tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27289908292822306672024-02-20T19:23:43.106+00:00Fit, Fat and FlourishingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239819658678396430noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-24631288077397935782013-01-30T22:00:00.001+00:002013-01-30T22:00:11.910+00:00What I did on my holidays - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OOPS! I just discovered this post languishing in the 'drafts' folder. It should have been posted last year!!</div>
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Welcome back to Part 3 of the holiday snaps. Are you bored of them yet?? NO? </div>
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On Wednesday we had a very busy day planned! More buildings and a very special treat!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Batemans</span></b> </div>
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Batemans is the house that Rudyard Kipling bought and lived in until his dying day. It's wonderfully cosy and homely with stunning gardens!</div>
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(Thank goodness that a lot of National Trust properties have now relaxed their 'no photos' rule - as long as you don't use the flash! I always missed not having photos of the inside of their beautiful houses)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Scotney Castle</span></b><br />
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Two properties for the price of one! The original castle and the much larger and much later stately home. Both are beautiful!<br />
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First the Stately Home part of the property.<br />
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(I think my eldest has perfected the art of posing during this holiday!)<br />
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... and then the older castle!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Bodiam Castle</span></b><br />
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Himself and myself have been to Bodiam Castle before... back in the BC days (Before Children). Other people's children charged around with swords and made a general nuisance of themselves. We tutted and sighed like inconvenienced tourists but secretely promised ourselves that our children would get a chance to do the same. We fulfilled this promise on Wednesday and great fun was had by all!<br />
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(The Millers wife - just in case you're wondering)<br />
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... and yes, we bought them both swords and much charging and play fighting was done. Thank goodness no eyes were poked out or limbs chopped off, but I think it was a close-run thing!<br />
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Of course, you absolutely have to charge across the drawbridge whilst brandishing your sword!<br />
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<b>Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway</b><br />
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Our last stop on Wednesday was a last minute find! I had heard that you could catch the steam train from Tenterden to Bodiam and was looking online (on my phone!) on Tuesday night to find train timetables etc. when I discovered that they run a fortnightly 'Fish & Chip Special' on Wednesday evenings - and that the next one was scheduled the next day! One phonecall first thing in the morning, secured our last minute seats and a rather scrummy tea! We rode on a Diesel Observation car from Tenterden to Bodiam, where we had a 30 minute break. I think the intention was to eat on the train (and lots of people came prepared with lap trays) but as there were no tables and we have a messy 3-year old we opted, instead, for eating on a picnic table at Bodiam instead. Fish 'n' Chips alfresco stylee! Yum.<br />
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This carriage is set up as a permanent memorial to The Unknown Soldier and was used to transport the casket from Dover to London for reburial. It was not the first repatriation this carriage had been used for, so it seems fitting that it now serves as a memorial to those who fought in the Great War. A very moving moment in an otherwise hectic day!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-73065668862317674002012-07-25T20:51:00.001+01:002012-07-25T20:51:06.730+01:00WOYWW 25th July '12Salaam and Good evening, my friends. (LOL. Why do I sound like the narrator from Disney's 'Alladin'?) My apologies for being late with my entry for this week's WOYWW. It's been a gorgeous day here for once, Mr Mojo finally made an appearance and I have been trying to make the most of both situations!! So this morning I was entertaining Mr Mojo and this afternoon I took the kids out to a local park. It was mobbed! But the kids had fun anyway.<br />
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Yes, it's a little bit messy-ish. Mostly the papercrafting stuff is where it should be though. I don't know what happened to me but Mr Mojo was in the mood for sewing! First time in absolute years that the poor sewing machine has seen action. In fact, Mr Mojo has been working on me for about 5 days now and I have spent 4 of those days cutting out various pieces. Today was the first day that the sewing actually happened. Yay!<br />
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This photo is a bit more 'wide-angle' than usual just to show you the presence of the ironing board. Now, I hate and loathe ironing with a passion. In fact, in this household it's my better half (aka Himself) that does that ironing. However, I am not averse to Pressing. Now, you must understand that Pressing is completely different beast to ironing. Ironing = drudgery = boredom = something I DON'T DO. Pressing on the other hand = an activity integral to the sewing process to make things look properly finished. That, I can most certainly do!! Especially since I've discovered that I can set the ironing board at the right height for sitting down in my craft chair while I'm pressing the seams. Yay! I don't even have to move, I can simply swivel the chair and press. (Remember my previous post where I confessed my laziness? Yes, classic example here!)<br />
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Anyway, so today I have been ruching and gathering and hopefully it will all be finished later tonight or tomorrow morning. Pictures will follow as soon as it is all finished!<br />
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Now, excuse me but the sewing machine is calling and I have another seam that needs pressing. Hop over to <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-164.html" target="_blank">Julia's blog</a> to check out what all the other WOYWW'ers have been up to. Thankfully, due to my late posting, there will be plenty of others to browse through!<br />
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See you soon!<br />
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PS. I've just realised that I never finished showing you holiday snaps! More will follow soon. Perhaps even tomorrow... if my sewing project is finished by then!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-55429305039137126232012-07-23T13:10:00.001+01:002012-07-23T13:16:43.718+01:00Simple Woman's DaybookGood morning. I'm sorry for neglecting my little bloggy thing. I have no excuses other than, school holidays. Enough said, I think!<br />
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I have, however, still been hopping around blog land and came across this meme through fellow blogger, <a href="http://neesienatters.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Neesie</a>. I think I shall try taking part regularly so I can get back into the swing of blogging regularly on here. I must admit that I have been blogging regularly over on my <a href="http://stampin-divas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SU blog</a>, but it's mostly crafty rather than personal. So, I'm thinking I'd like to take part in this Simple Woman's Daybook each Monday and see how often I can keep it going!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">FOR TODAY </span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> - 23rd July 2012</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">Outside my window...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> It's grey and horrible... and 'dribbling' as my beautiful 3-year-old told me this morning. Other than being able to laugh at the cute factor, I can't find anything positive to say about the weather at the moment. I thought we were supposed to be in Summer now? It feels more like winter to me.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am thinking...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> all about goals at the moment. The aforementioned 3-year-old will be starting school in August next year and I'm starting to think about what I'm going to do once she's in full-time education. I've been considering going back to education myself, or getting a job or building up my Stampin' Up business more. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am thankful...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> for my wonderful hubby who does so much around the house! Seriously, I don't know many women who have a hubby that cooks, washes the dishes and does his own ironing! And I don't have to nag one bit.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">In the kitchen... </span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">isn't much happening there today. I'd like to do some baking but the cupboards are bare! Time for some grocery shopping I think!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am wearing...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> my usual, Jeans and a shirt with flat shoes. It's a Mummy's uniform and I'm comfortable in it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am creating...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> I have dragged out my sewing machine!! It's a miracle! I'm currently trying to sew a canvas bag/tote and adding extra bits as I go along. It might be a success, or a complete disaster. Watch this space for further details.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am going...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> to the bank later. It seems hubby's car isn't going to last much longer, so a loan is needed. Not what either of us wanted since we're supposed to be getting rid of the debt not taking more on! However, the man needs a car to do his job, to earn the money that keeps food on the table. Speaking of food, I'm going to have to go to the supermarket today too as the cupboards are bare. We'll need another loan for that too!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am wondering... </span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">why it is that kids can weeble to themselves happily playing with a plastic bottle-top lid and a cardboard box for hours, but if you give them a room full of toys they suddenly complain they're bored and can't find anything to do!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am reading...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> Magician's Apprentice by Trudy Canavan. Yes, I love fantasy books!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am hoping...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> that I can stick to the goals that I'm setting for myself right now. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am looking forward to... </span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">being thinner, being settled and being gainfully employed!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am learning...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> that I have to stop using my health, my (supposed) lack of time and my kids as an excuse to do nothing. I am also learning that I am incredibly lazy and a good procrastinator.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">Around the house...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> well, I'd rather you didn't look around the house at the moment. It's a tip. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">I am pondering...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> how to finish off the canvas bag without it becoming an complete mess!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">A favorite quote for today... </span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana" Groucho Marx.... because who doesn't like a bit of random from Groucho?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">One of my favorite things...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> is hearing my youngest 'reading' herself a story. Usually a Julia Donaldson book because she can memorise the rhyme and rhythm and make up words to match if she can't quite remember it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">A few plans for the rest of the week: </span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">This week the kids are still on holiday, so I shall be ferrying the eldest to holiday club and trying to keep the youngest one entertained. I am planning to get back on the Weight Watchers wagon properly again. I want to go swimming... and, of course, lots of crafting to be done too!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">A peek into my day...</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> Lunch next, then off to the bank to talk to the manager (eek!), then back home in time to pick the eldest one up from holiday club, then grocery shopping, then home to start cooking tea, then maybe I'll get some more sewing done this evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Cardo;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Here's where my project is at right now....</span></span><br />
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I'm cutting one final piece and my sewing machine is standing by! Next stop for me, is lunch. For you? Hop over to <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Peggy's Simple Womans Daybook blog</a> to see what some other daybookers are pondering.<br />
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See you soon!<br />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-54047320384547609642012-07-10T08:00:00.000+01:002012-07-10T08:00:02.246+01:00What I did on my holidays - Part 2I decided to break the holiday snaps into smaller posts for the sake of bandwidth and download times! So here's some more of what we did... you'll definitely notice a recurring theme!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tuesday: Leeds Castle</span></b><br />
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Have you ever been to Leeds Castle? It's somewhere I've always wanted to go, but the ticket prices are extortionate!! £19.75 per adult and £12.50 per child?? You must be joking! Even if the ticket lasts all year, who on earth would pay those prices?! Luckily for us, our next door neighbour at the holiday cottages does! Her tickets were still valid so she lent them to us. Whoohoo!! There are still some good people on this planet!! We spent the whole day there, despite the on/off showers and had a great time!<br />
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Definitely worth the price of OUR tickets, but I'm still not sure I'd pay the whopping prices they ask for! But, hey, not bad for a FREE day trip!<br />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-57505247827796312762012-07-09T22:20:00.002+01:002012-07-09T22:20:43.239+01:00What I did on my holidays - Part 1Did you ever have to write one of those essays on your first day of term? What I did on my holidays. It normally consisted of... nothing much. But I had to write something so I kind of made up stuff. LOL. I think the teacher knew! This time, however, I have photographic evidence to prove it.<br />
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Pre-Script. This post will be photo heavy! If you get easily bored looking at other people's holiday snaps then look away now! Also, this is a very very small selection of the nearly 800 photo's I took this week!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Sunday: Upnor Castle, Rochester</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Monday: Dover Castle</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Monday: Walmer Castle</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Monday: Deal Castle</span></b><br />
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Can you tell that we love visiting old buildings? Luckily the girls enjoy them too, especially the bit where you can charge around at full pelt pretending to be an invader!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-84558018305511714502012-06-13T14:34:00.002+01:002012-06-13T14:34:14.976+01:00WOYWW 13th June '12Good afternoon everyone! Yes, as usual I'm late. So here's a quick tour of the desk where I was making a 'Get Well' card for one of Weeself's nursery teachers.<br />
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Yes, the usual mess! Now, if you want to see the card close up and read about why I was making it then quickly hop over to my <a href="http://stampin-divas.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/get-well-eleanor.html" target="_blank">'business' blog</a>.... but make sure you come back here after! Also, there's a giveaway going on there too if you'd like to join in. Just scroll up the home page to the top for the details.<br />
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Now, I shall hand you back to <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-158.html" target="_blank">Julia</a> because it's all a bit chaotic here today! For those who drop by and comment I shall pop by your blog today/tomorrow for a peek at your desks. As soon as calm returns!!<br />
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Sorry to post and run, but that's life in this household at the moment!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-63970674971307468932012-06-07T20:42:00.000+01:002012-06-07T20:42:50.962+01:00Jubilee Jollies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good evening! I should know better than to promise to post, because that is when all sorts of last minute and unexpected things happen and a really quiet day, with nothing planned, turns into a headlong dash from one thing to the next in a futile effort just to keep up! So here I am, out of breath and dishevelled BUT I am here. I hope that counts!</div>
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So, the Jubilee weekend seemed to pass most of Scotland by. I read a news report online that said only 60 street parties had been booked, of which 20 were organised by the Orange order. Obviously, those don't count due to the Orangemen being ridiculously royalist (according to the news website!). So, that means only 40 parties were booked by individuals/communities. A very low number, especially when you compare it to the nearly 10,000 parties booked for England and Wales!! </div>
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This was what our street looked like over the weekend. NOTHING happening at all!...</div>
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... except for our 'crazy' house. It got quite a few looks! </div>
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As my parents were travelling back from their holiday late on Friday, we decided to get together for a mini celebration on Monday to give them some time to recuperate. So, Sunday I spent pretty much all day infront of the telly watching the flotilla on the Thames! Except for the bit where I help Himself on a little garden project. More on that later!<br />
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Himself, Herself and Weeself made some rather yummy goodies on Monday for our party and Herself insisted on putting a party dress on. Any excuse to dress up!!<br />
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The girls kept a vigilant watch out the front window for our guests<br />
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And Himself and Myself set the table, with some lovely Union Jack touches for the special event.</div>
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Once eating, drinking, laughing and chatting had all been done and family members had been seen off the premises, there was only just enough time to clear up before we all got to snuggle down under hand crocheted blankets...<br />
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... to watch the fabulous concert on the telly. (Although, as a musical person I will admit that I had several cringe-making off-key songs and sound problems! Surely these professionals should sound BETTER than us, mere mortals?)<br />
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All in all, it was a good weekend. Far too much eaten, far too much telly watched and far too much rain! BUT definitely a good weekend. Here's to another jubilee for Her Majesty, would that be 70 or 75 years?<br />
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Speak soon!<br />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-1808969489825057962012-06-06T11:10:00.000+01:002012-06-06T11:10:47.104+01:00WOYWW 6th June '12Good morning WOYWWers! Have you all had a fabulous Jubilee weekend?? We did!! Although, being in Scotland, we were somewhat outnumbered. NOBODY else in our street put out bunting or had a party, so come the revolution I expect we'll be the first to be dragged from our beds and shot. Oh well, we will die happy. LOL. I am, of course, assuming that you - my dear reader - are actually in the UK? If you're not from the UK, tell me what have you been celebrating in your area this weekend? There must be a celebration somewhere!! Answers on a post card please... or even better, in the comments box. (The dreaded Word Verification should be switched off now.)<br />
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Now, you came here to see my desk right?? Here it is....<br />
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Ah yes, not as messy as usual but that is only because I had to interrupt one project (and do a mini tidy) to do something else. So my (now belated) Jubilee wreath got interrupted to make a birthday card; and since I already had red, white and blue out on the desk I've been using it to make the card too!<br />
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I know my wreath is now too late for the Jubilee but I have decided to finish it off as I can think of a few upcoming occasions that I could use it for. I'm thinking maybe Olympics? or, if I put some poppies on it, Armistice Day? I'll have to see. Also, I have set myself a goal that I hope to achieve in the next year or two and when I get there I want to throw a big Union Jack party so it will definitely do for that!<br />
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Perhaps, oneday, when I've achieved the first stage of my goal and am a bit more confident of achieving it I'll actually pluck up the courage to share it with you. For now, I'm just in the first stage of having decided I want to go for it and still feeling a little bit nervous. I promise I'll let you into the secret soon! All I can say, for now, is that I'm going to have to study hard for a bit. Not my favourite thing to do, but needs must!<br />
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Now, that's my tale for the day. If you want to come back tomorrow I shall be putting up pics of our (very small) Jubilee celebrations from this weekend. For now though, head over to <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-157.html" target="_blank">Julia's blog</a> for more WOYWW desks and possibly more tales of Jubilee celebrations!<br />
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Speak soon!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-86276739920353378132012-06-01T20:11:00.000+01:002012-06-01T20:11:18.183+01:00Word VerificationHi all!<br />
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Just a quick note on the dreaded Word Verification. I have had a couple of people complain about it and TBH I hadn't realised that it was turned on. I know I used to have it turned OFF in the old Blogger but it seems that all settings reverted to default when Blogger changed.<br />
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I have now turned the Word Verification option off.... three times. And yet, I'm still getting comments or emails from people saying it's still ON. Arrrrgh!! I'm not sure why Blogger keeps reverting to the 'on' setting? Any ideas from those techie peeps floating about in t'interwebs land?<br />
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So, I apologise again for the WV. If it asks you for it AGAIN please let me know so I can switch it off AGAIN!<br />
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Speak soon... and enjoy the Jubilee weekend!<br />
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PS. I love technology, really.... when it works the way it should!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-55013625325162150402012-05-30T15:18:00.002+01:002012-05-30T15:18:59.500+01:00WOYWW 30th May '12Good morning... oh, er, afternoon. Wow, time is flying today! I had intended to post first thing this morning but after getting the kids to school, having breakfast, tidying up, picking Weeself up from nursery, going to the bank, having lunch, popping into a couple of shops etc. there's not much left of today! Hopefully later today/tonight I'll get back to my craft desk cause I've got a lovely project on the go at the moment. Have a look...<br />
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My usual sort of mess, or organised chaos might be the better term since I know exactly where everything is!! I'm working on a paperbag mini album which I actually started ages ago but the demands of family life, being a SU demo and lots of last minute emergency cards that hubby always seems to need means that scrapbooking for the pure pleasure of it rarely happens any more. However, I've decided I need to *make* time for it because I miss it so much!<br />
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Here's a little peek of the page that's on my desk at the moment. I'm using a kit called 'Newport Bay' from Scrapagogo which I used to subscribe to. I think this particular kit must be 2 or 3 years old now and I'm horrified to say that I'm only just using it now!! The little charms are added extras from my stash.<br />
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Before you and I head our seperate directions I'd like to say a BIG Thank You to Julia for coming up with the idea and providing a place to meet up for WOYWW. It's been fun joining in for the past few months, even sporadically! Today is WOYWW's 3rd birthday and I wish Julia and all my fellow WOYWWers a Happy Birthday and many more years of checking out each others desks. If you'd like to see what I'm talking about head over to <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-156.html" target="_blank">Julia's blog</a> now.<br />
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I'm heading off to pick up Herself from the bus stop now and then off to the supermarket and swimming lessons. It never stops, does it?! Fingers crossed for some scrapping time tonight then. I think I'll need it!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-60131407571189877732012-05-09T14:58:00.001+01:002012-05-09T14:58:41.339+01:00WOYWW 9th May '12Good afternoon! I'm back with another WOYWW again, and this time I've managed to post a little bit earlier! Wonders will never cease!!<br />
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Here's my workdesk this week....<br />
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On my desk this week you can see that I haven't done a lot of tidying. Mostly I've just shoved stuff to one side while I get on with some craftiness. I think I might just have to give in and give it a clean up this afternoon! Those papers you can see are some lovely new ones that arrived yesterday from Stampin' Up! They're in the new Summer Mini catalogue and are gorgeous! I'm looking forward to doing some scrapbooking again as it seems like all my crafting lately has been card-related. I'm taking part in Shimelle's new class 'Cover to Cover'... which seems to be about getting your albums and layouts organised. I will admit that my albums are just shoved together and nothing is in any coherent or sensible order. Also, I've realised that it's been aaages since I did any serious scrapbooking so I've got loads of photo's to catch up on. So on my 'to-do list' this week is to get some layouts done and sort my albums out.<br />
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Also, on the 'to-do list' this week is making some curtains! That window is in desperate need of some window treatments and I really just need to give myself a kick up the rear-end and get them done! Especially as the fabric is waiting and the sewing machine is now accessible.<br />
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Right, I'm off to go spend some time with the kiddos and tidy up a bit. I'm hoping for a bit of crafting this evening once they've gone to bed! If you want to hop to another desk head over to <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-153.html" target="_blank">Julia's blog</a> for a full list!<br />
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PS. I'm not sure if you can spot it in the picture, but I got a little something from Julia in the post yesterday. Thanks Julia!!<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-28019344870398162142012-05-03T14:06:00.001+01:002012-05-03T14:06:58.971+01:00There's an app for that!Hi everyone!<br />
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Isn't it a beautiful day out there? The sun is shining and the sky is blue. The birdies are tweeting and the kids are out playing too. It's a day that makes you glad to be alive!!<br />
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There is only one downside to beautiful sunshine streaming in through the windows..... yup, you guessed it, the state of the windows themselves! As the sun was shining in yesterday I suddenly noticed how many little fingerprints and streaks there were on the window, and how many spills had happened on my carpets, and all the furballs that were hiding under the sofa. Okay, so I'm not the worlds most houseproud woman. I will freely admit it! However, the sunshine really highlighted to me what a bad job I'm doing at cleaning.<br />
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Last night as I was sat in bed, I decided to have a look at some Android Apps and I happened to type in FlyLady. I've tried FlyLady before but felt completely overwhelmed by the number of emails you get from her site! I felt like I was spending all my time reading her emails and no time, at all, actually doing what they prompted you to do. I got discouraged. I unsubscribed. My house is still a tip. So, when I randomly searched for FlyLady last night, I was pleasantly surprised to find that yes, there's an app for that! It's an UNOFFICIAL app, but it uses all of FlyLady's principles/techniques without all the demoralising and highly annoying emails! Whoohoo! The best of both worlds!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-V-gXwkb8s/T6KCB137atI/AAAAAAAABDo/rP4ggUGG6fI/s1600/FlyHelperScreenshots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-V-gXwkb8s/T6KCB137atI/AAAAAAAABDo/rP4ggUGG6fI/s320/FlyHelperScreenshots.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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So, this morning I have put it into action... and boy, do I feel better for it?! Ok, my house is still a tip but I've done my first 15 minutes and rewarded myself with some bloggy time. It feels good to have my carpets vaccumed and with the knowledge that I can now be prompted and reminded about what I need to do next to get myself out of CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) and into a nice clean house, even if the kids mess it up as fast as I go!<br />
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If you're on Android and need to get out of CHAOS too <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.othelle.flylady&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd" target="_blank">have a look here</a>... and if you're on iPhone or Blackberry I encourage you to have a search for FlyLady on your marketplaces. PLEASE NOTE: I'm don't get any commission or anything, this is simply an app that I'm loving so far and I think other people might like too. I am not, in any way, affiliated with the makers of this app!<br />
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Right, I have to go rescue a child from the mud she's playing with. That will be another load of washing to do today!<br />
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See you soon!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-25523933237702443662012-05-02T22:20:00.000+01:002012-05-03T14:07:14.999+01:00WOYWW 2nd May '11Sorry I'm a bit late! It's been one of those days, and although I took the photo of my desk this morning, I've not had a chance to do anything with it all day!<br />
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Here's what my desk looks like at the moment...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qt0wJtop9xU/T6GhC9A4iUI/AAAAAAAABC4/KrJtyk9hhF0/s1600/DSC_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qt0wJtop9xU/T6GhC9A4iUI/AAAAAAAABC4/KrJtyk9hhF0/s640/DSC_4150.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yeah, I told you it wouldn't stay tidy for long!... and this is after I'd tidied up between projects!! LOL. I've been crafting up a storm this past week and loving it! I had signed up to take part in a bloghop for Stampin' Up and came up with this picture.... which will be going up on my craftroom wall as soon as I can find some picture hooks!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b38pwy2VF8E/T6Ghc2gyKwI/AAAAAAAABDA/mGAQ8qHNTfo/s1600/DSC_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b38pwy2VF8E/T6Ghc2gyKwI/AAAAAAAABDA/mGAQ8qHNTfo/s640/DSC_4146.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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It's quite large, the central image is on an A4 piece of cardstock, although you can't really get a scale of it in this picture. If you want to see my full post (including some close up shots) then head over to my <a href="http://stampin-divas.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/summer-mini-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">'business' blog!</a> I've also completed several cards, some of which I've blogged over there too!</div>
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On my chair you can see a bag. It was the last one in the shop. I loved it, but it's damaged. I bought it for £4!! So, this week I'm hoping to fix it (it's only a problem with the clasp) and I'd also like to pretty it up cause at the moment the colours are nice but there's not a lot of pretty. I'm thinking about adding crotcheted or sewed pretty, but I'll have to see what yarn/fabric I have in my stash.</div>
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Anyway, it's late now and I think I'm going to head to bed. The kids are off school tomorrow because it's a local election and the schools are used as polling stations. I understand the poor teachers aren't getting the day off, though, as they've scheduled an In Service Training day! So, I shall be Mummy-daycare ALL day and probably tearing my hair out by the end of it!</div>
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If you're only just getting to my blog and don't know what WOYWW stands for.... head over to <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-152.html" target="_blank">Julia's blog</a> for an education! If you're already Savvy, then thanks for wading through the list and getting to me! I'd appreciate a comment if you've got the time!</div>
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See you soon!</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-43163314134968728302012-04-26T19:26:00.001+01:002012-05-03T14:07:41.048+01:00ProMarker StorageWelcome back!<br />
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Before we begin, I need to inform you that this project is NOT my original idea. This was an idea I saw on <a href="http://syzygyofme.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/foam%20board" target="_blank">Karen Church's blog</a>. She makes so many different things out of Foamboard!! When I saw the ProMarker storage she had made I instantly knew I wanted one just like it.<br />
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When it came to actually making it, I found I needed different measurements as my shelves are different to Karen's. I have the Billy bookcases from IKEA and had a shelf already set up for where theses were going to go. I did some measuring and some calculating, and Himself got used as my personal 'maths checker' to check that I was going to cut at the right sizes. I knew I only had one shot at this as I had a very limited amount of foamboard left over from some display boards I was making a few months ago.<br />
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So here's how I did it:<br />
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To make ONE storage rack measuring 13"H x 4½"W x 6"D cut the following pieces:<br />
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Side panels (Cut 2): 13" x 6"<br />
Shelves (Cut 5): 4½" x 5½"<br />
Top (Cut 1): 4½" x 6"<br />
Back (Cut 1): 13" x 4½"<br />
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I found cutting these items was easiest with a quiltering grid ruler and a sharp craft knife. You also need a pencil for marking up.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwMASRAh9RI/T5lIiLXf1WI/AAAAAAAAA8c/wNir0kaN3oM/s1600/DSC_4097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwMASRAh9RI/T5lIiLXf1WI/AAAAAAAAA8c/wNir0kaN3oM/s640/DSC_4097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(I also cut a little trim for the bottom, but didn't use it in the end!)<br />
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Mark up where your shelves will go on your two side panels. I spaced them about 2½" apart. I also offset the back to be ½" lower than the front so that the ProMarkers don't fall off the shelves. Leave a ½" gap at the back of the shelves so you can fit a back panel. I marked up my shelf groove using a piece of foam board to make sure how they would fit. You also need to mark up at the top of each panel so that the top piece can be fitted later. Make sure BEFORE YOU CUT, that the side panels MIRROR each other.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vf26TqSZ0o/T5lIvn7JqSI/AAAAAAAAA8s/ju0N0poXXmE/s1600/DSC_4099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vf26TqSZ0o/T5lIvn7JqSI/AAAAAAAAA8s/ju0N0poXXmE/s640/DSC_4099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, here's the messy bit! Using scissors, craftknife, ruler, spoon, chisel or embossing tool cut and dig out the grooves for each shelf, stopping a ½" away from the back edge. It makes a bit of a mess, but it's well worth the effort! Make sure that you LEAVE THE OUTER SKIN of the foamboard intact! Don't forget to also 'dig out' for the top piece to be fitted.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkL6R40ZFOw/T5lJELw2B-I/AAAAAAAAA9I/TPi3bWAM_dg/s1600/DSC_4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkL6R40ZFOw/T5lJELw2B-I/AAAAAAAAA9I/TPi3bWAM_dg/s640/DSC_4102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once each shelf and the top slot is dug out it will look like this:<br />
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See, I've put this piece upside down by mistake, but by a happy accident it lets you see what I mean by the 'top slot'!<br />
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Now, add in your shelves. Karen said she used a Hot Glue gun, but that it something I don't possess so I just used my Tombow wet glue. It worked a treat with no problems or issues!<br />
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Next, I took the Back Panel and marked up on 3 sides the thickness of a piece of foamboard (about ¼"). Dig out the 3 marked sides using your preferred tool as you did for the shelves.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjr9UBz8v-s/T5lJkQsOwtI/AAAAAAAAA9w/AGQN3flLwHo/s1600/DSC_4107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjr9UBz8v-s/T5lJkQsOwtI/AAAAAAAAA9w/AGQN3flLwHo/s640/DSC_4107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now put all the external pieces together! First make sure the shelves are firmly glued into position on both side panels. Next glue in the top panel and follow it with the back panel. This is what the rear of the unit looks like once it's all glued.<br />
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And here is the front elevation, with some markers in situ.<br />
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Here's the two I made sitting nicely inside the shelf area I had allocated for them. They leave enough space for my Stampin' Up! markers too. Now all I need to do is finish 'labelling' the colours on the end of the markers to make it easier to see which colour I'm pulling out!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1st635Ey8os/T5lJ1-knN9I/AAAAAAAAA-I/URKfLl8Rnhg/s1600/DSC_4110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1st635Ey8os/T5lJ1-knN9I/AAAAAAAAA-I/URKfLl8Rnhg/s640/DSC_4110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm very pleased with the result, even though I was initially worried about my maths. Maths is definitely NOT my strong point at all and I was worried that I would mess up completely. Karen's measurements are quite a bit different because she had a different sized space for them to occupy and also because she made her storage for her Copic pens. In the end I think my maths wasn't too bad and I'm very happy with the result!<br />
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Feel free to make your own as long as you credit Karen with the original idea. I know a lot of people out there are looking for suitable storage for their markers and this is an ideal solution!! Let me know if you do make one ... I'd love to see pictures and know how you got on with the construction!!<br />
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See you soon!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-18516090019109402802012-04-25T21:03:00.000+01:002012-04-25T21:03:33.737+01:00WOYWW 25th April '12Ooh wow, it's Wednesday again! I know I say it every week, but it really has gone fast hasn't it? It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the week goes!!<br />
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So, if you're here from <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-151.html" target="_blank">Julia's WOYWW</a> then take a pew, you've been here before and know what to do. While you're at it, put the kettle on and help yourself to a cuppa. If you've wandered in here from Shimelle's latest class, then Welcome! This is a Meme I take part in most Wednesdays where we share what's been on our workdesk each week. It's free to join and we'd love to see your desks too!! Jump in any time on a Wednesday (or sometimes even a Thursday if you're a little late!!) and show us what you've been up to.<br />
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Now, to my desk....<br />
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Remember this?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Skpd1BcOZuE/T5hUu4m-YNI/AAAAAAAAA6k/bpMzQyA-X3w/s1600/DSC_4080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Skpd1BcOZuE/T5hUu4m-YNI/AAAAAAAAA6k/bpMzQyA-X3w/s640/DSC_4080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, I did warn you that it wouldn't stay like this for long!! Here's what it's like today...<br />
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Take a closer look...<br />
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Okay, it looks like things have been dumped and not much crafting has been done. Well, that's where you'd be wrong! I've been crafting up a storm and loving every minute of it.<br />
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The inkpads are what's left over from my last crafty project. Some <a href="http://stampin-divas.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/training-day-swaps.html" target="_blank">swaps </a>that I did for a training event I went to on the weekend. The returned swaps are in the ziploc baggy waiting to be found a permanent home. The Stampin' Up! carrier bag has got all the goodies that I got in training. We did loads of crafting and I still came home with loads of the kit left. So I shall be having a play later tonight once I've finished blogging.<br />
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You can also see the latest copy of 'Simply Homemade' magazine which I've just started subscribing to. The subscribers gift was a large number of Letraset ProMarkers, which I hadn't tried before. Suffice it to say, I'm addicted!! I've been buying them left, right and centre since I got the free ones. I love my Stampin' Up markers, but they work on a completely different technique and produce a completely different effect. I'm loving the difference and think both sets will complement each other nicely. So far, I've bought quite a few to add to my collection so I've had to make some storage for them. I'll post tomorrow to show you how I did it!!<br />
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The other thing you can see on my desk there is my new phone... er, tablet.... okay, I'll call it a 'phablet' then. It's the new <a href="http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Devices/Samsung/Galaxy_Note/White?ID=1230" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy Note</a> and it's huge! It's also amazing, awesome and brilliant. Okay, so I'm just a gadget geek, but I really do love this phablet.... or should that be fablet?!<br />
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So, what have you been up to on your desk? Show us! Join in at <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-151.html" target="_blank">Julia's</a> and let us see. I'm off to Julia's now to add myself to the list and have a hop around some of the other desks. See you tomorrow when I post a mini 'tutorial' on how I made my ProMarker storage!! (I actually remembered to take photo's throughout, for once!)<br />
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See you soon!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-81524563968802738872012-04-11T13:36:00.000+01:002012-04-11T13:36:29.318+01:00WOYWW 11th April '12Good morning! I can't believe it's Wednesday already, again. These seem to come by so quick now! My friends tell me it's a sign that I'm getting older.... one even told me that "Life is like a loo roll, the closer you get to the end the faster round it goes!". My days are numbered, I fear!!<br />
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Anyway, if you're here to see what's on my Workdesk... I'm afraid you might be a little disappointed. My workdesk hasn't seen any crafting in a week! There is a good reason though as you will see in a minute. First, lets have a reminder of my little space....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JQv1dwQKf8/T4Vxos28EsI/AAAAAAAAA3c/uNEB9kCVvNw/s1600/IMG_2765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JQv1dwQKf8/T4Vxos28EsI/AAAAAAAAA3c/uNEB9kCVvNw/s640/IMG_2765.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hmmmm, yes, the less said about it the better. It's cramped, cluttered, got waaaaay too untidy waaaaay too quickly. There's not enough storage and the printer keeps getting in the way. OK, this photo doesn't really show it at it's best does it? Let's get a better picture instead.... how about this one?<br />
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Oooh! That's a bit better! It's clean, tidy and uncluttered. It's had a fresh coat of paint too (although none of the pictures I took really did the colour any justice.) The only problem is.... there's no craft stuff!! Himself and I will be using it purely as a computer desk from now on. My shelves in the alcove now store my filing instead of buckets of stamps etc.</div>
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So nice and clean and pretty! So, do you want to see where I'm working now?</div>
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Here's a sneaky peek...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIv691EIGT8/T4VyjN5M5mI/AAAAAAAAA4E/2AqqVws3sa4/s1600/DSC_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIv691EIGT8/T4VyjN5M5mI/AAAAAAAAA4E/2AqqVws3sa4/s640/DSC_4088.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Ooh I'm in a naughty teasing mood! Sorry.... here's a few more photo's.</div>
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This is the sight that now greets me when I walk in the door.</div>
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The anticipation of being able to sit here and craft is nearly killing me! I haven't been able to do any crafting yet because Himself and I only finished it very very late last night... or maybe I should say very very early this morning!<br />
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As lovely as the desk is, it's the shelves that really make me happy! I can have ALL my craft stuff accessible and I've still got some room to grow! Yay! These shelves fill up the whole of one wall, and I couldn't actually take a photo of them in one go...<br />
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The left side.... and....<br />
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The right hand side!!<br />
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As you can see there are still a few things I want to do in this room. We need another office chair for the 'computer' desk. A few items that have ended up on TOP of the shelves (thank you to Himself as I can't reach up there!) I shall have to ask him to get them down for me so I can find an alternative home for them. I also want to build/find some storage for my ProMarkers as they're currently dumped in that expanding blue bin on the shelves. I have another shelf to put up in the little alcove above the buttons, I need to build/find some way of storing my ribbon reels AND I need to make some curtains. I have some fabric in my stash I just need to sit down and do it. What's the betting that there's still no curtains/blinds in 6 months time?<br />
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So what do you think of the room? I was thinking about experimenting with a little video so I can show you around personally. I've never done that sort of thing before... shall I give it a go?<br />
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Fancy seeing some desks where *real* crafting has happened in the past week? Head over to <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-149.html" target="_blank">Julia's blog</a> and have a look at some other people's creations!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-71388089218409453412012-04-05T11:45:00.002+01:002012-04-05T11:45:41.332+01:00Meet Polly!I have a new addition in our 'family'... Polly the Pocket Rocket!<br />
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Unfortunately PAT1 (as my Citroen Berlingo was known) was coming up for some very expensive repairs and what with finances being tight and already having to spend a fortune on hubby's car; part of which you can see in the picture; we decided that throwing more money at a car that was expensive to tax, insure, maintain and keep supplied in fuel was NOT something we wanted to do. I loved the space in my old car, but since weeself is now walking age and potty trained we don't really need the space to carry around pushchairs and changing bags like we used to. </div>
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Polly is small and perfectly formed. She's a Vauxhall Agila and has a 1.2 Petrol engine. She has alloy wheels, aircon and tinted windows. She beautiful and I am in love with driving again for the first time in years!!</div>
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Anyway, I just thought you might sleep better knowing this information. LOL. </div>
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PS. This weekend I'm starting 'Operation Craftroom'!! A trip to IKEA tomorrow and lots of painting and flat-pack assembly is on the cards for the long weekend! Pictures will follow once its all done. I promise!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-85943399911295403182012-04-02T00:20:00.000+01:002012-04-02T00:20:28.426+01:00Magic Stripe BlanketI posted on Facebook last Sunday that I had finally finished the project I was working on. After 5 weeks of work it was finally done! Yay! Immediately, I had requests for pictures. I know! It's a week later and I finally got photo's done this morning!!<br />
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I must admit that I spent a whole week just looking at it, and stroking it. Everytime I did, I got that lovely happy feeling of seeing a project finished. Have you ever had that feeling? That slightly smug, puffed up, happy moment of joy? I love that feeling and I love seeing my hard work appreciated. So I was very happy to see that two girls rather enjoyed snuggling up under it this week too... even though we've had gorgeous weather that meant blankets weren't necessary. They still loved getting all cosy under their new blanket. It melts my heart, it really does. Especially when the weeself gave me a big hug and told me that I was 'the best Mummy EVER'. It makes 5 weeks worth of work well worth the effort.<br />
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So, I guess you want to see it too?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps5GQFh-_o4/T3iM5pCjgFI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/QQBOMDxycMk/s1600/DSC_4034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps5GQFh-_o4/T3iM5pCjgFI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/QQBOMDxycMk/s640/DSC_4034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ok, that's just a teaser... here's the whole thing on my sofa.<br />
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Doesn't it just look soooo inviting? It just makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a book or a good film!<br />
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The only problem is that I apparently need to make another one because these two little monsters aren't keen on sharing it!<br />
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I took the finished blanket to the Stitch'n'Bitch group on Tuesday and Karen took this picture which shows it in all it's glory (excuse the awful picture of me looking fat and frumpy!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3TNcVVLT90/T3iP9R_VlDI/AAAAAAAAA1o/pOvRRmx53jQ/s1600/Magic+Stripe+Blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3TNcVVLT90/T3iP9R_VlDI/AAAAAAAAA1o/pOvRRmx53jQ/s640/Magic+Stripe+Blanket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To make this blanket I used approximately 800g of Double Knit yarn from my scraps basket and from an unfinished Granny Hexagon blanket that I didn't fancy finishing. Remember this one?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeVlbGqBi48/T3iQue9WfVI/AAAAAAAAA1w/np3IIYH3qyo/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeVlbGqBi48/T3iQue9WfVI/AAAAAAAAA1w/np3IIYH3qyo/s640/IMG_3002.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Yes, that crumpled, tatty attempt at a hexagon blanket at the bottom of the pile! Well, I undid the whole the thing and then rolled it into a ball. I added to it from the various left over balls of yarn that were in the bottom of my basket and, once the ball was big enough, I started hooking. A chain of 202 stitches first and then straight into Treble stitches (that's Double stitch for all you US peeps!). Each time the yarn changed colour I made sure that the knot was pushed through to the 'wrong' side and that the loose threads were stitched into the work as I went along. I don't think my sanity would have survived having to go back and stitch them in individually after the blanket was finished! To finish, I put a Half-Treble edging around all four sides and a scallop shell trim on either end.<br />
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I had planned on taking a couple of weeks break from crochet to concentrate on a Crosstitch project I started nearly 8 years ago. It has been boxed and shoved in to several garages in at least 5 different houses over the years and I finally hauled it out last week. I did manage to get *some* done before I made the fatal error of going in search of a yarn shop I'd heard about in Glasgow. Hmmm, they had some bargains on and I ended up walking out with a bagful of lovely colours. I managed to resist crocheting anything for, oooh, about an hour and a half... after which I gave in to the call of hookyness!! I love these colours, but I think one of them might be 'not quite right' so I might be taking it back to exchange it for something else. Can anyone guess which colour I'm returning??<br />
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A hearty 'Well Done' and a virtual pat on the back for anyone who can guess correctly!<br />
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Speak soon!!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-55051228060385415742012-03-14T23:55:00.001+00:002012-03-14T23:55:13.935+00:00WOYWW 14th March (The Crochet Edition)Helloo!!!<br />
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Wow, it's Wednesday again. How come the week comes round so quick each time?? Anyway, I know I'm very late posting but I figured I ought to do a post rather than sitting around staring at Pinterest and Facebook.<br />
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I must admit that I don't have an awful lot going on on my desk at the moment. In fact, I haven't done a lot of 'desk' crafting for quite a while now. Part of that is because I'm waiting for my room to be converted from 'spare room' to 'craft room'. Yes, I'm excited but I'm also not feeling a lot of inspiration with the room in it's current state. Another part of the lack of crafting is that I've been doing more projects that allow me to sit in the living room watching telly while I craft.... mostly crochet.<br />
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So, here is my 'Work Desk'<br />
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OK, I admit.... this picture was taken a couple of weeks ago but it's the closest I've got to a crochet 'work desk'!! However, I do have a couple of completed projects to show you. (I've been reading the Attic24 blog a lot and love how she refers to them as 'Ta-da moments')</div>
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See those two folded up items on the top of the pile? Well I finally got to finishing them both this week and here they are. Ta-daaaaaah!</div>
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Ok, this is where my camera decided that the battery was going to conk out. I'm glad that Karen at the Glasgow Fort Stitch'n'Bitch had a working camera. She took a couple of photo's for the group blog.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-378OuarNor8/T2Eo_6zb0yI/AAAAAAAAAzs/NeJyS776X7E/s1600/Cecily's+Orange+ripple+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-378OuarNor8/T2Eo_6zb0yI/AAAAAAAAAzs/NeJyS776X7E/s640/Cecily's+Orange+ripple+blanket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This Orange one is my first attempt at a ripple blanket. It was a bit tricky to establish but once I'd got going it was actually quite easy. I loved the effect of the variegated yarn and decided to highlight the orange and purple because these two colours are high up on the list of Weeself's favourite colours.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mUm_bR3RAk/T2EpBfcG14I/AAAAAAAAAz0/qBcsTHq-CgM/s1600/Erin's+pink+Granny+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mUm_bR3RAk/T2EpBfcG14I/AAAAAAAAAz0/qBcsTHq-CgM/s640/Erin's+pink+Granny+blanket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This Pink one is is for Herself and is basically a single, large granny square with a border and a picot edging. It went together very quickly and again the variegated yarn produced a lovely effect. Both these small blankets were made specifically for the girls' teddy bears since I discovered that both teddies were being put to bed with makeshift blankets (usually someone's cardigan or jumper!). Cardigans and jumpers have now been returned to their rightful owners and teddies are snuggled under their new blankets tonight, much to the delight of their owners!</div>
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The girls are also delighted to discover that I'm now in the process of crocheting a much larger blanket for the two of them to share during their telly watching sessions. If you look at the first picture of my 'workdesk', can you see the unfinished granny hexagon blanket that is hanging over the edge? Well I took it into my head to unravel that piece and start something else with the scraps. It's huge so far and I'm quite pleased with it. Come back in about 3 weeks for a 'ta-da moment' on that project. I'll post before then, I promise!</div>
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Anyway, I'm going to head off now. It's late and I'm shattered due to going to bed really late last night. I shall link up to <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie's blog</a> so you can have a look at some other WOYWW'ers desks. See you soon!</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-84361760869668020612012-02-09T14:02:00.000+00:002012-02-09T14:02:04.947+00:00Gettin' Hooky!<div style="text-align: left;">
Welcome back! First, I have to say a big "Thanks" for all the lovely comments that were left yesterday! It was lovely to be welcomed back to blogging so enthusiastically!</div>
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Yesterday I promised you that I would be discussing all things crochet today, so here I am! Are you sitting comfortably? Got a cuppa in hand? No?!!.... okay, quickly go make yourself one. I can wait!</div>
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Okay, now that you're back... lets get started! So, I picked up a crochet hook for the first time in July last year. I was very quickly hooked! Pardon the pun. Between YouTube and a book that a friend lent me I managed to pick up the basic stitches. After that it was simply a matter of how many patterns I could lay my hands on and how much yarn I could get hold of. I've discovered a whole new addiction!</div>
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I started off learning how to do granny squares, but got bored of them quite quickly. Oops. Then I found a lovely pattern on the web for a <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20010820230737/members.aol.com/lffunt/alhookcase.htm" target="_blank">hook holder</a>. I couldn't resist! In fact there's loads of tutorials and free pattern on <a href="http://www.naztazia.com/" target="_blank">this lady's website.</a> Here is my finished Hook Holder...</div>
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I also made a cardigan made out of two Granny Hexagons. It's a really clever pattern!</div>
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I made a little drawstring bag using these yarns too, but I haven't quite finished it yet. It just needs lining. Once I've finished it I'll take a photo and post it for you to see!</div>
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Over the past few months I've finished quite a few projects including:</div>
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Crochet bunting for my kitchen (pardon the strange facial expression, I think I must have been concentrating!) </div>
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A lovely soft frilly scarf. I made a few of these for Christmas presents and to sell. They sold ok, but I still have a few to sell! Let me know if you want one. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVkT7q7_L64/TzPIxgXEGTI/AAAAAAAAAyk/CyiaZ1J_p5g/s1600/Frill+Scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVkT7q7_L64/TzPIxgXEGTI/AAAAAAAAAyk/CyiaZ1J_p5g/s640/Frill+Scarf.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My latest finish is this Kindle Cover. I love my Kindle but I was worried about the screen getting scratched so I made this cover to protect it. I'm quite pleased with the results!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rux25s1JVrY/TzPI0zk-RjI/AAAAAAAAAzI/I2an-97en_c/s1600/Kindle+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rux25s1JVrY/TzPI0zk-RjI/AAAAAAAAAzI/I2an-97en_c/s640/Kindle+Cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also made a little handbag for my SIL's Christmas present, but then I forgot to take a photo of it! D'oh! I'll try get her to take a photo for me so I can show you.</div>
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Now you may be wondering where I've been getting my inspiration and patterns from? The easy answer is... online mostly. More specifically, I've been browsing blogs like <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/" target="_blank">Attic24</a> and <a href="http://cocorosetextiles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coco Rose Diaries</a> and finding lovely free patterns on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>. Inspiration has also been easy to find on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, there's another thing that I'm addicted to! If you're looking for some crochet inspiration on Pinterest then I've put together a board of hooky goodness. <a href="http://pinterest.com/scrappydiva/crochet-love/" target="_blank">Have a look!</a></div>
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I've also started going to a stitching group. It's been great to have a couple of hours each week to sit and crochet and natter without being interrupted by the kids, hubby or any of the three million things that I'm supposed to be taking care of. Some great 'me' time and I get to be creative too! Our group is called Glasgow Fort Stitch'n'Bitch and they meet on a Tuesday evening. If you're local and interested in joining us let me know and I'll send you details. They have a <a href="http://glasgowfortstitchnbitch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glasgow-Fort-StitchNBitch/134683552140" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> too! I love grabbing a Starbucks and then having a hooky hour. Bliss! (BTW. I should say 'Thanks' to Karen from the group for taking all the photo's of my projects!)</div>
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So, are you inspired? Let me see what you make next. I've got a couple of projects that are nearly finished, so come back soon for an update.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-7186018557250281192012-02-08T14:20:00.000+00:002012-02-08T14:20:34.029+00:00WOYWW 8th FebruaryWhoohoo! I'm back for WOYWW again. I haven't posted a WOYWW update in ages. That's not to say I haven't been crafting. I've been doing quite a bit of crafting - as the state of my desk will testify! However, I've been far too busy to blog my craftiness. But I thought it was about time that I did an update so you can see my mess. Here it is! (Don't say that I didn't warn you!!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8_ipSxoU3Y/TzKAnz9RMaI/AAAAAAAAAxg/SquzqB53Izw/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8_ipSxoU3Y/TzKAnz9RMaI/AAAAAAAAAxg/SquzqB53Izw/s640/IMG_2999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's one of the cards that I made recently.<br />
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However, papercrafting is not the only crafting I've been doing! Last July I took up crocheting. I bought myself a 4mm hook and some yarn and then sat and watched <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqca00LdmAc" target="_blank">YouTube videos</a> to learn how to do the stitches. Since then I've had something hooky on the go constantly and I've finished lots of projects. So part of my WOYWW really needs to be a picture of my hooky bag<br />
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Okay, so it's just a sneak peak really as you can't tell what these projects are in this picture, but it gives you an idea of what I've put my hand to lately! Come back tomorrow for a good look at some of my finished crocheting projects, inspiration and some hooky blogs I've been following!!<br />
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If you're interested in reading a some more WOYWW posts, head over to <a href="http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie's blog</a> for loads more!<br />
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See you tomorrow, don't play hookie we're getting hooky!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-21183827912908617972012-02-04T18:07:00.003+00:002012-02-04T18:08:36.372+00:00Whoohoo Weightloss!I'm a very happy bunny today!<br />
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I've been struggling with my (lack of) weight loss for the past 10 months, and I've been getting steadily more and more frustrated, disillusioned and discouraged with the whole process. On the other hand, however, I haven't really been *doing* the 'diet' properly either so it was hardly suprising that it wasn't really happening.<br />
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This year, as part of my "One Little Word" and the "Move More, Eat Well" classes that I've signed up for, I decided that I would get back to doing the 'diet' properly. It's taken me a while to get back into the swing of this but this morning I finally started seeing the results of my efforts. 2 lbs off this week!! Yay! So drinking more water, cooking fresh and TRACKING everything really does work!<br />
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Why did it take me nearly a whole year to remember that?!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-33852112755727640892012-01-13T00:21:00.000+00:002012-01-13T00:21:57.451+00:00Post Christmas Weigh InI went to Weight Watchers today for my first weigh in after Christmas to find that I've gained 3½lbs. Now, I'd usually be getting really depressed at a figure like that but today I was actually happy about it! Mostly because I know how much I ate over the holiday period, how little I tracked (not at all!) and how much exercise I got (not much!). I also know that my scales at home told me last Friday that I had gained over half a stone!! It seems that my strict tracking, more exercise and eating waaaay better did the trick this week and limited the damage for my first weigh in. So yes, I'm actually happy with a 3½lbs gain.<br />
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I've been feeling a lot more positive this week and I'm thinking that maybe it's because I feel like I'm back in control of my eating again.... something that completely eluded me last year! Hopefully, I'll be able to hold onto this feeling for the rest of the year and can have some good results to show for it at the end of 2012.<br />
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How is everyone else going with their New Year Resolutions? Anyone else out there trying to lose weight this year??<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-3898905435885021662012-01-04T16:24:00.000+00:002012-01-04T16:38:43.030+00:00One Little Word 2011/2012Happy New Year too all my blogland friends! I hope that you all had a great Christmas and got everything you wanted. I was thoroughly spoiled this year and got quite a few gadgets to play with, including an iPod Shuffle and a new (to me) DSLR camera. Consequently, I've been taking a lot of photo's over the last week or so to convince myself that I *can* shoot on manual. I'm not sure if it's working at all, but I'm having fun!<br />
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Now, the New Year is here and it's time for many of us to make our New Year's resolutions. Well, I dispensed with those last year and decided to live my year by One Little Word instead. My chosen word for 2011 was 'Reclaim'. It was quite a difficult word to live by, but I think I managed it in a lot of ways... and failed dismally in others. So in 2011 my word was manifested in:<br />
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<li>the Kitchen: We reclaimed the room and some extra space by knocking down the boiler cupboard and integrating it into the kitchen and fitting new kitchen units, flooring etc. It looks lovely and I actually look forward to cooking now. Result!</li>
<li>the Finances: We installed our new 'Cash only' system in the form of the Envelope system. So far this is working wonders! Ok, so we're not out of debt yet, but we have managed to get through some emergencies and Christmas without having to increase our overdraft. Result!</li>
<li>the Nappies: Potty training Weeself was a mission and a half! However, after 3 months the message finally sank in and I was able to reclaim the 'nappy' bag for other use. Result!</li>
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So there were also some failures along the way. Firstly, my weightloss. Well, lets just say that it completely stopped. Thankfully, I managed to limit the damage and haven't actually piled any of the weight back on again. Secondly, I struggled with Depression during the summer.... not exactly 'reclaiming' the life I wanted to lead. Thirdly, we took a step backwards with regards to churches. The less said about that the better. However, other than that I think 2011 was a pretty good year over all!</div>
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This year I will be attempting to live by One Little Word again. I think it's a great alternative to making New Year's Resulotions which get broken before the end of January comes round. So my word for 2012 is: 'Persevere'.</div>
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I'm hoping that I can 'Persevere' this year in: </div>
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<li>My weightloss</li>
<li>Stampin' Up!</li>
<li>Crafting</li>
<li>PTA</li>
<li>Finding a new church</li>
<li>Loving my family</li>
<li>Making a home</li>
<li>My faith</li>
<li>Fitness</li>
<li>Blogging more regularly</li>
<li>Learning to use my DSLR properly</li>
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There's a lot on my list but I don't think any of them are out of my reach. </div>
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Do you make New Year's Resolutions or do you live by One Little Word? If you're a OLW person what is your word for 2012? </div>
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See you soon!</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728990829282230667.post-20121687866938166032011-11-25T12:27:00.001+00:002011-11-25T13:01:08.630+00:00Depression, Swimming and Eating a FrogIn January this year I chose the word 'Reclaim' as my One Little Word for 2011. I envisaged reclaiming my weight loss, my spiritual side, my house.... and I have done some of those things. However, the one thing that seems to have reclaimed me is Depression. I don't know why and I have been trying to fight it but it's been very hard going. Every time I felt like I was winning something would come along and knock me down. It's been a constant battle. However, the one thing I really didn't want to do was to go on medication. It may seem stupid but I have seen friends and family members taking their little 'happy pills' and they have worked. But I have also seen those same friends and family members trying to wean themselves off the pills only to go right back into depression again. It's not something I want. A lot of things have been affected by my state of mind. My weight loss, for one, has completely stopped. I have managed not to gain any so that's something to be grateful for, but I've hit a plateau. This plateau has lasted almost a whole year now and it's very frustrating! It was so frustrating that I stopped going to my Weight Watchers meeting for 3 weeks because I couldn't face the scales... and that didn't do my mental state any good either because I felt like I was quitting.<br />
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On Monday evenings I take Herself to her swimming lessons at the local community pool. As she's old enough to go in the pool on her own for the lesson I normally sit at the tables provided and do some reading or chatting etc. However, this past Monday I decided that I would go for a swim too. As the larger pool was available and there were some people doing lengths I decided to join in and do some too. I think I must have done about 20 in the half-hour I had available. It felt good! Little did I realise that the swimming instructor was watching me! The following day at Weeself's lesson she offered to devise a programme for me to improve my fitness, which I gladly accepted. I LOVE swimming and would much prefer to be in the pool than the gym. I went along to the pool on Wednesday morning, child-free, and was handed a killer programme. 64 lengths!! A mile!! Never would I ever challenge myself to do that, but I got swimming and had finished all 64 lengths in an hour and a half. Wow. I shocked myself and, boy, did it feel good!!! I was buzzing for the rest of the day until the evening.<br />
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That evening I phoned my Stampin' Up! Upline, Julie, and she told me about Eating Frogs. Ewwww. Ok, not that Ewww, as it turns out. Julie told me to identify the tasks that I least enjoy or have been procrastinating about the most. Turns out I have PLENTY of those!! Those are your frogs. They are not pleasant to eat, but once you have eaten it you are safe in the knowledge that nothing else is going to be that bad for the rest of the day. Julie said that I have to eat my frog first thing in the morning so that the rest of the day can go smoothly, because nothing else is going to be worse than eating that frog! Thanks Julie for the pep talk, it was just what I needed to hear!! I identified that my first frog should be getting back to WW the next morning..... and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I hadn't gained any weight in the 3 weeks I'd been off. Despite shovelling in enough food to feed an entire army! (Somehow I think the swimming helped with that!)<br />
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So, I'm back. Yes, I'm still struggling with the Big D and that's mostly likely going to be a long term battle. But between swimming, to get the endorphins going and to boost the weight loss, and Eating my Frogs, to get past the things that are bogging me down, I feel like there is actually light at the end of this tunnel now. Maybe this year hasn't been a complete waste? Maybe I can 'reclaim' things that I thought were lost?? I don't know, but for now I shall go swimming again and eat another frog.<br />
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Thanks for reading all this way through! Leave me a comment please, I'd like to know how you eat your frogs!!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT8V4RDlOZo/TdKspN2xHYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/KI4MYvi0el0/s1600/signature.png" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1