting to sort out (well it will take me half that time to motivate Mr B up to get going!! Lol. He just doesn't understand the desire I have to gt it sorted)

I have been crafting already which is great news. I found a couple of small stashes of images and cut outs and have slung some scrap cards together for Mum to sell for Save the children. I am going to have topersuade her to put the price up from 25p though!!!

Rachel

You Shall go to the Ball.....

2009-11-04T21:09:00.002Z

Well this weekend sees a big SU convention in Europe for the first time - there are a number of demos not able to go and lots of customers, so over on ILWS we are having some fun and are going to have a little Ball of our own - come on over and see what we got planned :-)

Rachel

Busy Times

2009-10-30T13:11:00.003Z

Well lots of thing have been changing around here, CAit is now a schoolie and lovin every minute of it as well. I can't believe how far she has come in what is essentially 6 weeks of school and even in that she had a week off as a sickie with all the new bugs etc. Still all better now and she has enjoyed her first half term even if she didn't get a Mummy Day this time around.

J has decided to take redundancy so that is now pending and he will lose his car and such. So we need to srt him out with a few things so he can fly solo and we can see how his business idea soars over the next 12 months.

Me I am still in the same job - if you can call it that it changes most days to something or other else. Next week should see some sorting and finalising of responsibilities in our area so things might be a bit surer and on a firmer footing going forward.

I have been trying to decorate my office come craft room and progress is being made but still a way to go and it has to be finished soon so I can do some serious sorting ready for Christmas and the first visitor who has to stay in it! I have my eye on some nice furniture and so forth but I think it may have to wait a while whilst we settle on what J's new work looks like and the sort of money it is bringing in. Still that doesn't worry me overly at the moment.

I do need to get back into blogging and more importantly photo taking - when the new room is set up I intend to have a semi - permanent photo taking set up (ie only comes down when i need the room fr something else) and also the PC set up in there for using with stamping related things. Activities have been seriously curtailed by not having the set up downstairs and also J hogging it for his OU degree work although that is now off the agenda work planning is back on! owever we do intend to get him a laptop so hopefully we will move all the bulky kit upstairs and just have the minimum downstairs. There is alot going in this room of mine - hope it all fits!

I am still doing SU as well although somewhat less than I have been due to other things going on but check out my SU blog for classes, offers and contact details for order placing or party booking as well. A few more orders never goes amiss!! I will be starting a new club in January as well so if you fancy a monthly fix of stamping goodies in the new year for 6 months get in touch

Rachel

Photo for Chablis

2009-09-08T15:52:00.005Z

I think the top looks worse than it is as it needs a clean!!! Haven't got to that bit yet - lol

Drawers are all clean and the unit splits into the base of 6 drawers and the top of 3 drawers

**For those that want to know :-) I have had this for a few years as my stamping "hub" but it doesn't fit up our stairs in the new house and the craft roomis upstairs!! Bit of an issue!!! So I am selling it and will be using the funds to find something that does fit upstairs and can go in a freshly painted office cum studio that I am making the third bedroom into.***

Rachel

No head space

2009-08-29T21:27:00.002Z

For anything much with back to work after a holiday and lots of things to be catching up on - I had a class Thursday and no designs so they had to be done and then orders processed and distributed and a quick hop up to Dundee for work - that has to be the cutest smallest airport out. Made travel really easy - as does Birmingham being so close to home - so either end a commute of only 15 mins max from the airports to base camps. Took me longer to get out of the car park!!!

Other than that munchkin has been a bit bored this week but has gone to stay with Granny and Nandad this week - not missing me in the least judging by phone calls but wow what a break it is so far!!

I have been busy painting today and finished glossing and ceiling in her room which I have delayed due to time constraints and paint smells - stinking the house out tonight but it is all done and not as bad as I thought - just a stiff shoulder from rolling the ceiling.

Not sure what tomorrow will bring other than another lie in provided the neighbours keep the noise down (building works) and a bit of gardening when its not raining....

Maybe a garden shop as I need some more plants for pots/hanging baskets - nice little job :-)

Rachel

4009

2009-08-02T17:24:00.002Z

Well you are not supposed to do that many while I am not looking - I have been busy with birthday cakes, parties, sandwiches and ice cream and jelly - and frankly I am not sure I will ever move faster than a 90 yr old ever again!!! John has gone to the pool and its my turn after that!!! Too tired to blog any more than that!!!

Rachel

3977

2009-07-30T10:17:00.002Z

Oooh look at that - my visitors is nearly 4ooo. I may have to blog candy - never done that before!!!!

Watch this space then

Rachel

F-F-F-Friday

2009-07-29T19:04:00.004Z

So nearly Friday - hoorah!!!!!!!

I had an eventful trip to London the other day - it all went swimmingly till heading home - got to Bicester and some inconsiderate soul had managed to derail a train at Banbury so our train got cancelled - and more and more trains kept arriving and no sign of any buses, so more and more disgruntled folk - oh and their first action to sort things out - shut the ticket office - nice one Chiltern!! Normally I don't have abad word to say about them but when it comes to customer communication in events they are worse than useless - they all hide - I swear!

Still thankfully its not that far from home and John was over in Warwick collecting Cait so they drove down and collected me and we were still home for 6pm. Leaving a large crowd of people at Bicester.

Today has been nothing but rain rain and more rain, the poor chickens look like drowned rats and apparently we have had a fox mooching around so we have made sure they are well penned in - will have to be careful not to get lax - not sure what we would do if they got got....

Other than all that I am ready for the weekend and some time off next week - Monday off although got to have the MOT done - but will go shopping while that is happening (with Cait) or maybe John as well if he hasn't got a job assigned - more of a mooch about really so we shall see what happens. We have her Party this weekend so I have to plan for that and get bags and pass the parcel ready for that oh and make some fairly cakes - lol

Rachel

Sorted

2009-07-27T13:53:00.003Z

Well after a couple of hours hanging around doing boring work reading jobs etc the car is now sorted for a total of £80. New Tyre and locking nuts and now am the proud owner of a locking nut key as well. It was as I thought frighteningly easy to get the thigns off, around 7 minutes and a large lump hammer......

So all in all - don't like spending the money but it could have been alot lot worse.

However, on leaving house with hubby this am, he was reversing and neighbour was reversing and neither saw the other... thankfully at such low speeds little damage was done....good job we know her well.... although I think she was a bit shaken.

My little car is booked in for a once over and an MOT on Mon pm so fingers crossed there are no issues although I may get the brakes looked at as i think they need something they don't feel right - they work but I think they need doing. Its never ending isn't it!

Rachel

Mojo returned

2009-07-26T22:59:00.002Z

Well briefly - something inspired me to create some notelet cards for the hell of it - no reason, no class, nothing just because. I can see a potential market for them so may just try out this new emporium I am aware of and if they go with the flow so be it, but if not etsy here I come - Lol

It was nice to be creating for something other than a SU reason.....

Rachel

Sunday Sunday

2009-07-26T15:58:00.002Z

Bit of a misnomer today as there is ermmm NO Sun in this Sunday :-)

We had a warble over to Mothercare and ELC for a mooch round toy sections as someone has a Birthday soon .... So I got a few little things we can't quite work out what to get her at the moment as her big present. I am leaning more and more towards a swing and or a slide but am a bit loathe to buy new one due to cost and two reusing is better and more environmentally friendly especially with kids toys. So not sure. Another option is a play house or similar - I would LOVE to make her one from wood but time and reality are another thing - lol. I still might go and see my shed man round the corner and see if he can knock something up for me..... although he is not cheap!

We then raided Sainsbury and Costa and came home for a sit around - colouring in for me and Cait and a bit of practice numbers and writing and then she is having a big play with her babies and such so making a huge mess for tidying later - hmmmm

I have started thinking about her party next weekend and hope I can sort the car Monday and then I can do a few errands here and there to sort little things out. Visit to the party shop may be on the books.

Rachel

Crafting on here - well I never

2009-07-25T08:34:00.004Z

I made this before Christmas for my sort of SIL. I like the retro feel to it, but it is not 100% SU so thought I would pop it on here :-)

I used the Love notes from SU and the stamp set is Forest Friends. The tree was painted with markers then huffed before stamping and the bunny and owl just straight stamped. The box is an SU template which unsuprisingly is just the right size for these tiny notes!

Rachel

Some days

2009-07-25T08:05:00.003Z

Had a bit of a Black Friday yesterday. I am fighting my own personal little black dogs at the moment - mojo missing, motivation awol and generally ready for some leave and have another week to go and even then I am having to work 2 days so bit hacked off generally. So my lovely looking little car has been a bit of a bane. My own fault really I should have known better than to buy from "Peugeot Arbury" I just wanted a quick sale of my old one, a reasonable newish car for me, no hassle and all it has been is a pain from start to finish. You would think they would be doing everything to keep customers at the moment - but no. I can't even be bothered to list all the issues with it and last night I was run off the road by a country road hog in his US style truck and discovered NO LOCKING WHEELNUT KEY so frustrating. It really hacks me off that we are so rubbish in this country about giving a toss about customer service.

So now I am trying to sort getting car to them to remove said nuts - but frankly don't feel like giving them that business, nor the brakes business nor the service business nor the anything that needs doing under warranty business......so potentially they could be looking to a significant loss of business really. Bet they don't look at it that way though. I will report back. SO far Terry was lovely, Paul was hmmm and as for the guy who sold it to me - I can't possibly comment....

Still as you can see have been playing with my blogs! Thought it might encourage me to encourage others to come and lookesee...and get some followers!

Rachel

Late nights Early Mornings

2009-07-24T05:53:00.002Z

Just so razzy - NOT.

Was late as winding down from an overun class - I always cram too much in and also the key man WAS NOT IN WHEN I CALLED so had major panic attack and started about 15 minutes late when they got back from their day trip!

I thought matting and layering would be fine - but no - straight cutting reared its head! So we also overan a bit as there was a fair bit of it plus some other new techniques.

Early morning which I do quite like (although less so on a late night) just taken to not sleeping well but also Cait came in to us about 4am and at 5.20 I gave up and came down for some brekkie and chit chat and blurfing on here.

I have another hour to getting up time so may go and craft ready for next months class or something....

Have a private class for approx 8 to 10 next month, plus a party plus normal class plus the potential for another class as well (May have to double up the private class with that one in terms of design time!) I have already designed a box with 8 notelets which I am rather pleased with but need to do some instructions and photies.

I have pretty much always dabbled with crafty bits and picked up some fimo, friendly plastic and found a beading shop when I was about 19 having done alot of sewing, patchwork and knitting before that. However I realised the other night I must have been around 22 when I bought my first ever stamp and embossing powder - it was real magic, get the toaster out kind of thing but I couldn't quite let it go. Then I found stamp shows a few of years after that (What became Ally Pally but was somewhere else before that) and I was away... I can't quite believe 19 years later here I am!

Rachel

Future Demo or a hairdresser.....

2009-07-21T10:23:00.000Z

To post more - doesn't always go to plan. However I have figured out that in these school holidays I am still up at 7 but the rest of the family isn't so I get a bit of time to myself so hopefully that will become blogging time - the light is OK for Photies as well so you may get even more lucky!!!

I thought I would share a piccie of an upcoming demo - she needs to wait till she is 18 and left home though unfortunately - lol
Do you like the "hair do" as well!!!! She is a scream - she has to have my scrubbie thing as she calls it to hand to clean up with. I can't get over how grown up she is - this was last month and she will be 4 in August off to School in September....eeek

Here was the resulting card...

All signed as well!

Rachelxx

Interesting!

2009-07-16T16:08:00.002Z

Or not - A blog on Wednesday certainly wouldn't have been - I went to Brum and sat in a room all day and then missed my train home - YAWN!!!!!!!! Decided to go to the jacuzzi and pool and the Jacuzzi was ermm COLD - so that was pointless. Called in on Sis on the way home and Mr tedious from Upstairs was in residence and holding forth about horsey stuff - double YAWN.

Today wasn't alot more exciting except I have pulled a muscle I am hoping running fo rhte train that I missed so have been in pain today. So glad its Cait's last nursery day and tomorrow is the last school day so i can take her in next week with no traffic and no 8.30 deadline! She actaully didn't want to go to nursery this morning and we had the screaming heebie jeebes - I mean what is all that about on the last day!

Anyway - just having 5 mins to myself before launching into tea and evening routines and then having to think of some christmas card designs for class next week!!

Rachel

Wot again

2009-07-14T19:26:00.002Z

Yup again - am trying to post every day even if it is drivel to try and get back into it all - as all my blogs are suffering at the moment.

Today was pretty ordinary for me - work from home so ran Cait into Warwick first thing then back here for cup of tea before getting my head down with some work - lots of bits to sort at the moment as there are a few things kicking off at work at the moment. I am into damage limitation at the moment but it is a bit of a nightmare.

Cait is in her last week at Nursery so things keep coming home and we are getting a collection of reports and such and a little photo book of her doing different things. I may ask them for th electronic copies of the photies as thy are poor quality print outs but they are cute photies so it would be a shame to lose them.

Have now written the invites for Caits 4th birthday party - just got to hope some of them come now - I hate doing parties I have this inveterate fear no one will turn up!

Thankfully Cait wants a disney cake so I can just go and buy that and feel no guilt as that is what she wants!!! lol

Off to Brum tomorrow but doubt I will have much to report at the end of the day - maybe an exciting train trip - not!

Rachel

Get Blogging

2009-07-13T18:56:00.002Z

I look at this blog every day - so why can't I blog every day huh! Don't know I just can't bring myself to click new post - i mean how lazy is that!!

Anyway life is bizzy as usual, Been sorting holidays and childcare for the summer - Caits last summer of freedom so no paid for childcare...... scary but manageable between my sisters and I and Hubby and Granny and Grandad. So she is going to have a whale of a time camping in the garden, chester zoo, over to see a friend of mine in Cambs for a long weekend then we have hollies booked in norfolk near the beach. She recently commented to my parents that when Mum and dad are dead she is going to the beach!! We thought we better take her before then!!!

I have also been planning her birthday party which will be high tea at our house and I am planning lots of cake stands, fairy cakes and fairly sandwiches and chocolate fingers all on a cinderella theme - best get planning the cake now!!

A little while back I filled a form out to possible go onto Kirsties Hand made home or whatever it is - slightly different this time as she is doing up other peoples rooms - and they phoned to screen me today - eek Hubbster will die - I can't wait to see if i get picked as I can't wait to see his face when I tell him. Could be fun as I think he may have a hat for her to eat following various comments she made about the housing market over the last few years!!!!!!! ROFL. Me I am on a diet!!!!!!!!

On top of that the Garden is looking well ermm still tatty - it is a constant battle but I am getting there - but I think I have 25 tomato plants at the moment - anyone want some!!! I can't bear to throw them away!!

Anyway - off to blurf....

Rachel

Household Adventures

2009-06-23T08:46:00.002Z

Abound again - so no sooner had we got rid of the bees than the following weekend - NO ELECTRIC no bear in mind electric runs EVERYTHIGN round here as we are back of beyond - so even the LPG heating can't run as no electric pump!!!

It went off at 12 ish yesterday and I was getting a bit concerned after a few hours and then found out we needed a generator to come in to replace the substation as one complete phase had actually gone. So that arrived on the back of a LARGE lorry and is currently sitting inthe road humming along to itself creating a constant buzz in the background.

The freezer is back up to temp and the aga too and the washing machine has been on - off to put another load on before it goes again. I have a feeling it is going to be on and off for a week or so as they sort out the problem.

Roll on our extension and electric independence hopefully....we shall see

Rachel

bUSY bEES

2009-06-16T22:00:00.004Z

No not me - really real busy bees out in my garden!!!!! Look. They arrived lunch timethe day before and settled in a Holly bush and then these chaps/Chapess came to remove them to a new home.

Rachel

A sort of day off

2009-06-09T11:33:00.002Z

Cait is at the nursery fr half a day and I was going to catch up on housey stuff ...but it never happened I had work to finish so that got done instead - I will steal it back sometime I am sure.

Flippin cold here today got me cardi on and my hands are cold and stiff - need a cup of tea to type...

Building has started next door but they are not too bad - quite quiet for now. I am looking forward to this pm and a big play with cait and some tidying up and my two sisters coming over later so bit of a girl goss etc.

Gotta pop to Sains to get some extra for tea and maybe a bottle of something we can quoff while yacking.

I may even sort my photos out tonight and sort my picture editor out so I now what I am doing - miracles do happen!!

Gotta get ready to pick the munchkin up now and pop to Sains

Rachel

A weekend away

2009-05-18T11:10:00.002Z

I thought I would at least try to blog more with words even if I can't sort my act out with the photos!!!

I had to take Thursday pm as leave and had prebooked Friday as leave so it was quite a long weekend in the end. Thursday Cait and I needed a hair cut so I booked that in and the agreement was we would go to the park and have fish and chips for tea - fine by me!!! Hubs was working late as well so no tea cooking for him. The rain held off and it was fun running around the park with a 3 year ld going on 4 - she raided the play toys and ran from item to item having a ball and spending as long as she liked. She then decided to go and see the ducks which are a bit of a wlak away - she wanted to feed them - I said we had no bread, so she said "That's OK we will just have to watch them swim won't we!" made me laugh! So we played hide and seek all the way to the river then sat and watched the ducks for 10 minutes sitting on a bench chatting. She had a run around an old pitch and putt golf course on the way back to the car and then we played pooh sticks and went into St John's Museum where she showed me round as she has been many times on rainy days with her childminder so knows the ropes - at one point as I looked like i might go upstairs she said to me "Oh you don't want to go up there it's full of soldiers" - Military history!! Then we had to play dress up in the play room and go and see the school class room they have set up in victorian style..

Alarmingly they have toys and clothes from different eras and some of the toys I might have had as a child - couldn't possibly comment!!

Friday she had photo day at Nursery then we headed up to my parents in North Wales for a Family weekend - which was nice as her cousin was over from Germany and one Aunt had just come back from NZ and Aus after 6 months over there. She had a complete ball and I got a couple of hours of crafty shopping in - well under the auspices of shopping for curtain fabrics etc for my office/craft rooma and the lounge downstairs. She got to run rampant at granny and grandads and was vry put out she wasn't staying on her own and Mummy and Daddy going back home for a week without her!!

I made a scrapbook for someone's birthday which was interesting - 24 6x6 pages and it took me 2 hours - speed scrapper or what. We added some of the photos from the weekend for Cait's Cousin's Mummy.

We ate at the Miner's Arms at Maeshafn - lovely food and good service. All cooked from fresh and a proper crust on the steak and ale pie no puff pastry in sight! I used to go up there when i was about 22 as it was the only local place to serve Theakston's Old Peculiar! Brings back memories. Trouble was we always had to drive as too far for walking and that meant a limit on intake! Not far from there was the "house that got away" as well. I don't recall exactly how much is was - only less than £20K, needed compelte refurb but easily worth 1/4 to 1/2 a mil these days - sigh if only - still hey ho! As I said the other day if I had bought it life may have taken a different twist and I wouldn't be where I am today etc.

The drive home was long and boring but Cait and I had a scream playing I spy and it kept her amused for ages and she was really getting the hang of it towards the end.

Rachel

Accusing Looks

2009-05-11T11:58:00.002Z

I am getting from this blog everytime I drop in for some blurfing. I am sooooooo busy with lots of things at the moment withspring and gardens and business and stamping and birthdays and visitors so maybe I can be forgiven but then again..... every time I log in the last post looks at me and tells me off!!

We are slowly slowly trying to get things done around the hosue so we had some trees felled, some pollarded some cut bag and basically about £600 worth of tree work in the garden - I have photies and will upload at some point. The difference it has made is huge. Really opened it out and brought alot of light in. i now need to get busy with beds and weeding and planting and taming of the wilderness that is the bottom of the garden.

We have dug and filled two raised beds near the house - which my sister has nicnamed the graves!! and are due another two doen the bottom of the garden as well when Hubby pulls his finger out. We have 5 tubs of potatoes growing furiously and I have planted out salady stuff, carrots, beets, peas and beans, onions and shallots. I have sunflowers, corn, tomatoes and a few other herby things growing in the green house ready for planting out as well. i have also filled all the pots with flowers ready for a glorious summer (here's hoping) and am managing to keep up with the wtering routines.

The chicckers are keeping me busy with egg production - gotta bake bake bake to keep up with them - currently we have 20 eggs in the kitchen and I am getting a bit fed up of them - lol. Have promised some baking for a weekend away at my parents coming up soon. Mums Bday cake - another one - maybe coffee haven't done one of thos ein a while and also take some eggs for the sibs to take home with them. we seem to have finally pretty much contained them intheir corner of the garden which is currently very bald as they scoffed all the grass. We keep chucking them dandelions and grass as they eat it at a rate of knots. One of them is still getting out occasionally - flying - we have clipped her wings but she is still managing it - so i am going all country living and going to pink some bunting to go uplater today and see if that flapping around puts her off hopping over the fencing.

I have also been doing a fair bit of sorting this weekend and put a bagful together of baby things for someone about to pop and put another load into a car boot pile - hoping to do one early June when I have a free Sat. Am enjoying popping to a local one on sat mornings at the moment. would like to find one for Sun - I like small and local rather than big and trady.

Am either visiting or got visitors for the next few weekends so hoping to keep up with things in the week and have weekends free but it minimises pooties time and crafties time - so maybe not so much from me!! (Ha ha could it get any less)

Rachel

Catching Up with me

2009-04-10T14:53:00.003Z

Well life has been manic and things and time seem to fly by. I have one sister in Aus and another in China at the moment although both due back int he next month or so so some catching up to do.

I am being forced to sit still at the moment and not do too much. I have labrinthitus - i.e. inner ear infection with side effect of travel sickness!!! Every time I move around I feel ill so frankly I am not moving!!! Very frustrating and I am hoping it gets lost soon as I don't fancy this hanging around for any length of time! So have caught up on news and blog hopping and currently enjoying 10 minutes peace from Easter visitors who are at church or shopping (Dad is shopping with Cait whilst Mum and Mum-in-law are at Church) oh dear they are wearing me out! And the noise is constant - I keep having to disappear and go to bed as my head is spinning!!

Anyway have stuffed some cakes in the oven for when they get back and now sitting down regaining equilibrium aftr the exertion!

My Uncle is also very very poorly on life support in hospital at the moment as well so Mum is quite worried about him - its her sister's hubby rather than her brother - but they were all close when younger etc. He isn't too old but had a huge gall stone which they delayed operating on due to finding MRSA in swabs, but then it went critical and they messed up the surgery really and he has ended up with peritonitus so I am thinking about him alot. Mum is very religious but I am more open to things and I had a little think about him earlier and it was like he was talking in my head and we had a chat so I think I will be happy with whatever outcome. I told him if he needs to go he needs to do that with a clear consience and not worry overly about those left behind as life does go on and if he is in great pain and ready he should go. There will be alot of sadness if he does. He will be the first of my Mums siblings/sibling partners to go and I think that will be a sad time for her. Dad has lost two brothers already - both far too young (40 and 53). A time to reflect and remember really.

J is working this weekend for the extra money. We lost alot of his overtime money when he broke his ankle last year so he is trying to find some more!! He is off to Germany next week as well.

Things with the house are slowly moving frward as we can afford to get things done - so we had lots of tree work done earlier this week and a loft hatch and ladder put in ready to start insulation and boarding for storage up there.

I have sorted some crafty things for sale so will list them here shortly - all none SU of course!!! But anything SU will be popped on the other blog.

Rachel

Oooh promarkers

2009-03-04T22:59:00.001Z

I had a play with a friends set a while ago and fancied some of these - i have about 8 at the moment which is clearly NOT ENOUGH but Steph has a little giveaway -so fingers crossed!!

http://stephmuchadoaboutnothing.blogspot.com/2009/03/dont-desert-me-while-im-away-blog-candy.html

Rachel

Paper Share Stamp Set winners

2009-02-28T14:52:00.001Z

For the latest share are Andrea and Calvin - Suprise SAB sets are on their way over to you!!

Rachel

Snowing

2009-02-02T10:38:00.004Z

Yayyyy - although it is chilly!! We do need to sort the insulation here that is for sure - upstairs gets v cold and J just told me we don't have snow on our roof - whoops!!! Still we have to slowly do these jobs don't we.

Here is a piccie from my Office (read spare room window) and you should just be able to see the chooks having a wonder around too.

Its not a great piccie and no editing etc as not on the usual PC and it was from my phone.

Rachel

News Round Up!!

2009-01-28T10:33:00.003Z

Couldn't think of anything exciting to call it - sorry!!

Well the eggs are every other day at the moment - although its so wet and miz here I can't say I blame Mrs Chicken for that one much. Part of me wants more of them to lay (one out of 4 and every other day!) but the other part of me says - not sure I like omlettes!! Lol

Everything is so wet here at the moemnt - I think we will have to permanently site the chickabobs and lay a path as it is madness sliding around in the muddiness that is our garden at the moment.

We need more logs as well so they are ordered - it has been so cold without the fire even with central heating at the moment. So they will arrive this afternoon so had to sort the log store out this morning and fill up baskets and boxes to get the dry ones that are left out.

We have been planning veggie planting for the garden inside - so writing long lists and I have bought some onion sets and garlic for now - but it is really too wet to be planting as everything will just rot. We will be raising beds so hopefully that will help with drainage a bit.

SU is going well and have been busy with party bookings so just now got to hold the parties and get the orders in :-) Come on girls - don't forget the SAB Offer - Spend £45 and get a free stamp set!!! Still plenty of time yet on this one so start your wish lists.

Did my tax return for last year which was completely painless despite putting it off so long - I owe them 20p so must get that paid today - lol. Although I have promised myself to be more organised for the next one as it is a full years worth and also I have done alot more business!!!

Work is busy busy so sneaking a coffee breakfor this but I have had alot of overnights and long days recently for training and big meetings - it all takes its toll - Cait is clingy, John is grumpy, I am tired and the house is a tip!!!

I have a days leave Friday and I am off for a SU Jolly with a few other demos and I have a couple of hours in the morning so no doubt will be doing fly lady running around and keeping things at least tidy!! Thank God for cleaners is what I say - although she comes Thursday so I might have to tidy Thur morning so she has space to clean......and as for the washing pile - heck you could lose a small child in it if you weren't careful!!!

S'all for now - work is calling

Rachel

Eggy

2009-01-21T00:43:00.002Z

Yes we have an Egg - just the one. Bloomin expensive egg it is too.....

Hopefully the next few days will bring a glut of eggs.....

Rachel

Car

2009-01-07T20:23:00.002Z

Hmmm Yes this is the new car!! Picked it up this afternoon!! Hoping to go up to my parents this weekend to give it a run as J is at footie.

Rachel

Find me

2009-01-02T23:11:00.002Z

Here

Come on over and join the fun :-)

Rachel

Some Changes around here

2009-01-02T23:03:00.003Z

I suspect everyone does this at this time of year - sits back takes stock and thinks about how they can do things differently, find that elusive 25th hour in each day and so on. So I have indeed being doing just that. I have resigned from the DCM Team with much sorrow as they are lovely girls and I longed to be a member for a while before I was asked. It is one of few where signing over your soul to a specific brand or make of materials is NOT necessary and is truly independent despite occasional sponsorships. Long may it continue!! I will not entirely disappear but for now there is a life out here in the physical world that needs more attention and this is one of the casualties - for now....

Another will be this blog. I am taking it off line for a while till life calms down - at work I envisage another round of job changes and possible redundancies and job shifting as well as a shed load of work requiring my attention and this is just too distracting and it has been one of the things slipping. I am not saying not ever ever ever and I will still haunt blog land - but really who am I kidding I can read all these blogs every day of the week, work full time, be mum, wife and daughter to a range of people, own chickens (oh yes new chickens chez us as well) , large garden with veggie bits, communte regularly to London, take on a new role, reinvent myself, lose weight, get fit and blog - I mean why did I ever have the time..... I am sure you knwo where I am coming from - so au revoir mes amis....for now.

I will maintain my SU blog but it will be SU and Crafty items which have been sadly missing for some time and hopefully with merely the one blog it will be more closely tended.

Rachelxxx

Interuption to Service

2008-12-31T05:35:00.004Z

Happened without thinking about it really - no brain space to do more than think about blogging, way too much else going on as usual. But I have had a relatively quiet holiday so have caught up on some R&R and was spared the Christmas Cook Out as Hubby did all that and the shopping and thinking which was actually fabulous - in fact he has mainly cooked this holiday from start to finish for which I am grateful - it is my one BIG bug bear of ordinary life cooking - I can't get my head around spending alot of time on it and as a result its never very inspiring for me. I certainly don't feel creative with it that's for sure.

I will be trying to come up with some more recipes for the new year rather than our bog standard ones which we just seem to reiterate the whole time. Having an Aga now "Stew" features way too much for my liking but hubby likes it!

I managed to make around 350 Christmas cards which is quite an achievement but although I managed to make write and send the lot (with bank loan I hasten to add even with second class) I never photoed them so nothing to show really. Crafting this last month has been of necessity - even in this down time I have got some bits out to make some upcoming birthday cards but nothing much is being shuffled around on that front, not even with the new stuff I ordered before Christmas.

Work has been shall we say "interesting" I haven't been doing my normal run of the mill stuff but some other stuff and am now fully Programme Managed and trying to implement it - but finding myself feeling just generally vulnerable about the whole thing - I just think its a bit of a dogs dinner and a little too organic in its development for me - I am such a control freak! The thoery bit is fine - its the implementation within the organisation I am struggling with a bit - although it is fair to say there are people struggling more that me!!! Hence the difficulties - rofl.

I think I shall be reprioritising things in early Jan to try to fight my way out of the daily trudge to lose some weight and get more exercise, difficult with the daily running of Cait to CM, Nursery and frequent runs to London which take up time. Oh on top of a small home business of course!

Goodness knows why I am so awake at this hour at the moment - I think I will pay for it later but quite enjoy this quiet time to myself without someone going "Rachel" "Mummy" or frnakly just Oy! Maybe that should be part of my life reshedule - early mornings and early nights.....watch this space.

Rachelxx

Just as busy as a Busy Busy Bee..

2008-12-09T21:08:00.002Z

My tune never seems to change does it!!! Well after coming back from NEC I went on a three day training course and was couped up nicely festering my poor back which then went out so I had a week of nursing that back t health then caught this nasty bug going around where you cough and hack for three weeks - every time you think its on the way out it thumps you right back down to earth - I had a few days off work with it and went back too soon really so wore myself out again!!! Have done nothing much with SU and even had to cancel tonights class - not enough interest and relly not enough time!!! Ah well - no more Dec classes for me till I have a stronger class base - hey ho.So I am feeling very crinkly round the edges - got little stamping or crafting done - just about got a few Christmas pressies, made the cards need to write and send now - may take them with me when I go away so I have something to do and get a job done whilst I am in London for a few days with work. I am also hoping for a little shopping wonder Wed evening - I am staying not far from Oxford Street so it will be nice to get some atmosphere!!

We will be getting Chickens this year and M&D are buying us some, They are getting fire irons from us as they have a new log fire going in - Mum can't wait!!! I think everyone else is pretty much getting money this year apart from Oisin and Cait who are the same age so easy to go out and buy for really. Although can't decide what to get Cait from us at the moment. Have lots of bits and bobs for her just no main pressie. Looked at a Leap Frog pootie and a bike - although she is getting a scooter and a Piano from Granny so not sure.

Well C is fast asleep so off to take a crafting opportunity to make some Christmas Gifts and sort my stuff for a few days away with work. More busy busy!!

Rachel

oooh ouch

2008-11-20T13:51:00.003Z

Well Last Sunday I spent ONE day at the NEC on the SU stand - and oh my my back is still stiff!!!! But what a fabulous day I met lots of people - old new and very old friends who I had lost touch with - so basically just fabby and a great show - everyone loving SU which is always good cos I THINK IT IS FAB!!!

I then spent three days holed up in a room with work colleagues getting all MSP'd up and if you know what that means I feel sorry for you!! I have decided it isn't really something I am desperate to do - I want to do the change management side so now I know at least - but I passed with the usual flying colours so job done. We had a bit of a laugh and met and got to know some more people quite well. Back to work out what the heck to do with it now!!

I unfortunately have to go to London AGAIN tomorrow but hopefully it will move me along with some of the programme stuff and get things on the straight and narra!! Lol.

Crafting wise - loads went on the last few weeks and nothing this - no time to do anything. A customer order is in so I ooed and arhhhed over that - am still thinking about whether to put one in myself with it being so near christmas - not sure there is anything I need desperately enough but we will see how long that lasts.

The offer at the moment is great with an extra set for the hostess on top of the usual one and the free spend in the catalogue! So tempting!

I have another class early December so need to get on an advertise that and fill it up, which may lead to a couple more orders.

Don't forget I am looking for people for my Stampers 10 to start in Jan if you are interested, check out the "other" blog

I am behind with DCM too - have a piccie for last weeks haven't even thought about this weeks yet....see what I get up to tonight as John is away to London for a day or so and a footie match hopefully.

Busy day again tomorrow so thought I would just drop you all a line and let you know I am here in mind if not body - lol

Rachel

Run Rachel Run

2008-11-08T00:01:00.004Z

What a busy bee I am - I have had a big SU party tonight which was a great one - its lovely to see people get so enthusiastic about the product!!! I just love it all and have a list as long as my arm!

So we did some Dazzling Diamonds with heat and stick and I hadn't realised it almost becomes iridescent when heated - great stuff and gogeousness for a card - will try and take a photo in daylight tomorrow.

In the mean Time - Jozza's sparkle and bling dare - with Dotty Images who are sponsoring this weeks dare!! GO and have a go - there is Blog Candy to give away as well.

I have a class to prepare for on Monday and a Christmas Fair on Thursday and then next Sunday I will be on the SU stand at the NEC so if you come along come and say Hello!!

Off to make some samples for the sample board now.......
Rachel

Happy Halloween!!!!!!1

2008-10-31T12:54:00.002Z

Not that we really celebrate it - but we will have a little chicken pox monster to scare the locals with!!!

The Dare this week was from me and I thought we would open it beyond cards - if you wanted. SO I made some scary coffee stirrers!!!!!!!! Lol Cait gave me the spider and green monstor back as they were apparently "too Scarey Mummy" which made me laugh anyway!!

Rachel

Whooooooooooooosh

2008-10-26T21:26:00.003Z

Is the sound as life flashes past these days - I seem to blink and another three weeks have gone! I am busy with work and Stampin' Up! So blogging is the thing that seems to take a back seat!

We have lots of decorating to do and gardening as we are settling in and it becomes clear what we want to do and where. We are planning on setting up some growing areas in the garden for vegetables and also some willow for coppicing as we have a log burner and enough space for half a dozen or so trees which could supply plenty for us in the long term although not enough to not need further supplies from elsewhere if it is particularly cold.

We have also made decisions about the extension and alternative power so just working out ways to pay for it all and have basic painting to do inside in the meanwhile. Aso been having a wardrobe and junk clear out so its all spring clean like for Autumn !!

Talking of Autumn I managed a DCM card - the first for a while!!

A Stamper's Ten

2008-10-03T22:42:00.002Z

More details on my Stampin' Up! blog

here

A genuine opportunity to earn free product from one of the best quality Stamp Companies out there!!

Rachel

Look what came to my house today

2008-09-23T20:41:00.002Z

I had vaguely read about these somewhere - the Tesco Kath Kidston Charity recycled Bags - but ooooh they are nice - so I had to invest a whole £7 in the only two they had :-)

Rachel

For Sale

2008-09-22T13:27:00.003Z

I have two sizzlet Alphabets for sale - both in great condition in original storage boxes. £25 each to include postage. The two are Rat-a-tat and Nouveau. Contact me to reserve - paypal accepted.

Rachel

Fridays Dare - delayed slightly - lol

2008-09-20T10:03:00.005Z

Well this weeks dare was girls for Boys - or all mixed up - so I went with cupcakes, frills and ribbons in boyish colours - I do hate making boy cards - I think it is more as they just don't appreciate them - well not for more than a few seconds anyway. All images are Stampin' Up! as usual!

I have a few family boy birthdays coming up so that will go in the birthday pile. I need to catch up on birthdays so I feel a mailing coming on later today.

Last night I went to a SU do in High Wycombe so a bit of a drive but not to bad - just fell onto the M40 and jumped off it again an hour and 20 later so no getting lost etc.

There is more on my SU blog

Rachel

I can't

2008-09-10T19:47:00.002Z

Let it get to a whole month without posting - lol. Just so busy and something shad to drop for the time being so I am afraid blogging was one of them. I can't even say any of it is interesting it is just frantic at work and home and no space for me - I squeeze crafting in as that is the last thing to go but a few other things have gone by the way side.

The house is still also keeping me busy with all the little odd jobs and also some gardening of the big variety rather than just weeding - so hedge chopping lawn mowing and bed clearing!!! But we still love it - just wish the rain would let up for five minutes to get out there and not feel like we are walking round a bog.

Hubby is now on his last week in plaster hopefully - he goes back to them monday to suss out if they take him out of plaster and start the rehab road. He is hoping to be back at work in 2 to 3 weeks, I am not so sure given there is some considerable driving involved in there usually. We shall see next week. This has also curtailed any going out stuff for me as he can't babysit Cait as she is being a little monkey about going to sleep at the moment and is up and down like a yoyo and he couldn't cope with that really.

Stampin' Up! is also keeping me out of trouble - they have a retiring list out with reduced prices and also a new catty next month and there is a demo training evening on 19th Sept so hoping to go to that one and have made some 50 plus swaps for it so I better get there!!! Lol. Quite looking forward to it - luckily I am on leave next week for Caits first proper week at nursery so get to go down around 3.30 and be there well in time for some grub and chit chat with other Demos and sharing stories no doubt as well!

Rachel

Jinx

2008-08-19T21:57:00.002Z

Well I well and truly jinxed things with my last post - Hubby decided to do an irish jig at the top of the stairs and fell down breaking an ankle so as you can imagine I have been super woman the last two weeks to his manly "I'm ill" thing.

Am shattered to be honest but have leave this week anyway so am just making the most of it to set things up for a BBQ this weekend and spend some time with Cait. Work is insane too so I am not looking forward to next week at the moment but that will sort itself out eventually.

So till I have more time and inclination for thoughtful musings...

Rachel

Back in the Swing of Things

2008-08-01T11:04:00.004Z

Well trying to be anyway - so you guys better keep ontop of me or I might fall again. It has taken me ages to get back into regular cardmaking - I find it frustrating that I don't have a real space in the new house and have to work in the lounge or dining area and can't leave things out generally. We are working on some options but that involves mre upheavals and lots of dosh so it may have to wait its turn.

We are still also a bit disorganised as we need to do decorating and refurnishing of some rooms so are making do. Also my sister is with us and whilst that is helpful with Cait it is more temporary stuff and people if you know what I mean.

Anyway - SPRINKLES was the theme for DCM and it just had to be a cake (will upload to my blog shortly but to see it pop along to DCM) from the Big Bold Birthday set which co-oincidently is part of Monica's kit for the UStamp classes - see my other blog for details on my offer - OPEN to all not just UStampers.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!

Cait is really growing up and having a ball with Aunties galore to play with at the moment and going on holidays with Granny and Gramps - she is lovin it and has come on so much with her language its been great. She should be back tonight so all hell will let loose again!

Gah!!

2008-07-21T07:05:00.002Z

Life is just completely manic at the moment - no stopping and our spare room is like a merry go round with all the washing in between so nothing much is getting done.

John's Mum came to stop for a night before flying to Ireland - John drove down on Saturday and back Sunday for her to be woken 5.30 the Monday with her panicking as she had forgotten her passport!!! SO after much persuasion she went and had a cup of tea rather than going to stand on Hatton Station for 3 hours waiting fo rhte first train to London!!!! I was in London and J decided to drive down and get said pass port - so off we go driving. It took us 5 hours - i missed my meeting and liturally walked in the office and back out again which was annoying and J bless him drove a further 1hr or so to the house picked the passport up turned around and drove home - I actually beat him home on the train by about 10 minutes!!! So all in all a wasteful day and exceedingly frustrating in to boot.

We also now have a new PC so we are in the process of uploading email, files and favourites and dealing with the joys of Vista etc - so bear with us - I am really hoping normal service resumes soon.

M&D came Wednesday and left Sun as they had a wedding Sat and also looked after Cait for me Thur as my sister had gone off to York for a holiday and a ball - back to be bridesmaid on the Sat. Love seeing them, love having them here but glad when we get the house back to ourselves and things are where I left them five minutes ago!!! Just catching up with washing again though even that is pretty much all Mum did when she was here!! I am not sure where it all comes from!

Childminder is off for some surgery soon so got two weeks of Cait around - which will be a bit hair pulling when i am trying to work - Sis will look after her but its hard when everyone is int he house together - I get a bit claustrophobic about it all.

Have been also doing bits and bobs ont he garden and around teh house so it is very slow but things are being achieved - we just have to be patient - waiting on the architect coming back to us about possibilities with an extension.

Crafting - oh there has been a bit - plenty of invites for our summer BBQ and double birthday celebrations and a couple of SU things but could do with a few more if you are interested! I have also done some albums of scrap pages - yes whole albums - but all without pictures - find that much easier!!! How wierd is that - I think it is more like card making which makes it easier - not sure!

Camera wire was working but now we are on a new PC and got to resort out all the software and so on so it all takes time - got a lawn mower that needs fixing first!!!

Rachel

Been away

2008-07-05T08:02:00.000Z

for a couple of days training about Onions apparently (very strange) and off today to the royal show for errr probably more onions - lol

Back shortly and will see if I can get the lead on the camera to work :-)

Rachel

All sorts

2008-06-25T14:56:00.002Z

Not licorice!!!

So many things going on at the moment everything just gets jiggled around on the list and nothing seems to drop off!

Cait is still not sleeping right so I end up being disturbed in the night and booted out so she has room with Daddy - I think in part as she misses him as he is working evenings at the moment so she doesn't see alot of him.

Work is still busy and July is horrendous so I am going ot have to seriously think about the various commitments I have.

My camera lead is not working - at least not reliably and I haven't had time to locate another one yet which is rather annoying as despite everything I have had a bit of time for card making and stamping and have photogrphed it just struggling to get it onto our slowly dying PC. Oh yes - did I not tell you that bit - we think we have mortal injuries so new hard disk is waiting although I have a feeling its the graphics card.........

Hey ho the sun is shining tho - if only for a while - speak soon

Rachel

Up with the birds

2008-06-18T05:35:00.000Z

at 5am - yeurch. Cait woke and I had to go get milk for her so then couldn't get back to sleep so catching up on surfing and may do a bit of work so I can have a snooze later! It always wrong foots me to be up so early as there are not the options for early to bed these days as much as there were. Still I get peace and quiet for a couple of hours at least so off to read my magazine and snuggle on the sofa.

I am currently working on the largest card in the world - well Ok the largest one I have ever made. Theme is leopard skin handbag with plenty of bling - so having a whale of a time!

Rachel

Piccies

2008-06-13T22:38:00.006Z

One of the card for DCM but another of a very very small Cait - just for Kathy. She was about 2 weeks old at this point.

Wheely good time

2008-06-13T10:35:00.002Z

Well I have a card for this but the piccie is on the other pootie and Hubby is in assignment deadline mode so it will have to wait till later on today.

I went to see Cait's new Nursery School last night and start getting things sorted for that in September. She seems so little to be going as she will only just be 3 and 1 month when she goes on 15th Sepetember. Grownup in so many ways but still "small" bless her. She is more than ready and I can see she is going to have a complete ball there!

well lots of the real work stuff to do today so this was a pop to let you know there will be more later!

Rachel

Hello Chris

2008-06-11T13:44:00.000Z

Does what it says up there - waves at Chris.

Rachel

Back in the swing of things...

2008-06-10T09:12:00.003Z

Well from a crafting point of view - I got a few minutes to myself last night and managed a couple of cards - one of which is for the DCM little extra this week. Probably needs the two pictures so you can get it! Fabric is the felt heart that is inside. Car Booth was reasonable - didn't make a lot of money but the pile went down - I think now everything is sorted I will be doing another one soon. We are on a mission to earn a new laptop!

Other than that we have been busy tidying - doing a bit of gardening and generally settling into the new place a bit better - still need more storage so a visit to the local auction house might be in order soon!

Rachel

Civilised Car Boot!

2008-06-08T08:48:00.000Z

10.30 set up and 11am start - how civilised is that! So we have been unpacking and really there were alot of things we needed to get rid of and hadn't quite got around to so the car is now packed and we are sitting waiting to go and make our fortunes - well hopefully enough to contribute towards a Laptop!!! Oh and e NEED sunlotion today as well so its going to be fun fun fun!

Rachel

Starting to come back to the virtual world!!

2008-06-02T08:54:00.002Z

Well as you can imagine things have been pretty hectic all round and I am just starting to get 5 minutes to pop back on here - not started card making again yet - nearly a month as well so that is REALLY unusual but we have the new house and enormous garden and also an allotment shouting at us so finding time is difficult.

When we moved my sister moved in as well - supposedly to take some of the pressures off me - but at the moment that isn't happening so I think we need to renegotiate the deal!!!

I am back open for business with Stampin' Up! and have new contact details on my SU Blog site --->

They have some amazing deals this month - check them out!

Rachel

Yet more boxes

2008-05-04T21:13:00.001Z

Too many flippin boxes is what I say - but I plough on!

Not alot of things happening here besides things going in boxes. The craft room is down to a couple of boxes of stuff to go so that is pretty good. Tackling the kitchen tomorrow!

Rachel

Boxes boxes

2008-04-25T12:05:00.002Z

Everywhere!!!

But today I am getting on with packing them in between dealing with emails for work - Its supposed to be my day off for goodness sake!!!!!

Anyway distressed is what I am as well as the card today!! But here you go. I love the simplicity of these images from Stampin' Up with the seaside theme.

Busy busy and not alot going on here so will disappear until there is more to report

Rachel

Squeezing things in

2008-04-22T10:55:00.004Z

again!!! I am surrounded by boxes and mountains of work to do but still I manage a bit of card making!!! My camera upload lead has been playing up a little so causing me a bit of frustration when trying to upload things - I think we either need a new lead or a camera dock or something - maybe its time for my own little camera who knows - I need to start my birthday list for this year really!

The time for the move is getting closer and I am getting butterfly tummy about it all which usually means I will have a box packing frenzy shortly!! Well it makes me feel a bit better. We have brought down the bubble wrap so i think it is picture wrapping time soon :-) I am trying really hard to clean things before packing them so that there is less work the other end.

Allotment update is that the seedlings are getting ready to plant out - I need to get over there and plant some more salady things so we get a round of them coming through in 2 to 3 week cycles. Budgets are going to be tight after the house move but I have already had one pay rise since we got the mortgage so we should continute to improve.

If you would like to help out with the budget I can encourage you to spend on Stampin' Up! Goodies!!! I have an offer of free postage or a free Catty on orders over £35 at the moment which is a great deal! There are some really lovely accessories as well as stamp sets and have you seen some of the Stampin' Around stamp rollers - they are really lovely and great fun with kids too!

Anyway my DCM offering today is for the Little Extra and celebrating "7" so Wool or Copper. I added some copper ink to my background and also to the little girls hair - I love this stamp but I did have to add a mouth....

Rachel

Seven things about me

2008-04-17T21:54:00.004Z

Well i don't normally do these things but just in the right mood tonight - I often think it can be boring if there are lots of them etc.

1. I am the eldest of 6 & I think we are all pretty close
2. I am a hard headed business woman in my "other" life
3. We have an allotment - well I guess lots of you know that one really
4. We move on 9th May 8o) to what for me is a pretty near perfect house (and yes we are panicing a bit about house prices
5. I hate Celery and so does my husband
6. Would love more kids but don't think its going to happen - getting too old now!
7. I yearn to learn to sail and am determined to do it in this my 39th Year.....

So there you go!

I am on leave tomorrow so might be about for the DCM Dare and be on time!! I have my card ready but can I get my butt out of bed and get it published on time...

I am extremely busy at work at the moment so things are sliding elsewhere at the moment - but I have decided to pack boxes so I don't have to clean things or under the boxes - see logic somewhere in there!

I am seriously beginning to panic now about the move -got to sort the finances out this weekend

Rachel

Another Friday

2008-04-11T21:34:00.003Z

And boy am I glad this one is here - well except for the fact we seem to be racing toward moving day and there is not alot in boxes yet!! I think I will be hitting the kitchen this Sunday and packing up what we don't use often or can do without for a few weeks. M day is 4 weeks today.

I ought to do more in the craft room as well - but ya know - I like playing in there - lol. My Mum is here this week to help out as my Childminder is on her holidays - there was no way I could take a week off work so she is coming down and I am hoping to get some time to pack things with her help too.

I did get chance to make a card and it came in very useful as it already has gone off in the post for someone :-)

Rachel

Fold it over

2008-04-08T07:24:00.005Z

Well this weeks little extra was folded up to squeeze in - lol. I used the Dahlia fold - same as Michelle but with a scalloped punch and as flower buds rather than as a round. I also used the Mixed Bouquet set from Stampin' Up! to create the background detail and then tied off with a bit of Punpkin Pie ribbon (What a lovely name for orange) .
Busy again this weekend and we actually started with the boxes so they are multiplying - although probably not fast enough but there you go - we will get there!

Rachel

Smile Please

2008-04-06T19:00:00.002Z

Ooooh I was in WHSmith today and caught the tail end of a 50% off sale and bought - a web cam!!!!!! Mainly to use with Skype and for family BUT obviously it has tutorial possibilities - well at the moment difficult as it is downstairs and not near my crafty stuff but that will all change in the new house.....

I can't believe I got it for £9.99!!

I have also sussed it all out really quickly - really easy. J installed it and it was relatively quick AND he didn't moan about it either. I really can't believe it was less than the price of a hardback book!!!

I was also hunting for jiffy bags at a reasonable price (ie less than 50p each!) I can't believe they are so pricey and so difficult to get hold off - I certainly appreciate poundland now and also how much I have saved myself recycling them in the past! Back to saving every single one even the tiny ones I think.

We woke to snow this morning which was lovely, strong sunshine saw it off before lunch on the whole but I bobbed into my local shopping town (ie not ours the one next door) and it was really nice as it wasn't busy and the sun was shining and a nice fresh smell of a sunny previously snowy day.... clean!

Rachel

Stamps for Sale

2008-04-03T22:30:00.002Z

Again - all listed on ebay. Lots of Hero Arts, some Magenta, Penny black, stampendous, rubber stampede and so on

Id is rboothuk

Titchy Witchy

2008-04-02T20:17:00.005Z

Teeny Weeny - I should have done a yellow polka dot bikini card shouldn't I - I didn't think of it till now though and its toooooo late!! lol

This Friday its Kathy's turn to challenge and she wanted some white space - bit like white noise but silent........

This is what I came up with - I used a very tall and thin card and then a small piece of stamped background with a little bling and a little tag with a teeny greeting on.

Other than that the allotment is coming along - I think I will go and put the bean poles up this weekend - the peas are just sprouting ready in their little green house and we have some mini sprouts so there are also more seeds waiting to go in as well. I probably need to go and make a start on a bit of prep for some more beds too as they have to wait a couple of weeks to settle in before I can plant them up as well. Just about to place orders for tomatoes and also Strawberries - yummy!!!! We also planted a couple of rows of sunflowers by the shed so they will nicely screen the shed but also provide some nice cut flowers too I hope.

I may or May not get Raspberries - haven't decide yet - although I love them they seem to be a bit of a pain and not sure we will keep the lottie next year as it will be further from the house - like around 6 or so miles rather than the couple it is now. We shall see.

Rachel

Bit behind again

2008-04-02T20:11:00.004Z

But catching up!! Images Copyright Stampin' Up! again as usual these days.

This is the little extra card I did this week - all pastelly - but the last dare could count as well - lol I usually find that I do one and then the next dare comes out and I realise I have shot myself in the foot as done something with it the week before - typical.

Work is at last starting to ease slightly although I think it will be in waves for the next few months to be honest so lets see how it goes!! It will be fun all mixed in with the move and packing and everything else!!

I have also managed a few updates on my Stampin' Up! Blog in the last week or so so take a peek over there too if you get a chance.

Rachel

Needles and pinsa......

2008-03-27T21:48:00.004Z

Ooooh all over prickly lol. When Jane came up with this dare and then showed us a fab pin with the ickle heart on it all I could think was oooh I haven't got anything like that one!!

I did however have some cute baby pins that I bought about 8 years ago and have used about 3 so thought it wouldn't be too decadent to break them out and use another one - lol. Here's what I came up with.
Generally life is still pretty hectic but work is the worst so keeping me on my toes and I have alot of travelling coming up too which will also drain me. Luckily health wise I have been feeling quite good for a while so hopefully it will just be tiredness and lots of snoozing on trains!!

Rachel

Flowers

2008-03-24T21:51:00.006Z

Well Sue's little extra is flowers with a difference - they have to be home made!!! None of this cheating with premade bought ones - even though I have draw fulls of the things - Lol

So I had a go at something I saw a while back and haven't been able to trace again uses the Stampin' Up! Roses in Winter set (I know - again - but really I love this set!)

Technically I bodged this technique so it is a faux paper toile kind of thing as I just shaped the card by hand rather than damping shaping and drying blah blah blah - but you know life is too short and all that!

So here is what I came up with...

I was really pleased with the effect but can think of improvements...but can't you always when you try something a bit different.

I have enjoyed myself this holiday and got alot of crafting done considering. My two sisters popped over Friday afternoon after John had left for Footie and a London Overnight, and we had a wander round Hatton so they could spot the new house and see the environs, I will have to keep a chocolate stash in the house somewhere as there is no where just round the corner which I have been used to for a few years - probably be a good time to start the diet - lol. We also then went to Hatton Country World for a wander and mooch in the shops etc. They have a good childrens play area and animal farm thing and they are trying to get me to join it for the year but I am still humming and haaing. It used to be about £35 but it is now £118 or something silly.

One of them then stayed over and played with Cait alot letting me chill out a bit which was really good. I have also had to sort lots of things out ready for the move so now need to start getting my head around packing boxes, Labelling and sorting removals out. I booked a few days holiday to start the process off but we shall see how things go. Back into the maelstrom of work next week so will have to keep that in focus for a couple of weeks at least till things are organised for this project.

Rachel

Time to play the game!!!

2008-03-21T12:28:00.004Z

Well as usual I am late again. I don't have a problem doing the things its just getting the uninterrupted time to photograph, edit and upload. So today for instance I had Cait on my knee trying out her scissors and wanting to cut up lots of paper - so I am having to monitor her and make sure its not a cheque, important papers, payslip or whatever is hanging around. Whilst doing this John is getting the hoover out - great till you realise he had it out yesterday and hoovered the fireplace out - before sweeping it so it is full of soot and so decides to empty and clean it on the floor of the lounge so currently I am in a fug of soot from the bag he burst forcing the cover onto the hoover - grrrrrrrrrrr. Still sorted that out and now supervising Cait colouring on her chalk board and pestering me for paper pens and "heyp Mummy" whilst John is in the bath after the allotment. Nice - I WOULD LOVE to be int he bath right now but no he is and then he is off to footie and back tomorrow. Oh and did I mention he wants the rest of the weekend uninterrupted to do an assignment.......Gee Thanks for that one!

Ok had my moan now so here is my game piece card. All I am saying is he owes me big time. I am waiting till I can get maximum value from my cards though!!!

All images copyright Stampin' Up! 2000-2008

** I have had a question abut what I used!! Years ago I was really into altering Dominoes and collected a large box of domino like game pieces through swaps and cheap shops etc. I still have a biscuit tin FULL of all sorts so raided it for this piece which is basically a six sided domino which uses shapes instead of spots for space on the reverse. I then used an old piece of felt with alcohol inks on and put some of the thinner for alcohol inks on it and reactivated it to blodge around on the piece which was originally a lovely creamy colour and is now a light pinky lilac with like a waterstaining effect from using the thinner. I stamped in Stazon once the ink background had dried out as if you stamp too soon the thinner acts on the stazon as well as that is alcohol based as well. It only takes a few seconds to dry really as it evaporates really quickly.

The image is from the Doodle That set in the UK Stampin' Up! Catalgoue and part of a set I am GIVING AWAY on Crafts by Carolyn Forum. If you enjoy wordsearches come along and see if you can find it and you could own this lovely set of 4 doodled images! (please note you need to be a member but thats no hardship - its a great forum :-) )

Tough time

2008-03-18T19:49:00.001Z

Still. It seems never ending at the moment and Caits Childminder has been sick for a couple of days - I am hoping tomorrow is pretty back to normal - will be work busy but can cope with that!

Rachel

All Pink and Spotty

2008-03-10T23:29:00.003Z

Well this is this weeks DCM Card - they are certainly stretching my boundaries at the moment - just managing to squeeze in under the line each time so am hoping to get my act in gear for Friday pretty quickly as I am off and away for a bit with work so won't be much cardmaking activity going on I don't think. Still I have a temp starting next week to take some of the load on one of the projects and although this will be tight in the next couple of weeks she will take some of the pressure off down the line hopefully. It however looks as though my trusty assistant is also leaving - so fill one gap and open another - ah well. I do LOVE recruiting - NOT.

So these are some of MEL's favourite things!! Felt and stiching with embroidery thread - I have had this felt for a while with this card idea sitting in there waiting to pop out - and here was its oportunity so off i went! Well could I find a suitable needle!! Yeah you guessed so this was done with a darning needle and much blue air frankly!

Rachel

Caitie Boo

2008-03-08T10:51:00.004Z

As we call her - haven't done a piccie for a while - well she moves too quick these days that is my excuse!!! Anyway the little minxy actually posed for these!!
The last one was the face she pulled this morning when I said - do a cheeky monkey face!!!

Rachel

House Scans

2008-03-07T12:54:00.006Z

Well to give you an idea I have scanned bits in from the agents copy.
And yes all of that is our garden even beyond the fencing and the willow tree!!!

Rachel

Friday Quickie

2008-03-07T12:34:00.003Z

There is always time on a Friday for a Quick cuppa isn't there - well the theme of Mels challenge was Tea and Coffee Breaks - now why I want to know am I the only one to embrace Tea Technology and have pyramid bags!!! Have you ever tried getting one of those on a card - believe me I went through a few iterations till I got to this one - sticking it in a shaker card style box with an acetate front - I couldn't find a little teaspoon or I would have attached it to a chain - with break in emergency - lol so this will just have to do!

Have been a busy girl as per previous post so not alot of chit chat time at the moment but I am just trying to scan the new house piccie so that I can share with everyone without sharing the new address etc. Its a funny house as the current front is really the back and things have just changed over time so I love the fact that the side of the house facing the garden is the original front and much cuter than the back with its horrid but recent flat roof extension, We plan to expand over time and "do away" with that bit for something more conventionally roof like so its no hardship :-)

Rachel

Bizzy whizzy Bee

2008-03-05T08:54:00.002Z

Just a bit of a busy bee at the moment with the day job so not alot of time for crafting, blogging or anything else really so normal service will resume when things calm down!

Easter Time

2008-02-27T18:16:00.003Z

Well not quite yet but I had to do MIL some more cards and I took photos this time - I didn't photo the last batch and she has those already so never mind. Can't say they were my most inspired but they were still pretty! I used SU watercolour Wonder crayons which are fabby if yu are really not into colouring in much - they all come colour matched and you just vaguely scribble what you want to colour then use a blender pen or aquapainter to smooth it all out.
Easy Peasy Puddin and pie!

I am still busy and have a full day in Peterborough tomorrow carrying out interminably long interviews and driving there and back. Had the Car MOT last week and service today so at least that is sorted. Off to parentals with my sister and Cait this weekend as J is working and also trying to finish his assignment for OU - yes we are back into OU work again but he hasn't had many callouts this week so he has been ploughing on with that so may get some time for allotmenting this weekend as well. I have a bunch of seeds to plant up but I will do that Monday with Cait I think once we are back at home.

Work is frantic at the moment and my assistant looks like she is leaving :-( so a) more work for me and b) gotta interview so that is going to be a) a squeeze on time and b) more time in London - never rains but it pours.

Still will get on with sorting JD and Advert and hopefully we will be able to just advertise as soon as she hands her notice in and get the apps in and recruit before you can say Boo.

Rachel

Falling of the face of the earth

2008-02-22T11:53:00.003Z

Ahhhrgh just too many things to do in not enough time - have taken a days leave today to catch up with myself. Adding buying a house into the mix of full time work, little girl/home to run and running a new small business just tips me over into not keeping up with things. I have a couple of things to share with you today - obviously its Friday so here is the Friday Dare - Recycled - well I cheated a bit and used packaging to create my background rather than featuring the recycled item on the card - I am calling it thinking it laterally of course.

I doctored the Hero Arts greeting to match the card - cute!! lol

I have also been busy doing my MIL annual order of 20 Easter Cards and 20 St Patricks Day ones - I offered to combine but she wasn't too keen on that idea.

I don't do them all the same but I thought 20 Green themed Shamrock cards might be a tad boring on a blog!!!!

Easter to Follow as I also swiped that for a Dare later on!!!! Well I am having to be mean with my time these days!! Lol

Got a big SU show on Sunday so looking forward to that with some nerves as there will be 20 or so people, 2 parallel make and takes and a demo too!! I shall come back shattered but hopefully ecstatic at the sales!!

Rachel

Friday Dare Time

2008-02-08T10:21:00.000Z

And I sneaked in just after the post but I bet none of you really noticed did you??

I have fallen to the Sugar Nellie explosion and combined with the Paper Pesto Pack I received to play with this week I think it makes a lovely summery feel to the whole blog!
Thanks everyone for your interest in my mini stamp sale as well - I raised a WHOPPING £300 before all the fees and whatnot so that is just Brilliant! I shall be looking more out over the coming weeks and hoping for an equally brilliant contribution to the coffers!

Rachel

Items for sale

2008-02-01T21:29:00.000Z

I am listing ALOT of stamps on Ebay over the next few days all starting at 99p so go and grab yourself a bargain - Lots of Hero Arts, PSX, Impression Obsession and more big names.

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/rboothuk

I will be adding more over the next few days or so. These are a real bargain so get yourself over there.

Rachel