Almost Finished!!

Today my post will be very unlike me...short and sweet!! And my freebie is just a tiny one!! But...there is a good reason....

This morning I am heading of to France and staying overnight to do some Christmas shopping and I have to get this posted before I go. The weather forecast is cold...so I have all my woollies on!! Not much time in France but enough to buy a few essentials, have dinner and stay over night..then back on the road in the morning.

My DH is getting decidedly cross with me..last night I had some work to finish off and he wanted me to get organised..so I was running between two things. Needless to say neither got done properly!!!!! Men!! But I have to admit he did wrap up all the presents for Belgium...so I shouldn't moan..I'm just a crotchety old moaner today!! I hate being rushed!!!!!!

So without further ado I will move on to the last part of this Tremendous CT Collab Kit. The girls have done us proud this month...thank you so much ladies for the wonderful kits you have all made!! Thank you also to all of you who left kind words for them and myself...they are much appreciated.

And now to bring this months Collab to a close and we have a surprise.....two parts to round things off!!!!!! Jessica has been out of scrapping for a while as she has not been feeling too well but she's back!! So we have wonderful kits from her and from the talented Monica!! We are spoilt today!!

Monica's Kit is a delight!! She's got snowflakes and wonderful frames and papers that I could almost wrap my Christmas presents in..they are beautiful!! Have a look.

To add this fantastic kit to complete your collection pop over to Monica's Blog and snag it.

Jessica's Kit is so cute!! Jessica asked me to mention that she used some graphics from Graphics ©Scrappin Doodles (and they look terrific). Have a look at Scrappin Doodles too it's full of lovely little figures and stuff!!

You can download Jessica's Kit here

Drop by Jessica's Blog and leave her some love.

(I'm June's son, Chris and I've changed Jessica's link on mum's instruction. It now works!)

Now last and certainly least, lol.....My little freebie is just that...little.....but useful!! It's two stamped elements that can be used for Personal or Commercial Use. Use as is or dress them up, or use them in you patterns or designs...take your pick.

You can download the Stamped Elements here

OK, folks...I'll be back on Monday with my part of the World Wide Christmas Blog Train so watch out for some great freebies this Monday on lots of blogs!!!

Have a great weekend and see you soon with tales of my travels, lol!!

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,ct collab last day,stamped elements cu ok,freebie

Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!!

 

Good morning everyone!!! This morning I am flying about!! One of those morning when I'm sure I will end up either discovering my hair is sticking up or I've sat on my toast and not realised...you know the sort I mean!!!! But before my chaotic day gets too far underway I have loads to tell..I get the feeling this post will be way too long by the time I'm finished. There's the new kit, AND the CT Collab Kit, plus a little something from me...so this post is like me busy!!

Yesterday several of you asked what Swede and vegetable extract was. Swede is  like a turnip...yellow inside with a brownish, reddish skin....in some countries it's used more for animal food now!! Vegetable extract was a bit like marmite..but made with vegetables instead of meat, it was available in paste form or powder. It was like vegetable stock really but a bit more concentrated. I hope that helps!! I wonder if anyone will actually try making Wootton Pie? If you do let me know!!

First news is that Ellie and Jo goes in to the shop at Scrappin Digi Kreations and it's 40% off as usual for the first week. So drop by and have a closer look. I couldn't resist putting this kit in the shops before I took my break.

Here's some layouts made using the kit...all different scrapping styles and pictures.

The first one is from Linda and it's adorable!! I love what she has done with it.

Credits: Kit Used - Ellie & Jo Winter Fun - Cen's Stuff
Font Used - Girls are Weird Segoe Script

The next is from Kim and I love the way way it looks like you can see through a window out into the snow!!

Credits: Ellie & Jo Winter Fun by June Schutrups/ Cen's Stuff
Wordart by Kathy Winters Designs
Template by CHRISSYW

And look Jessica is back!! Hi Jessica!!! I love this one it looks so cold and what a fantastic picture!!

 

Ok...so now for the freebies!!!! My humble offering today is just an other Christmas Quick Page...you can never have enough QP's!!

 

You can download my today's Christmas Quick Page here

And now.....Drum Roll!!!!!!

The Star!!!!

Check out what a gorgeous bundle of goodies Leaonna has made for us for her part of the CT Collab Kit......... and she has really spoilt us!!! It is a treasure trove of Christmas delights!!! It's an other kit in this set that shows really individidual style and flair!!

Have a look and see what you think. So many treats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hurry on over to Leaonna's blog and make sure you get her kit!!!!!!!!!!!

One more day to go in this fantastic Mega Collab Kit, so make sure you get it all and check back tomorrow to find out where it is!!

I'm off to do some work...hopefully without the sticking out hair!! Stay safe and enjoy your day!!

 

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,quick page christmas,free download,ct collab kit november,ellie and jo winter fun

Time to Cook up a Storm!!

First to those of you in America...Happy Thanks Giving!!!!

Now, I promised you some WW2 recipes that people used during rationing and so I thought I had better stick to my promise and give you at least one. I have to admit that choosing one that may be popular was a difficult choice...food tastes were certainly different in Britain..or perhaps it was necessity. If you only have limited ingredients then you have to get inventive!!

The recipes for things like Sheep's Head Roll, Mutton Mould and Carrot Jam..I thought ...perhaps not!! But how about this one Woolton Pie, named after the Minister of Food, Lord Woolton, it was one of my dads favourites.

WW2 Woolton Pie - Cooking Time - 1 hour, 4 Helpings

1. Dice and boil 1lb of each of the following vegetables:

Potatoes, cauliflower, swede and carrots

2. Strain but keep 3/4pint of the vegetable water.

3. Arrange the vegetables in a large pie dish or casserole.

4. Add a little vegetable extract , 1 oz rolled oats or oatmeal to the vegetable water. Boil this gently until it thickens and then pour over the vegetables.

5.Add 3-4 chopped spring onions.

6.Top with mashed potato or potato pastry and if available a very little grated cheese.

Serve with brown gravy.

You can see that things were heavily dependant on vegetables, locally grown. So much so that carrot jam, homemade pickles and chutneys became important for eating with some of the dishes for additional taste.

Everything was used, no waste was allowed..not even the sheep's head!! One of the slogans at the time was "today's scraps are tomorrow savories". I know it's hard to believe but even the fat from cooking pans, stews etc was collected and recycled. When they had enough they put them in a pan, added boiling water ( 1pint to 2oz of fat) and left to cool. When the fat part had solidified, the solid was lifted off and the sediment from the bottom was scraped up to be reused. Remember that most fat then was solid animal fat based.

But enough of this talk of food and the 1940's!! Let talk scrapping!!

First I have a Quick Page for you as my freebie I hope that you can find a photo to use in it.

You can download The Christmas Quick Page here

Now on to the star of today's show!!! It's elves and presents from Kim in the latest addition to the CT Collab Kit. Kim has sumptuous papers and fun elements to make your Christmas pages sparkle!! So don't miss it!!

 

Drop by Kim's Scrappin' and collect her wonderful kit!!

I hope that you all have a terrific day and for those in US..once again Happy Thanks Giving!!!

See you tomorrow. 

 

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,ct Collab Kit,Quick Pages,free download,WW2 recipe

I'm Getting in the Christmas Spirit!!

 

Ok, so I am finally start...only starting to get in the Christmas mood. I find the build up is so long that I am normally get fed up before Christmas comes!! But this year I am having to start my preparations early as mum will mean that my shopping etc will be strictly limited after 11 December.

I am so good...I have ordered all the meat, planned the menu for Christmas Day (only 6 of us, plus Lilly) AND the menu's for Boxing Day (16 of us!!). I just hope that mums surgery goes according to plan for her sake and mine!! But Boxing Day is the big day for all the kids to visit and bring friends, children, partners etc..lots of them (not lots of partners!!). I wanted to stick to our traditions as far as possible..so the big bash the day after Christmas will go ahead as planned....so keep your fingers crossed everything else does!!

It's Lilly's first Christmas and I can't wait to see her little face on Christmas morning!! They are staying over on Christmas Eve so she can share her first Christmas morning. I feel very honoured. Little ones are the light of Christmas they just shine with joy and those eyes...they pop out like little organ stops at the delights!! Or at least they normally do...however I can think of one exception!

When Chris was about three years old we got him a large plastic slide and assembled it at one end of the sitting room so that he play on it Christmas morning. He just loved slides and I could just imagine his face when he saw it....or I thought I could.

Christmas morning came and he was awake early as usual. So, his dad and I brought him down stairs and told him to take a look and see if there was anything nice in the sitting room whilst we hung back in the hall.

The screams must have awoken the neighbourhood!!!!! I dropped my cup and ran into the sitting room in a real panic...I had visions of him badly injured at the least. If I had stopped to think I would have realised that there was nothing that bad he could have done...well not as bad as the noise suggested!!

I found this distressed child wrapped around my legs and frantically trying to climb up my front..what on earth was going on?

After we had calmed him, he sobbed that there was a ghostie hiding in the sitting room in the shadows by the Christmas tree!!! A what!!! It appears that he had just panicked seeing the strange large shape in the shadows and he screamed like he was being murdered. He for some reason thought it was a ghost...mind you he didn't know what a ghost was, except that his brother and sister had told him some scary stories about them!!! The monkeys!!

It took us a while to calm him and turn on all the lights to let him see what the strange thing was. It was partly our fault that he was so traumatised...we thought we would be just behind him and he could discover it on his own...it was a wrong move!! So after that we have always waited until we were all settled...with the lights on if needed!! We laugh at the story now...including Chris...but it made for a very different Christmas morning that year!! One we did not repeat!! They say life is a learning curve and we certainly learnt from that one!!

OK, rambling over!! Now down to the interesting bits...freebies and layouts!!

 

 

My freebie today is an add on to the CT Collab Kit.....just a small one!!

You can download my Add On here

Watch out at the weekend for some more vintage stuff!!!

 

But the real star is Tracy!! She has made some really individual elements in her stylish part of the Collab Kit. I love that Christmas Tree and the snow globe is a fantastic touch...in fact it all looks tremendous!! An other gorgeous addition to this fast growing kit.

 

Visit Tracy's blog for the next part of this great Mega kit

Before I go I have to share two layouts that Esther made with the Nursery Rhyme Kits..they are awesome!!! Take a look.

 

This Esther did with Wee Willie Winkie that was one of the Nursery Rhyme freebies. I altered the frame for her to fit Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I love the photographs and her journaling is gorgeous!! A brilliant page Esther!! Look at those two cute little ones!!

 

This one is made with Hickory Dickory Dock and Esther made it for Noodles to show at school. I would love to see a mouse run up that clock...that would be some run!! Great pictures Esther and I love how you used the papers. Thank you for sharing them!!

Well, it's time to go for me and thanks for sticking with me till the end of this rather large post!! Lol!! See you all tomorrow.

 

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,graphic designs,free download,CT Collab,CT Collab Add ON,layouts

More Ct Stuff and What is Bad Luck?

There have been times in my life when I would have described myself as unlucky. But as we all know, life is a mixture of good luck and bad. We all have times when things just seem to go well and then spells when nothing goes right!! You know what I mean I'm sure.

A story I learnt off recently underlines this in a big way!!!

Today there was an auction of some letters from a seaman who survived the sinking of the Titanic. Archie Jewel wrote to his family describing the scene on the night that the liner sank. He had been a lookout on Titanic on the night of her sinking and he was one of the lucky ones who made it back. Someone must have been watching over him and he lived to describe the scene to his family in his letters.

Archie's good luck held when four years later, during WW1, he was on the crew of Titanic's sister ship Britannic when she was hit by a German mine and sank in the Aegen Sea......that was miraculous good luck!! Two sinkings and he survived both!! Unbelievable, he must have been some survivor or he was still on a roll with the good luck.

Unfortunately, Archie's story doesn't have a happy ending...only four months later, in 1917, he was on the SS Donegal when the ship was hit by a torpedo and she sank. Archie did not survive this time. He was still only 28 years old and so much had happened to him. It just proves that third time is not always lucky.

Thinking about Archie's story you could think that he had bad luck all the way through those last few years...but did he? I think it all comes back to the view of is your cup half full...or half empty. In my view he was lucky, but luck is fickle and the good is always followed by some not so good or even downright bad luck. But what a remarkable man he must have been and what stories he would have to tell of things which we read about in the history books now, the sinking of the Titanic, WW1 at sea and so much more.

So...never ever let me say again..I was unlucky. I may be sometimes not so fortunate as I'd like but I have always been so much luckier than some people...people like Archie.

OK, now I'll focus!!!

It's day two of the fantastic CT Collab Kit and today Linda has the download link for you on her blog. She has done you proud!! Her kit is full of Christmas Spirit, lots of wonderful contrasts and cute little elements....it is fantastic!!!! An other great example of Linda's  wonderful design style.

And yes...there are some more Vintage Christmas Papers for you too!! Have a look at the today's goodies.

Drop by Linda's blog and add her beautiful kit to your growing pile!

And here a closer look at today's Vintage Christmas Papers freebie from me to add to your set.

Download Part 3 of the freebie Vintage Christmas Papers here

 

Well, stay warm and cosy and most of all...be lucky!!!!! See you all tomorrow.

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,vintage christmas papers part 3,free download,ct collab kit sept

The Ct Collaboration Kit Has Started!!!

Have you ever stopped and realised that you have strange habits? I don't normally but this morning I made my toast and left it to go cold as usual...I know..most people like it hot with the butter melting on it. My son asked me if he could have my toast if I didn't want it..just assuming that I had left it, you'd think he would know me by now.

Of course I wanted it...but it has to be cold first..and I mean cold!! Not fridge cold but definitely no heat in it, because I hate the butter/spread to soak in!! If it does, then the toast looses it's crunch..and a good bit of toast needs a crunch!! I often eat toast that I have made before I leave the house and only eat after an hour or so. OK, so I did say "strange" habits, lol!!

Mind you is it a habit or a preference...mm..could be either. Perhaps it's a strange preference not a habit? Just to be sure I checked the definition in the dictionary for both...Ok, sad...I know!!!

Having read them both...I have decided its a habit..and a preference!! It says a habit is - a custom, practice, routine, tendency etc and that a preference is - a choice, favourite, option etc ..so it's official, it's both!!

Now to the important bits. Today starts off an other wonderful Collab Kit from the CT Girls...and it's awesome!!! Just right for Christmas....And don't forget to scroll down and collect the next two of my freebie Vintage Christmas Papers before you go!!

Melanie has made the first part of this great Collab Kit and it's stuffed full of goodies made with her own unique style that just shouts...class!!! Gorgeous elements and wonderful papers abound in this great addition to your Christmas stash!! Have look and drop by her blog to snag them.

 

Checkout Melanie's blog and start collecting this great Collab Kit

But before you go.........don't forget the freebie!!! Grab the next two of the Vintage Christmas papers. Today's two are: one with an other Santa and one aged and textured solid paper.

 

You can Download Part 2 of the Vintage Christmas Papers here

Pop back tomorrow to find out who has the next part of the CT Collab Kit and to snag the last in the Vintage Christmas Papers. See you then!!

Technorati Tags: scraapbooking,ct collab november,Vintage christmas papers part 2,freedownload

Loads of News..Some Good!!

One of today's freebies - Vintage Christmas Papers, Part 1

Hi all! An other cold, gray day has dawned here in UK and it looks like it could be damp and chilly. I now..what's new about that!!

But lots of new things and are changes are in the wind, not least of which is that those great CT Girls have a new Collab Kit starting for you next week...and it's a beauty!!! Honest!! So don't miss it, start collecting from Monday.

Yes there are some freebies hidden in all this lot..so keep reading!!

From me, I have some new little people for you to meet...Ellie and Jo. I have just finished the first of a series of kits starring these two little cuties...plus I have some Ellie and Jo figures on my other blog in PDF format for crafters.

The new kit goes in the shop at Scrappin Digi Kreations on Friday..yep, it's 40% off for the first week too!! Have a look and see what you think.

Now the not so good news.The last few months have been challenging for me in terms of time. My mother has not been too well and in December she is having an operation, to hopefully sort out the problem. It does mean that she will have to come and be nursed with us for at least 6 weeks afterwards. So I have made the decision that I will take a break from shop selling until the problem is sorted out and she is able to return home. Fitting everything in with my normal life is proving to much of a challenge even for me, I end up not doing anything properly!!

But I will still be blogging!! Hopefully more often too!!So make sure you still visit!!

Have you all been collecting this months Indulgence Mega Kit at Scrappin Digi Kreations? This month we have put together a bumper kit and it's free till the end of November. If you haven't started collecting it drop by the On the House section and start now before it goes into the store at the end of the month. Have at look at some of the great parts that make up this huge goodie!!

 

 

I have already said goodbye to Studio Style Designs but I will stay at SDK until 25 December.

On 30 November I will be leaving the lovely ladies at Cottage Scrapbooks too. So drop by the Cottage and say hi..they have so much going on in the Meeting Place..challenges, gorgeous layouts and loads of games to play!!

 

Click on the ad to go to my section of the store and take a look.

Checkout the newsletter too for details of new products, freebies and special offers from all the talented designers there.

Now after all that.....in addition to the SDK Freebie, I have a little one for you too. It's vintage, grungy and worn looking but all the best really old stuff is, lol, I should know!!

The first Two Vintage Christmas Papers. Collect the remaining 4 over the next few days.

You can download the first two papers here

Ok, folks I'm off now...be good and stay safe!!! I'll be back tomorrow with some more Vintage Christmas Papers and some chat.

 

 

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,free download,vintage christmas,sale 50% off,new kit,ellie and jo winter fun

Healthier in the 1940's

 

Today's Little Freebie - some paint splattered frames, slightly grunge and fun.

First thank you to all of you who commented on yesterdays post, it is great to hear your thoughts on it.

Today I read that the medical profession are stating that we in Britain were healthier in the WW2 days of food rationing than we are today, in a time when food is in abundance...scary or what!!

I suppose as many foods were unavailable in the 1940's or were strictly rationed, people mainly used the foods which weren't rationed to fill themselves up. Yes, you got it...the unrationed foods were all quite healthy foods and fats and sugars were rationed and in short supply.

Foods like bread, fruit, vegetables and fish were unrationed but you had to be able to find them in the shops as they were often in short supply or you grew them yourself. Fish was only available in small quantities, unless you lived near the sea but the good old allotment (a plot of land that could be hired for a small charge from the council) came into it's own to help families grow their own vegetables to help fill their hungry families tummies.

I wonder how mothers fed their families on the low rations that they got...no matter how much money you had you still needed ration coupons to buy all the produce that was on the ration list.

To give you some idea, this is what they got per person...if it was available!!Most of these were weekly amounts unless stated:

Ham/bacon 4oz,

Meat 1s 2d worth (about 6p in today's money or 9cents - US $!!),

Butter 2oz, Cheese

2oz, Margarine 4oz,

Cooking fat 4oz,

Milk 3 pints,

Sugar 8 oz,

Tea 2oz per week,

Sweets 2oz (every 4 weeks),

Preserves 1lb every 2 months.

(notice that the items above make for a curvy shape!! Lol!)

Pulses like split peas etc, tins of meat, fish, fruit all were rationed too, so tinned goods were not a way around it either. They had fun things like the famous awful dried egg powder that my dad talked about, plus National Dried Milk which was OK in cooking but dreadful to drink!!

So you can imagine..people became VERY inventive in their cooking!!! I have lots of recipes from my grandmother and some of them I have tried...just lets say the results vary from great to absolutely horrendous!!! Lol!! Mind you dad did say he never went hungry during the war but it was at this time he learnt to eat his veg!!

My conclusion is that perhaps reverting back to this way of eating isn't the answer for us now but perhaps we could take a few tips out of the ration book!

In the 1940's not only was the quantity of food available less but it was much lower in fat and sugar than our diet now. Add in a much higher intake of vegetables and fresh fruit and it all contributed to help keep their waistlines slim and their bodies healthier. I'm sure too that people had more physical work to do as well, everyone had extra work during war time including women. My own grandmother, who never worked before or after WW2 actually worked in a munitions factory!!! I really find that hard one to believe...if you had met her you would know what I mean..she was not the sort I could ever imagine getting dirty or operating machinery..but she was a star in the household and for a time an explosives expert!!

So if you feeling adventurous or just curious let me know and I'll post some of the recipes from the 1940's Britain that grandma used to make.

Now...to scrapbooking!!

First the freebie!!

You can download the Paint Frames here

And now...a drum roll please!!!! I've been scrapping!!

My friend Maryse sent me her Leaf in the Wind Kit a while ago and I have been meaning to do a layout with it but ...yes, I have been so busy, lol!! Finally I have started to use it and the cartoon characters are wonderful!! Thank you Maryse and a happy birthday!! Joyeux anniversaire!! Here's my first page with the kit..and no I'm not a brilliant scrapper..but I try!!

Credits: Leaf in the Wind by Mumure checkout her blog for some brilliant freebies!!

Mat and Word Art by me

....and yes it's the wonderful Lilly in the photo..as always!!!

OK, I've waffled on enough..time to go. Have a great evening and take care!!

 

Technorati Tags: paint frames,free download,scrapbooking,ww2 rationing

Only a Housewife...Bah!!!

Can you feel the glow? I'll be surprised if you can't....I am red hot cross!!!

I was chatting to the couple behind me whilst I was waiting in the queue this evening at the supermarket, just making ideal chat whilst waiting. You know me I would talk to wall if I thought it would answer, lol! They were a very nice couple I must add....that is until the husband open his mouth and put his foot in it!! Yes, I know it's a talent that men often have...mine included on occasions.

I was asking the lady what she did and she said she hadn't worked outside the home for several years..but before I could reply her husband added "Yes, she's only a housewife". ONLY..I ask you!!

I smiled my sweetest smile and replied to the lady "So your a banker, child care expert, domestic specialist, nurse and a councillor."

But he still persisted!!!! "No,  she doesn't work, she not really trained for anything." Aaaaaaaaaahh!!!! There goes a blood vessel!!!

Take a deep, deep breath, slowly breath, breath, I told myself. In, out, in, out. But the smile did not leave my face...honestly it just sat there like it was painted on, a sort of frozen smile.

"Oh but she does work" I told him. "She has to have loads of skills to be a successful housewife..... it's a skilled job you know."

Well, he looked at me as if I had just dropped into the conversation that I was an alien......I could see the question in his eyes "Is she having a laugh?" He really didn't know what I was talking about!!

At that point the queue moved again...wonders will never cease and it was my turn. I hurried my shopping into bags and paid the cashier. As I turned to go the lady moved to start packing her bags and gave me a little smile.

"Have a great evening" I laughed "You've only got the shopping to unpack, the tea to make and the washing up to organise and then it's feet up ...for a while"

She grinned and said "Thank you, I'll remember what you said..and I'll make sure he does too!"

I hate it when I hear people say that housewives have no skills or that they don't work..it is nonsense. Think how many people you would have to employ to get all the things done that stay at home women do!!! Cleaner, nurse, banker, personal assistant, teacher, laundress, seamstress, personal shopper, nanny, decorator....will I go on?

So if your a housewife (stay at home mum) then hold your head high!!!! You have buckets full of skills that could be used not only in the home but in loads of work places, your a professional!!!

OK, I'll climb off my soap box now and calm down. I know I've mentioned this point before...but it is a pet hate of mine!!!!

Life is busy now for us all and Christmas shopping for gifts or making gifts is high on all our agendas..with this in mind I have made you some tags that you can use in your scrapbooking or you can print out and layer up for some gorgeous gift tags for Christmas.

There are two downloads one is the scrapbooking tags all ready to drop into your layouts in Png format, plus for Digi designers there is a template Psd file that can be used to design your own tags. The Psd template only can be used for commercial use to design your own tags.

The second download is in Pdf format all ready to print on card and cutout to assemble your own tags.

I hope that you can find a use for them in one or other of their formats.

As 4shared has become impossible to leave comments on without being logged in..and even then not always...I have made these direct downloads. So if you want to leave comment then please post it here on the blog.

Download Tags and Png and Psd files here

Download the Pdf Printable Sheet here

Well, have fun!! And I hope you all take care...be lucky, don't meet someone like me in the supermarket queue!!! Lol!

Technorati Tags: christmas tags,psd and png,pdf printable sheet,graphic designs,scrapbooking,crafting,free download

Beds..I love them..but I hate them!!

OK, beds and I are having our love/hate relationship renewed!! Don't you just love sinking into bed and feeling warm and cosy? I do...it's sheer heaven...but it has a downside!! You know what they say..everything has it's price!!

This morning I changed the beds before I started work and it was a nightmare ...as usual! Stripping them is easy, nice light exercise..but then comes the hard work bit!! Putting on the new stuff.

This morning I stretched over got three corners on for the sheet and then struggled to bend the mattress to take the last one. I pushed and tugged and eventually it was on and straight!! Which was more than I was!!

Next came the pillow slips, not so bad and it gave me time to get my breath back from the tussle with the sheet. Only slight heavy breathing so far.

Then it was the big one!! The duvet cover...I think these come with a definite awkward streak built in..at least mine do, it must be where I shop, lol!! I have tried so many different methods for doing this. Can you believe I actually looked it up on the Internet once to see if there was an easy way!!

I debated what method I would use this morning..would it be inside out and grab the corners...or grab the corners and thread the duvet? Decisions, decisions!! So, OK I go for inside out and grab the corners. Where were those stupid corners..they kept moving!! Feeding the duvet in and pulling and tugging and pushing....struggling with a duvet that seemed to have a mind of its own.  I stood back and looked...a lumpy, bumpy mess lay half on the bed, half on the floor!! I shook it like a terrier does a rat, then I shook some more..it was starting to look like a quilt!!

Needless to say when I had fought the duvet battle and eventually won I was gasping for breath and beads of sweat were forming on my forehead!! But I had done it!!! Success!! I did need an other shower but it was looking good even though I was feeling like I had spent an hour in the gym!!

So if you know of an easy way...please, let me be the first one you share with!!

Today's freebie is a page kit I made for some photos that I took on my trip to Bath. I wanted it to look quite rich with a slight Roman touch and a little bit of a heritage look. I did still want to be able to use it for other things..say like for Christmas too and this is what I came up with..even a little whimsey!!

I thought I'd share it with you as a little freebie. I like it I hope you do to.

Download today's freebie Page kit here

Now it's time to catchup with the marvelous CT girls and what's been happening on their blogs...and their has been loads!!

First Kim, her blog has got a stunning kit up for grabs. I just love these colours! Plus she has an awesome template!! It is to die for!!!

Melanie over at Sweet as Mel has some terrific Calendar Quick Pages for 2009!!

Scrappin A Latte (Tracy) has a beautiful Quick Page made with a special one of her kits.

Linda's Lot has some lovely flowers just calling out to you!!

Well, time to run...work calls and I'm tired already thanks to that stupid duvet!!!

See you soon!!

 

Technorati Tags: digital scrapbooking,free download,graphic designs,page kit

Layered and Png, Commercial Use OK

How was your weekend? I was busy with all the virtual partying that went on and now I'm all partied out!! My fingers were misbehaving at the chat...as usual. There is something about chats and me.....I have to much to say even virtually and the poor old fingers get confused, lol!! If you haven't joined in my challenge yet, you still have time..come on have a go!!

On Saturday Lilly got a new snowsuit and coat to kit her out for the cold months ahead. Just in time I might add as this weekend has seen torrential rain and high winds. I did buy here an other one originally but when she tried it on this weekend...the lining was sew in twisted and despite my best efforts and shoving the poor little mites arm in I gave up at the point that both of our faces had turned red...and one of us was about to cry...me actually!! Lilly was just looking at me as if to say "What is she up to now?"

I decided to take it back as it was not worth the hastle every time she needed it on. Imagine my surprise when I returned it and the lady tried to tell me it would be OK!!!! At first I was amused and when she persisted I felt just a weensy bit put out...then I start to feel just a teeny bit cross...just a tad.

So, I'm a grown up and can deal with this sort of thing....well for about 10 minutes at least!! She demonstrated how to twist your arm and push and twist and push some more and it would go in...as if!! I was good...really I was. I politely explained that a young child is really not going to understand these movements and it could lead to frayed tempers...(mine). Still she persisted!!

ENOUGH!!! 30mins down the road I had given up being the quiet polite lady. Now I was a simmering cauldron!!!!

Gritting my teeth and trying to keep a level tone I asked for the manager. Imagine my surprise when she appeared and immediately agreed the item should be replaced or the money refunded.

I took the safe bet...I took a refund. Imagine having to come back and go through this again if there had been an other problem? So even though the clothes are cute there....I have marked it off my list of shops to visit....my blood pressure wouldn't take it again, lol!!

Now for today's freebie! It's a Layered Scarecrow Template. A bit late in the season I know but it could be fun making your own!!

The coloured and textured example that I made is included in the download, plus a psd file and png files. These include all the layers of the scarecrow plus the doodle outline, you can just use the outline as a doodle if you want.  Commercial use is OK.

The download link the Scarecrow is here

Before I go I want to thank all the people who take the time to leave comments and chat...you make it all worth while!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. So many of you have become friends as well as readers and I value those friendships.

Well, this post will be shortish and sweetish, lol!! I need to go get some organising done for work, so have a great day and see you soon.

 

Technorati Tags: layered template,scarecrow,freedownload,graphic design,scrapbooking

It's Birthday Time, So Let's Have Some Fun!!!

OK, before I give you the freebie download link for the Elements for Wee Willie Winkie I just have to tell you about a huge birthday bash!!!!!! You'll have to have patience as I know I tend to get carried away on things like this...but there is just so much going !!

This weekend is a fun packed one for me as it's Scrappin Digi Kreations 3rd Birthday!!! Yahoo, I love a good party!!!! So through till the end of Sunday 9 November it will be Challenges, Chats, Sales...everything..loads of goodies and fun. So don't miss out, come along and join in!! The schedule for the weekend is here, complete with different time zones!!

 

Saturday 2.00pm EST/7.00pm GMT I'm doing a chat with Sammy D, so join us in the Chat Room for loads of info and freebies! At the chat there will be tips on using white space and templates (plus a freebie 2 page template) and a challenge and loads more!!! (Can you tell I'm getting carried away?) Don't forget to register in the forum before you go to the chat room!!

Plus, check out my birthday challenge it started today Friday 7th November and runs till 22 November. It's "Three Things About Me"...you not me, lol...well you know what I mean!!  You can use any kit and colours, the choice is yours! It's that simple. If you take part you will receive a little posting bonus from me. Have a look...if you like the papers, watch this space for news on collecting the element set to match!! You can only get the papers by joining in the challenge.

 

PLUS

Pixelfairy has a terrific BIRTHDAY KIT to give one lucky person when they enter her Element Challenge this month. The free element to scrap with is a balloon.

Kay has the Font and Word Art Challenge and Impromptu Journaling Challenge up.

Kreatively Kolor Challenged - Scrappindiva will help you with another gorgeous colour pallet.

Don your party frocks and shoes and join Sammy for a bit of fun with your Avatar and don't forget to join in the ABCs of.............

PLUS..yes..there's more!!!

A new Supa Digi kit for you to start collecting free..get the first three parts now in the On the House section of the shop

So visit SDK this weekend and join in!!! Don't miss out be there!!

Thank you for your patience!! Now the elements for Wee Willie Winkie!! There are a few more ribbons and things in the download that don't appear in the preview. Plus an other Willie Winkie in different colours. I hope you enjoy them.

You can download the Element Pack 2 here......

(I have amended the elements that were missing from the zip, I am so sorry I don't know what happened there!!)

I hope I see you at the birthday bash over the weekend but if not check back on Monday for some more from me. Take care and have fun!!

 

Technorati Tags: sdk birthday bash,freedownload,nursery rhyme collection,freebie

No, It's Not the Oscars!!!

Having been a bad blogger for a while I really want to catchup on the awards that several wonderful people have passed to me. I apologise that some of them have taken me so long to acknowledge!! The gap in my blogging has caused a bit of a pileup. But I do appreciate them and so I want to say a big, big thank you to all who thought of me for the awards. They are much appreciated!!

I want to thank Esther from Jumping from One Idea to the Next and Shanners at

Shanners' Family Scrap and Stuff for both giving me this wonderful award. I am really touched that they thought of my blog to pass this award to...thank you ladies for being visitors and friends!!

The rules of the award are
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've nominated.
The  blogs I'd like to nominate that I think have hearts are:

Rhonda at Crafty Mumz Creations - A great blog with loads of heart!!

Kim's Scrapping - Kim gives so much to the scrapping community and does it with so much generosity and kindness, she deserves this.

Susie of Susie2Shoes, an other Hampshire girl, passed me the next award, the Kreative Blogger Award. Susie I apologise for taking so long on this!!! But a HUGE thank you..it is valued, believe me!

For this one I have to tell you 6 things you love and then pass it on to 6 people.

So here goes!! Six things I love...

1. A cup of tea first thing in the morning - I'm sub-human until I've had it!!

2. My long suffering DH and my family, life would be more peaceful without them but I would be so lonely and sad if they were not in my world.

3. Warm clothes in winter...I don't do cold unless I'm hidden under loads of layers!! I'm thin but believe me in winter I look like the Michelin Man!! Lol!

4. Artichoke hearts with Hollandaise sauce...I could eat them for ever...and then some!

5. Walking in the forest, it's peaceful and quiet..the ideal place to just let your mind wander and recharge.

6. Being me......I'm not special in anyway but I'm comfy with myself.....just like an old pair of shoes!! I like being who I am, warts and all.

I pass it to:

Maryse - her blog is a treasure trove of goodies and wonderful creations...I love the figures!!

Glynis  - at Ghunibee Scraps checkout her wonderful photos whilst your there!!

Michelle at The Scrappin Sunflower, I love her blog layout too!!

Ok, I didn't make it to 6 but the ones I did are special!!

Today's little freebie download to add to the papers of Wee Willie Winkie is the first of the element packs with a selection of 4 frames plus the background paper. Believe the textures on these is great...Ok, so I'm biased!!

You can download them here

Before I go take a look at this exquisite layout from Maureen showing her three grandchildren. She has been really clever her and extracted some of the mice to put on the page. I love the blending down the right side too..a spectacular layout with a lovely picture to finish it perfectly, thank you for sharing it Maureen.

Credits: October's Nursery Collection kit - Hickory Dickory Dock from Cens Stuff

I have an other card with a wonderful message...everyone can always use a hug..I know I can!! Su made this great card with the fairy giving out the hug, I love the torn paper and that row of flowers...a truly lovely card Su, thank you!!

Credits: Little Blossoms from Cens Stuff, Fairy is one Su downloaded, sorry I don't have the details to credit.

Time to go but see you all tomorrow for the next part of this months Nursery Collection. Stay warm and safe!!

 

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,nursery collection,freedown load,wee willie winkie part 3,elements

Remember, Remember the 5th November!!

Today was a damp gray start here in England, a typical November day. But it's a special day here, it's Guy Fawkes Day commemorating the day in 1605 that a group of plotters tried to blow up our king as he opened parliament. Ok, so we have long memories, but it is still a good excuse for a celebration on a cold dark evening.

On the 5 November every year we have bonfires and fireworks. We call it Guy Fawkes Night, after one of the conspirators, or simple Bonfire Night. The bonfires always have a "Guy", normally an old pair of trouser and shirt stuffed with straw with a hat and mask. This strange looking figure is burnt on the fire and the fireworks symbolise the explosion that would have been had the plotters succeeded!! But apart from that it's a great time for kids and hot potatoes and soup...yummy!!

We even have a rhyme that children learn:

"Remember, remember the 5th November

Gun Powder, Treason and Plot,

We see no reason why Gun Powder treason

Should ever be forgot."

This year I'm sitting it out as my older granddaughters are busy and Lilly is way too young for the loads of bangs and cold.....but next year perhaps. Many a Bonfire night I have waved sparklers and nibbled on sausages.....burnt a few too, lol!!

OK, today is the second part of the papers for Wee Willie Winkie. Today there are a couple of extra textured papers not shown in the preview thrown in for good measure, so I hope you enjoy them. Here's a reminder of the Paper Pack. (If you missed yesterday download check the previous post.)

You can download Part 2 of the Wee Willie Winkie freebie Paper Pack here

(Link working now...sorry!! Thanks Robbi!!)

Have a look at tomorrow's freebie...it's a selection of frames to add to the kit, plus you get the background paper too!! The frames I have kept uncluttered as the papers are quite heavy but the preview doesn't do the textures on these frames justice..they are scrummy...even though I do say it myself!! Lol!

So check back tomorrow for the frames download link!!

Now...I have to show you these cards...they are fandabbidozy!!!!! Chris was trying out some new figures that I will be using in some kits to see if they printed out OK. She made two cards, one with the little boy, Jo and one with the little girl Ellie and they printed out GREAT in two Christmas cards Chris made!! Have a look, and don't forget to check out Chris's blog for more great craft ideas.

And what about these two cards...Chris was playing with some of the silhouettes for me and again great results!! I will have some of the silhouettes as a freebie PDF download next week for crafters and png files for scrappers so don't miss them!! But for now look at the fantastic cards she made.

 

See you all tomorrow for the first part of the elements for this nursery rhyme and I hope that anyone celebrating Guy Fawkes Night has a great time!! Be good!!!

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,free download,nursery rhyme collection,wee willie winkie,papers

I'm Back!!

Yes...I have been gone a long time!!! Sorry about that..real life again...it can be a bitch...but it's where I live. But I'm back and so pleased to be chatting again. This blog is my main delight..it's my baby and a way to meet and greet so many friends...it's home!!

Life has been busy, lots of work but more to the point lots of family issues to resolve.

You'll be delighted to hear that Miss Lilly is thriving and rapidly approaching her first birthday...where has this year gone? She's one on the 22 December and I think for her it has been a good year safe in the heart of the family. She has a wonderful mum and dad and the rest of us dote on her..but she takes it all in her stride and emerges as unspoiled and sunny natured as ever.

Lots of news this week, so I will bring you up to date as the week goes on. For now I have an other of the Nursery Rhyme theme kits for you to collect this week...this time it's Wee Willie Winkie.

I have the papers split over today and tomorrow for you, so start collecting today and add to the kit through out the week...elements too.

This rhyme is about night time and so the colours are darker and there are lots of stars!

Download Part 1 of the Paper Pack here 

I'm running a challenge this month over at Cottage Scrapbooks. This one is about the Flavour of the Month.....what's happening in your part of the world in November? Choose at least 3 colours from the set palette and do a layout that gives a flavour of November in your neck of the woods.

In UK it's Guy Fawkes Night and fireworks, in US I know it's Thanks Giving..what happens where you live?Post your layout and receive the posting bonus. The theme this month at CS for all the challenges is Music Room, here's the bonus for my challenge.

Here's the challenge thread for Flavour of the month Challenge at Cottage Scrapbooks

 

If you haven't already snagged Kim's fantastic Turkey Time Pack then head over to Kim's Scrapping now and start downloading...it's large!!! And so cute!!!

Check out Linda's fantastic QP Collection this week on her blog. She is posting new ones everyday!!

 

 

Don't you just love that teddy!!!

Well, got to dash, I'll be back tomorrow with the download link for the second part of the Wee Willie Winkie papers and a peek at some elements. Have a great day/evening!!

 

Technorati Tags: nursery rhyme collection,freebie,papers,scrapbooking,free download,graphic designs,wee willie winkie