The Last Day of Harvest Time and a Train Timetable!

Hi all!! The headache is much better today and that makes me feel so much brighter!!

Men, they're a funny breed...they think differently to us ladies..I'm convinced they do!! I think that men think in straight lines..one line at a time mostly. We women tend to think in multiple lines, a bit like a train junction!! Could be that with kids you have to learn to multi thought as well as multitask, lol!! Or it could be we're just devious!!

Anyway, my long suffering DH was listening to me moaning and clutching my head yesterday with that far away look in his eyes that told me he may not be giving my agony his full attention, his single line of thought was not where it should be. So I thought I'd throw him a side winder to see if he was paying attention!! (Makes me sound a bit like a bad tempered baby.)

"What makes a good relationship" I asked. There was a long pause...so long I thought..he's not listening...then he said "It varies". OK, typical man talk for "Why do you ask me stupid questions". Evasive.....definitely!!

Feeling rather grumpy and sore I went in for the kill. "So what makes our relationship work?" I asked. The answer was fast...."Oh that one's easy. I always know where I stand with you and when your not moaning...you make me laugh...not always intentionally".

Well, I was shocked...he was awake and he was listening and more to the point he gave a cute answer!! Could be he's smarter with women than I thought, lol!! So I decided the poor man deserved leaving in peace and went off to bed to be miserable there and give him a break!!

Enough of my ramblings..I tend to go off the track, I know, but now it's down to the good bits.

Today's the last day of the CT Collab Kit for this month and the last of the goodies are awaiting you!! I'd like to say a great big THANK YOU to all the CT girls who took part in this for their hard work and for sharing their talent. Well done ladies, your brilliant!!

But the other news is the goodies don't stop there...tomorrow starts the Fall Splendour Blog Train with more than 59 designers taking part so check back here for my part and then jump on the train to the next stop!! Mark your timetable and make sure you don't miss tomorrows train!!

My little Add On today is some folded ribbons with harvest words.

You can download the Harvest Ribbons here

To finish off this months CT Collab Kit Tragedy Anne has made a fantastic template and Tracy's (Latte Dah) wonderful contribution make your harvest of goodies complete!!

Drop by Tragedy Anne's Blog and pick up her brilliant template!! It's a stunner!!

 

To add Tracy's beaded word art, belt, laced frame and other goodies to finish your collection perfectly, drop by her blog Latte Dah Designs and snag them!!

That's the end of the CT Collab kit but tomorrow starts the Fall Splendour Blog Train!!!!!!

See you then!! Have a great day!!

 

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,folded ribbons,free download,ct collab kit sept

,

Lymington Revisited and Some More Harvest Goodies!

 

Yesterday I woke up with a headache that felt like I had spent the night on the town! My mouth was like the bottom of a bird cage and I just wanted a hole to crawl into. The irony was that not a drop of alcohol has touched my lips for an age..not even a glass of wine..in fact I think I'm deprived...no!! not depraved!!

I spent the morning muttering about there being no justice, as my youngest son had been out till goodness knows when clubbing with friends...and he looked good when he got up, it was me that looked like I had overindulged in a big way...he was fresh as a daisy. It must be youth or some magic potion he has, lol!!

Saturday saw me wandering around Lymington Street market with Lilly, Charlotte, Chris and Ashlyn. In an alley off the market is a great flower place and I couldn't resist a peek,,,just to see if they had anything that inspired me. They did...some Chinese lanterns and some dried corn, so when I feel a little better..well, a lot better really..hopefully, I will have a go at being inspired by them.

Lymington is on the coast and the main street is set on a hill leading down to the old quay. It's an old town, a small one, but a pretty one. It's a draw for tourists in summer but even now the weather and seasons are changing it still has a lot of yacht people passing through. So it's always bustling on Saturdays.

The market always has a terrific atmosphere and is a wonderful place to wander, with all it's colours and smells. We ate lunch in an Italian restaurant just off the market with a wonderful garden terrace and we were in luck..it was a beautiful sunny Autumn day. Ideal for a light Saturday lunch with some gorgeous food to nibble and chat over. Lilly loved it all...the hustle and bustle, the colours and the noise. She smiled all through and of course gave the onlookers her royal wave!! If they were very attentive they got a clap too, lol!! So a great time was had by all.

But enough of my weekend..."what about the goodies" I hear you say..OK, I'm getting to them!!

My little add on is 4 Harvest Frames...quite simple ones really. But today it's Kim who has the fancy stuff!!

You can download Add On 4 - the Harvest Frames here.

Take a look at Kim's terrific kit ..harvest moons and scarecrows, laces, flowers and lovely papers...it's one you'll use again and again!!

So visit her blog, Kim's Scrappin' and start downloading!!

A visit to Kim's Scrappin' will add to the harvest bounty..so drop by and collect her kit

That's it from me for today if you love templates then drop by for the last part of this CT Collab and find out more!!

Have a wonderful Day!!

 

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,frames,ct collab september,free download,lymington

Sunday's Harvest and The Tax Man!

 

It's Sunday again...an other week has sneaked past me and is gone!! My life seems to fly before my eyes as quick as a flash!! In no time I'll be gone and my descendants will be looking up my family history, tracing my life!

Someone asked me the other day what I thought I would be when I was a very old lady. I was puzzled for a moment by the question...the answer was obvious...I'd be a very old lady!!!! But perhaps that's not what they meant? Yet another case of not asking what we actually want to know!! Or perhaps I'm just obtuse!

This week I sent a letter to the Inland Revenue for my son query his tax code. He isn't very happy with the tax system at the moment so imagine his horror to learn that he comes from a long line of Excise Men himself. Ok, so it was in the 1800's but one line of our ancestors had postings around the UK checking on the tax paid on wines, tobacco, brewing and general excise work. In fact several rose quite high and one found it all too much and actually killed himself whilst still in the service. It was in fact viewed as a good job then..may not have been popular with some of the population though and obviously times haven't changed much!!

My son's skepticism that his line could possibly have been Excise Men was short lived when I gave him some proof...a document dated May 15th 1826 relating to his ancestor, Joseph Merry, who was at that time 25 years old. It's describing his skills and areas he had been instructed in. Joseph was just at the beginning of his career and was to go on and do well in the Excise Service.

Shock, horror....so it was true..his ancestors were tax men!!! My son has made me promise I won't spread it around, lol!! So, I thought I would keep it quiet and only tell you, in confidence of course, lol!!! I think I should send a link to this post to his email contact list!! Or perhaps not!! But....I could always do a layout with and add it to a few galleries!!

Here's a copy of the document in question..indisputable proof of our tax man line.

But now, back to the present and some great presents that are in store for you!

You can download my Add On 3 - the Harvest Bows here

The real star though has a real Harvest feel - the bringing in of all those wonderful fruits!! This kit is from Melanie and it is perfect for this time of year!! Look at those luscious apples and pears...yum!! They are all hand drawn too!! An other lovely addition to this awesome kit!

Don't miss this part of the wonderful harvest..swing past Sweet as Mel and snag it!

Well, that's all folks!! Have a wonderful day and check back tomorrow for the next part of this great CT Collab Kit! Those girls are stars!!!

Oh, if you had trouble yesterday with Debi's links, (they drove her wild yesterday) they have been fixed and she has a little bonus of two extra papers. So if you can pop back and get them now.

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,ct collab kit sept,family history,free downlaod

Come and Reap the Harvest

 

Yesterday's babysitting  was a great success, with Lilly playing to the gallery as usual, she is a born actress!!

We took her out and saw the most gorgeous handmade winter jacket/cardy.......we just had to have it, that is my mum and I. Lilly was not so sure to start with..but she decided that perhaps the pixie look was her thing and from there on she got very excited about it. When her mum saw it she fell in love with it, so at least we adults thought it was great. Mind you, I'd love to see one of us wear it, lol!!

I took a picture of her when we got her back and tried it on again ...OK it's a little big, well quite a lot!! But that girl grows like a weed!! Soon I'll be saying it's a little small. I think it's the bright colours that made her smile. She has learned to clap her hands and keeping her still for the photos was quite a job....those hands kept a clapping!! So excuse the blurring on the photos!!!

Now...it's Harvest Time and there are some more great crops for you to reap today!! The girls have been so busy doing some wonderful things with this month's collab kit. So let's have a look at what they have for you.

Today my little add on is some flower and fence borders.....but the real stars are Leaonna and Debi!! Their parts of this wonderful collab kit are beautiful!!

You can download my add on 2 - Flower Borders here

And then travel on to Leaonna's blog, Busyscrappin for her terrific kit. Leonna has some really individual pieces in her kit, rich gems and lovely frames to name just a few!

Your next port of call should be to collect Debi's goodies!! Drop by her blog, Sweet Adeline Designs and snag them. I love those stripped papers Debi and that pumpkin is terrific!!

So that's me for today...guess what I'm doing later! Entertaining....I have a visitor...you'll never guess who it is........... it's the lovely Lilly and her mommy!! I know, I only saw her yesterday..but Saturday is grandma's day...she visits me then and returns the favour...she grandma sits, lol!!

See you all tomorrow for more of Harvest Time. Have a great day, I know I will!

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,flower and fence borders,ct collab kit sept,graphic designs,free download

Those CT Girls are Back and It's Getting Dark!!!

Autumn is really here, yep there's the falling leaves and misty mornings but more to the point it gets dark so early!! By just after 7.00pm it's dark and I live in the south of England so Scotland must be darker sooner.

Later this morning I'm travelling to Oxford, to baby sit the lovely Lilly. Her mum has lectures this afternoon and Lilly is lacking a sitter, so I will fill the gap. I have to admit it's my pleasure!!

I'm taking my mum with me, so Lilly will have both grandma and great grandma at the same time. Poor soul...we'll be fighting over who sees to her, lol!

But getting back to the dark bit...it means that we will be driving home when it gets dark, even thought we should be home around 8.15pm...it gets so depressing when the daylight hours get short. It's my pet hate about this time of year.

So if you live near Oxford stay off the roads about 6.30pm......or you may meet me!! Lol!! I hate night driving especially on roads that have no streetlights and you get dazzled by on coming traffic. My husband did sarcastically suggest night vision goggles should fix the problem..men!!! I'll treat that remark with the contempt it deserves and get my revenge later, lol!

Now for the real News! It's that time again and some of my terrific CT Girls have made a new Collab Kit for your all!! This month their theme is Harvest Time, and what a brilliant job they have made of this one.

So for the next 5 days check in and get some new goodies each day to add to this great Kit.

Linda and Bina are getting us off to a wonderful start with their marvelous contributions..plus as usual I have done an extra little thing to add to your stash!! So there should be a bountiful harvest of scrapping goodies for you for the next few days!!

For my add on I used some of Bina's papers and made you some tags.

You can download my harvest tags here

 

 Drop in on Linda's Lot and start your collection with her beautiful kit

Visit Bina's blog and collect her wonderful contribution

So have fun and see you tomorrow with more harvest gifts!!

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking,ct collab kit sept,free download,tags,graphics

Last Day!

I'm feeling better this morning and I'm ready to start finishing off my decorating..(that does make sense, honestly). Not a moment too soon because my son comes home this evening and he's an other one that hates chaos. Not enough to help sort it out though, lol!!

As I took it easy yesterday I had time to think...always dangerous!! With a headache and the wind and rain playing havoc outside, there wasn't really a lot left to do but think. But I was good, I decided that I would keep it light and just let my mind wander...well, it normally wanders, that's half my trouble, lol! It's amazing how much useless trivia started to come floating up that had been stored away and was hiding in my little head.

One point did I remember was that it took 150 calories to bang your head against the wall for an hour. So, the good news is that I didn't burn up many calories when I banged my head yesterday!!

A few more that I had stored away, obviously in case I needed them on my travels were now drifting up from the deep recesses...like if a crocodile grabs you then pushing your thumb in it's eyeballs will make it open it's jaws immediately..no wonder this bit of trivia was stored deep!! Not your everyday useful one like knowing that a lot of lipsticks contain fish scales!!

An other useful one that every woman should know is you can't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb, well in England anyway, it was an an old English law and that's where we get the phrase "rule of thumb". Mind you, as a law that one most probably won't hold good now and is out of date and I suppose it was only of limited help to woman anyway as some iron bars are no wider than a mans thumb!!

The thoughts and trivia just seemed to drift from the sublime to the ridiculous after that so I won't bore you any more with my random thoughts or we'll be here all day!!

Not only is today hopefully the last of decorating...(barring accidents)..but it's also the last day of the CT Collab Kit. The Beach Kit has been wonderful and the girls should all take a round of applause for their great kits!!

Today my little Add On is a Paper Pack with a Beach Music theme but wait till you see Ab's Kit!!!

You can download the Beach Add On Paper Pack from me here

Now for Ab's preview and look at the cute mermaid!!This is a lovely addition to the CT Collab, thank you AB!It's beautiful!! So don't miss this great part!!

Today it's different as you can download Abs part of the Collab kit directly from here

Well, it's that time again and I must get back to the paint brushes. Have a great day and see you soon.

Check back tomorrow if you like CU freebies as I may have a little something for you!!

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking. graphic design,ct collab kit,freebie

Late again!!

Hi all....I'm late posting today, sorry but I have been nursing a headache this morning and hoping it would go away, but despite a couple of tablets it's still pounding away. It's a bit like there is a little man in there with a small but efficient hammer!! No it's not the hangover sort of headache...I don't do those!!

The decorating is coming on well...or was until this morning. Mind you I think my painting style may have something to do with the headache. Last night I was merrily (OK not quite merrily but... quite happily) painting away under the arch between the kitchen and dinning room. It's a bit awkward standing on the steps and bending in under the arch, so I was concentrating hard on painting and staying on the steps...hopefully both at the same time!! All done so I straightened up...wrong thing to do..it's an arch..it's lower than the ceiling either side. So my head made contact with the arch and wasn't too happy at having done it!! But that's one of the hazards with any DIY as done by idiots!! But I'll live...could have been worse...I could have fallen off the steps after I did it...you have to look on the bright side!! Lol!

Anyway enough of my ramblings..today's freebies are waiting!!

From me its a little add on to go with the girls kits of some 3 brads and  2 tags but from Leaonna it's a truly exotic beach kit..... palm trees, dolphins, beautiful flowers and so much more..it is a feast of wonderful goodies!!! Here's mine.

You can download the Add On Brads and Tags here

See what I mean about Leaonna's Ct Collab Kit...it's exotic and special so pop by her blog and download it.

Leaonna's Blog has the download for her part of the CT Collab, Exotic Beach.

That's all from me for today folks....I think I'll just go and put my feet up and my head down!!

See you all tomorrow and take care.......I should have listened to that one myself, lol!!

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking. graphic design,ct collab kit,freebies

I'm Doing Pale and Interesting.

I look just a little like a figure from a pre-raphelite painting this morning...sort of pale and interesting...but slightly more painted. I tried scrubbing the little dots that fell on me from the roller as I did the ceilings yesterday but now I have more than a rosy glow to my face!! Of course it didn't help that I suddenly remembered at 8.30pm that I needed something quickly from the shop. I was in such a rush to get there that I quickly washed my face and hands, pulled on some other clothes and headed to the store. It was only when a lady at the checkout asked me how the decorating was going that I realised that the backs of my arms were splattered with paint....well, I don't have eyes in the back of my head!! I must not have been a pretty site...red face and splodgy arms...I ask you! But, I just casually told her it was going great and asked if she liked the colour!! So I've decided...until I finish this I think I'll stay at home before I embarrass myself again...you'd think I'd be used to it by now! Lol!

Now for today's freebies before I return to the paint pot.

I have a little freebie to co-ordinate with these lovely kits the CT Girls have made you. It's a little frame with a hint of beach fun!

You can download the Add On Frame here

Today is an other riot of beach splendour with a really brilliant addition from Linda. It's full of Shells and lighthouses...all reminders of the sea. Take a look.

Drop by Linda's Blog and add this lovely kit to your CT Collab Collection

But for now it's back to the paint and decorating for me!! Have a great day and drop back tomorrow to add to your CT Collab, there's an other great part for you this time from Leaonna!!

 

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking. graphic design,ct collab kit,freebies

Life Really is a Beach!

First things first...I changed the size of the type this post as some found the other too small. What do you think? Let me know.

OK, the paints bought and the rollers are ready..everything's washed down and I'm ready to rumba!!!! Yesterday I went to get the supplies and pick the colour. I checked the charts and hummed and hawed over what would look stunning....then bought the same colours I already have!! I was going to be bold and adventurous, make a splash and change it radically..but so many colour confused me.

I kept remembering when my mum painted the kitchen red and white so that every time I eat my cornflakes the milk looked red...me, being an imaginative child, I thought of blood!! So cornflakes were of the menu for me!! Or imagine green as the backdrop for me first thing in the morning when I'm looking peaky.... Nah!! It wouldn't work..so we have the same as before, but that's good, it worked last time, lol!

It's a huge haul for you today from Kim and a little freebie from me.

My freebie is to co-ordinate with the CT Collab and it's a journaling card to remind you of the sunny days in your photos.

You can download the Journaling Card here

Now for the serious business....the Ct Collab Kit continues with some terrific stuff so take a look at Kim's Kit..it's awesome!! She has really spoilt you!!

Drop by Kim's blog and add these wonderful parts to your CT Collab Stash!

Before you go take a look at this great layout that Tracy made with last months CT Collab Kit. I love the frame border and the stitches are a great touch that she added. Fantastic page Tracy!!

OK, my painting brushes are calling me.....well, I think their screaming actually...can't make out if it's "Put me down" or "Hurry Up"..but duty calls!!

Have a great day and see you tomorrow!!

Technorati Tags: ct collab kit,freebie,scrapbooking. graphic design,beach fun

Two delights...and a New Ct Collab!!

How was your weekend? Good I hope..mine was wet and busy. I'm still on schedule to do some decorating this week as my son is away it works well but I have to add my DH is living in fear of the chaos that he is sure I will cause...Oh yea of little faith!! As if I would!!

My kitchen and dinning room lead off each other, so once I start it's all or nothing. Hopefully it's all. Last time I decorated the hall and stairs everyone knew about it, could have been they were psychic or it could have been the paint in my hair that lingered. Is it just me that ends up with all those little white dots when they paint the ceiling? They are tiny but they have great coverage!! I just thought I looked pale and interesting..most people used other words to describe me, like messy, sick looking etc. Lets face it...you can dust sheet all you want but not your head..I suppose I could wear a balaclava, goggles and a mask...could work, but imagine the shock value if I answered the door!! Or worse still the lowered visibility could produce all sorts of strange results.

OK, enough of that..scrapping and treats now....lots of gifts for you today, a Quick page and a Page Kit from me AND my brilliant CT girls have made an other Collab Kit this month for you, their theme is the Beach! There will be a new part everyday from them..and what a week they have planned for you, packed full of goodies! So be prepared to blog hop and collect them during the next few days.

Here's my first freebie, a Quick Page, yes it's the Beach theme! I had so much fun making the Beach Hut and I used a paper from Leaonna's kit, a paper and the anchor came from Bina's kits and the great deck chair and Sand Dollars are from Kim's kit. just to give you a taste of things to come!

You can download the Quick Page here

PLUS today Bina is sharing her wonderful mini kit with you all. It has some lovely papers and some exotic elements, ideal for that tropical beach!!

You can download it at Bina's blog, so drop by and don't forget to leave her some love!!

(I fixed the link to Bina's blog, sorry about that!)

And then I have an other freebie for you to snag, it's my part of the great free August Supa Digi Kit at Scrappin Digi Kreations. Don't forget to check out the other parts of this great free Mega Kit, those ladies have made some great stuff as usual!!

 

Snag my part of the great freebie August Supa Digi Kit at Scrappin Digi Kreations

Well, I'm off to get the paint before I find an excuse to put it off!! See you all tomorrow for a progress report and some more goodies.

Have a lovely day and think positive...each day is an adventure...some are just tougher than others, lol!

 

Technorati Tags: digital scrapbooking,freebie kits,ct collab kit

You Thought it Was All Over!!

OK, so you thought we were all done with the CT Collab Kit...but you're wrong there are still 4 more freebies today to finish off. There is some fantastic stuff from Chris!! So get your download finger ready!!

But first....

Would you believe I got my eyelashes dyed Saturday...you would? Well, I did!! I was really bold and decided that I would look so much better with darker eyelashes....why do I do these things? I started off thinking positive..I was going to look great, my own eyelashes are naturally light and even though they are quite long they don't really show. I always forget to put mascara on..or I forget I've got it on.....the latter can give a really cute panda look after I've rubbed my eyes a few times!! So, dying it had to be. Let me tell you it looks great!!! Dark eyelashes and no mascara and so natural looking..a great success!! But....you should know me by now..I never do things by half!!! Whilst I was there the lady commented on how light my eyebrows were, they are really, really light. Perhaps if we darkened them I would look better she suggested and they would be more in keeping with my eyelashes. "Go for it" was my response...wrong one...should have thought this one through!! She said light brown......more black death!! The tint was only wiped on and then off but the effect was devastating!!! I look as if I have glued on a couple of joke ones on in sympathy with Groucho Marks...OK I'm exaggerating..they are not as bushy as Groucho's were!! But you get the gist!! So, yesterday and today I have washed and scrubbed and they are a little fainter (I hope!). But you know what they say about vanity..I should have left well alone or at the very least quit whilst I was ahead and given the eyebrow a miss!! Will I never learn? So now I will pretend that I think they are great as I meet people and see their eyes repeatedly straying to the two caterpillars stuck to my face just above my eyes!! I'll just flutter those great eyelashes and bluff it..of course I meant it to look this way..not!! But the good thing is they will fade...one day!!

Now the great bit of the post...your freebies!! Chris has made something for everyone, there is a cute and stylish Quick Page ready to drop you photo and journaling onto, two paper packs and some lovely doodle elements..she has spoilt us for choice!! Download the QP and one of the paper packs here and then visit Chris's Blog for the elements and second paper pack!!

You can download Chris's QP Here

You can download this paper pack here

Now drop by Chris's blog to snag the second paper pack and the elements

Now I'm off to get some work done! Have a great day and take care..and don't forget to come back as tomorrow is a new day and I have a little goody from me for you!!!

 

 

If You Blog - Then This Tip Is For You!

Some little freebie borders are Add On 8

Today there are three freebies for you - The Pretty Borders Add On from me and the brilliant Quick Pages from Melanie that you'll find below to download...plus the link to download her fantastic part of the CT Collab kit!! What more could a girl want? No, don't tell me!!

But first.....If you blog then you have got to have this!! It's Windows Live Writer and it is great! It doesn't matter what type of blog you have it is compatible with Blogger, WordPress etc. Kim told me about it and so I just had to have a go. You can write your blog post, add the images all offline and then just post. What I love about it is that you can choose the image size, add border, shadow etc to them. I do so love to play!! Inserting links is easy...well I did make a little mistake this morning...but that was me hurrying again not Live Writer. You can check out how would look on your blog too, before you post it...how cool is that..much better than the preview in blogger too. I'm a convert!! Give it a try, I'm sure you'll love it and no they are not paying me to say this, lol!!

The freebies now!

Without more ado here's the download link for my little add on, the Pretty Borders.

You can download them here

Today's CT Collab Kit and Quick Pages have been made by Mel and she has made a fun contribution with yet an other style to add to the group. I love the mix here, the cloud paper, the fence and that little bird is sooo cute!! An other brilliant job Melanie!! There are two Quick Pages, one has the little bird etc and is just ready for your photo and journaling. The other has been left for you to dress up how you want. I love these!!

 

You can download Melanie's Quick Pages here

Get Melanie's fun contribution to the CT Collab Kit here on her blog

I'm off to play..well not play but do some things that just won't wait!! So have a great Saturday and see you all tomorrow for the last part of our CT Collab Kit...don't miss it!!