Clare's Crafts

Where's my background gone?

2012-01-24T18:34:00.003Z

Logged on today and my lovely background to match my gorjuss banner has disappeared. Any clues as to why and where it could have gone? I'd appreciate your help. Thanks

New Year New Resolution

2012-01-24T18:32:00.002Z

I've got the bug again. Gonna make a scrapbook for my son's 18th as a memory book for all the family to create a page. Will keep you posted. I will try to keep crafting this year, but sometimes I lack inspiration. Any suggestions??

So excited....

2011-01-15T18:12:00.001Z

going on holiday again to Majorca at Easter. Can't wait.

Clare's back

2011-01-15T18:10:00.003Z

I'm back. Have been mojo-less for over a year, but seeing my friend Hannah's new blog inspired me, along with the new magazine I treated myself to, Quick Cards Made Easy, I've got my mojo back. Woo Hoo.

Teapot card

2011-01-15T18:06:00.002Z

I made this for my best friend in Florida's birthday (which is not until May but I felt inspired today, not something that's happened for over a year!) Made from papers, flowers and ribbon already in my card making kit. Hope you like it. Made from an idea in January's Quick Cards Made Easy from a teapot outline on the internet.

Japanese cards

2011-01-15T17:56:00.001Z

I made these cards using the free papers and chipboard shapes from January's Quick Cards Made Easy.

New craft blog

2011-01-12T11:22:00.003Z

http://mycreativepassions.blogspot.com/?spref=fb

My friend Hannah is back blogging her wonderful crafts. I lost my crafting mojo, and my crafty friends, cos I lost touch with her and didn't craft for over a year. Maybe I'll be inspired to get back to it again with her incentives. Her blog is fab. Go have a look.

To all those who know someone who's survived cancer

2010-12-31T19:22:00.000Z

http://www.simpleplan.com/saveyou/
My 15 year old son Tim who, as you know is a cancer survivor of almost 7 years, found this video of a song called Save You by a band called Simple Plan. All people featured in it are cancer survivors. One of the band members' brothers is a survivor, featured at the end. Watch it, read the text, listen to the words, and tell me you aren't moved by it. I was. I cried. Well done to all those who have survived. You are fighters. And sincere sympathy for those who know someone who didn't survive. We all know someone. It's something that can affect any one of us. But this is a message of hope, meant to be positive. Thanks for looking. 07/02/09.

Snow Day woo hoo

2010-01-06T10:38:00.003Z

Emily's school playground. School was open from 10am....

The road outside our house

Front garden

Back garden from indoors

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T18:00:00.002Z

Hi all, sorry I've not posted for so long. I've not done any crafting since October, just lost my mojo what with all the dragon orders etc I had and loads of stuff to do for Christmas. I was still wrapping presents at 8pm on Christmas Eve!! Not normally that disorganised. Didn't even get to write and post Christmas cards so really sorry to everyone for not sending any. Will send a donation to the Royal Marsden instead.

My daughter decided that Christmas Eve was a good day to get Chicken Pox, poor thing. She wasn't too bad with it, was more concerned that we might not get to go to see her cousin on Christmas Day. But we went, and they had fun. She did get a nasty spot in her eye though which caused conjunctivitis but we kept it clean and bathed so it was ok. Now she's just getting over it in time to go back to school tomorrow.

Hope your Christmas was great and that you have a very healthy Happy New Year.

hugs Clare x

Craft Against Cancer for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign...

2009-12-31T11:33:00.000Z

Craft Against Cancer for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. This is a call for all crafters to participate in a Craft Against Cancer Challenge. http://www.extremelycrafty.co.uk/Craft4cancer.html

A newfound blogger buddy of mine Michele has created this page on her blog as she was inspired by my son Tim's fight against cancer. She's also known someone who fought cancer, and visited the hospital where Tim was treated, so she knows firsthand how vital this fantastic hospital is.

Please visit her blog page by clicking the link and do what you can. I'm going to help, not sure how yet, but I will do something to help her. Just think, if we all did a small something, what would we be able to achieve as a group?

best bits from New Moon with Edward

2009-11-27T13:41:00.001Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpEi1edKtOU

only watch if you've seen NM or you'll spoil it

New Moon

2009-11-27T11:41:00.002Z

Well, for those who have seen it - wasn't it great? For those who aren't into Twilight yet - you must! I've only been a Twilighter for about 6 weeks and have been addicted from day 1. The books are fab. There's so much detail in there about how Edward & Bella feel for each other. And then the first two have now been made into films which really put flesh on the characters. Twilight is a brilliant story about meeting up and being in love. New Moon carries that on further with more plot twists and some heartbreak. Well worth reading/watching. I've been to see New Moon 3 times since it opened last Friday! Enjoy.

Missing friend

2009-11-27T11:40:00.000Z

Hi all, just to let you know that my friend who went missing is now living with his dad in peace to try and sort his life out as he's had some problems he needs to get through. Thanks for thinking of us all while he was missing. It was horrible and I'm so pleased he is home now.

Missing friend update Tuesday am

2009-11-17T09:16:00.002Z

Hi all, don't know whether it's coincidence or what but I've finally got some positive news about my friend who's been missing.

As of 2am this morning, his sister updated Facebook with the message that it's good news, he's been found and is in hospital up north. Thankfully at least he can now get the help he needs. I'm so relieved.

Missing Friend update

2009-11-16T21:12:00.002Z

Hi all, this is the latest update from Facebook this evening about my friend who's been missing since 6th November. First is a Facebook page about him, and then an article from North Wales Police. Please please please, if anyone knows anything, please contact us.....

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216023881208&ref=nf
http://www.north-wales.police.uk/nwpv2/en/yglas/newsDetail.asp?sid=PR734128

Still missing

2009-11-12T11:08:00.001Z

My best friend's brother is still missing and they're very concerned for his safety. Please if anyone has seen him get in contact. Thanks

Have you seen this man?

2009-11-10T23:31:00.003Z

Desperate plea for information regarding his whereabouts.

My oldest friends' younger brother has gone missing and there are serious fears for his health. His mobile was last traced to Lowestoft at 8.30 today (Tuesday 10th November). His name is Dawood Ramjaun. If you've seen him or know anyone who has please get in touch as his family are frantic. Thank you.

New Moon 16 days and counting

2009-11-04T13:29:00.004Z

Yes I know I'm sad, old enought that I should know better, blah blah blah but I can't help it. I'm Twilight obsessed. It's 16 days till New Moon comes out and I can't wait. Have already booked my tickets for the 10pm showing with my friend Karen. We're going out on the town first for a meal, dressing up to the nines and then going to watch our favourite vampire!! Here's some of the posters .....

Hot vampire

2009-10-20T11:55:00.000+01:00

New Moon Countdown

2009-10-20T11:47:00.002+01:00

Oh wow I'm so excited, its exactly 1 month till New Moon comes out in the cinemas, and I'm def going to see it. I read all 4 Twilight books in a week and have watched the film constantly. I'm def a sad person but I'm hooked. Can't wait to see more on-screen attraction between Edward & Bella, even though I know it will be a sad film. Anyone else feel the same?

OMG vampire books

2009-10-12T12:32:00.003+01:00

OMG I never thought I'd say this but I love Stephanie Meyer Twilight books about a teenage girl's love for a vampire. (Of course everyone is probably aware of the storyline but I was oblivious at first!)

Two of my young colleagues at work read them and raved over them. I dismissed them as teenager's (makes me sound ancient LOL!!) fiction with blood and gore about vampires. Then my friend (who's similar in age!) read them all avidly and said they were fantastic. So my curiousity was peaked. I love reading anyway and had just finished Dan Brown Lost Symbol in 3 days!!

I bought Twilight last Tuesday evening and read it in 2 days, I was hooked from the first pages. Edward and Bella's romance was captivating. I ordered the film on DVD. I bought New Moon on Thursday and again read it in 2 days. It was so sad I cried. I bought Eclipse on Saturday, and I've finished it already. I'm going shopping tomorrow for the final one "Breaking Dawn".... I cannot believe how brilliant they are. It's such a fantastic love story. Can't wait to read the outcome. I thoroughly recommend them to anyone of any age. You'll be hooked.

Am going to watch Twilight tomorrow. Thought I ought to do some housework first as I've done nothing since starting to read the books LOL, my house is a mess!!

sympathy card

2009-10-01T00:21:00.006+01:00

I made this card for a blogger friend who lost her dad very suddenly recently. I didn't want to make an obvious sympathy card so I hope she likes it. I sent it 1st class 2 days ago so she should have it by now. I also made this pin as a little present to hopefully lift her spirits a bit at this sad time.

The card is made from stash using white opaque vellum paper with silver highlights so the image didn't come out that well. I've also used black and silver card with black and white flowers, gems, glitter and brads. The pin is just a hat pin with clear, silver and pearly beads with silver sequins.

Just to let you know I'm thinking of you Emma....hugs to you and your family, Clare x

Rocky Horror Show

2009-09-20T09:21:00.003+01:00

Well, last night was the night. We went to see Rocky Horror Show at Wimbledon Theatre. Our seats were excellent, 5 rows from the front right in the middle. It was brilliant. Haven't been to see it since before I had the kids and Tim's 15 now! We hired an Eddie costume for David and he looked great. I went as Magenta. Felt like a tart, until we got there and saw loads more people of all shapes, sizes and genders dressed in less! Had a fantastic time.

One stupid cow behind me spoilt it a bit (she was obviously a virgin as she wasn't dressed up!) I took 2 photos as everyone around me was taking pictures and she tapped me on the shoulder and told me I wasn't supposed to. Well yeah, I know that, but everyone else was and I wasn't annoying anyone else or using flash, so what was the problem. Silly bitch.

But we all joined in shouting responses and singing. The best bit was all standing up and doing the Time Warp. Fab, hilarious. Can't wait to go again, in less than 16 years this time. Hope you like the pic. I have a few more to add but am having problems uploading at the moment.....

RIP Patrick Swayze

2009-09-15T19:13:00.002+01:00

I was very sad to hear Patrick Swayze had lost his battle with cancer. I just loved him in Dirty Dancing & Ghost. Sad day for his family, the acting community and movie-goers everywhere. RIP xx

I'm back now from my Nan's funeral. It was a lovely service but a sad one. Dad did a reading and made me cry, his sister wrote a reading which the vicar read out and also made me cry. Another chapter closed. RIP Nan xx

Wedding scrapbook

2009-09-14T13:19:00.004+01:00

Finally, I've made a start on the scrapbook for David's sister's wedding. (They got married in June LOL!) I've done 4 pages so far which I'm really proud of. I used a 12x12 Moments Scrapbook with cream mulberry paper cover. Last year I was fortunate to receive a fab wedding scrapbook kit from a magazine (forgot which one!) It's Hot off the Press Finished in a Flash Wedding Kit, complete with ribbons, sentiments, and lots of lovely brads. Hope you like it.

Rocky Horror Show

2009-09-08T10:18:00.002+01:00

For UK tour dates of the Rocky Horror Show this year go to....

http://www.rockyhorror.co.uk/

Go and see it, it's fantastic

I'm so excited

2009-09-07T23:48:00.003+01:00

It's astounding time is fleeting
madness takes its toll
but listen closely not for very much longer
I've got to keep control
I remember doing the Timewarp
drinking those moments when
the blackness would hit me
and the void would be calling
Let's do the Timewarp again!

It's just a jump to the left
and then a step to the right
With your hands on your hips
You bring your knees in tight
But it's the pelvic thrust that really drives you insane
Let's do the Time Warp again!

It's so dreamy, oh fantasy free me
So you can't see me, no not at all
In another dimension
with voyeuristic intention
Well-secluded I see all
With a bit of a mind flip
You're there in the time slip
And nothing can ever be the same
You're spaced out on sensation
like you're under sedation
Let's do the Time Warp again!

Well I was walking down the street just a-having a think
When a snake of a guy gave me an evil wink
He shook me up he took me by surprise
He had a pickup truck and the devil's eyes
He stared at me and I felt a change
Time meant nothing, never would again
Let's do the Time Warp again!

I'm so excited. I'm going to see the Rocky Horror Show on 19th Sept and can't wait. I'm dressing as Magenta and David's going as Riff Raff. Will post pics to prove it.

Did you know...

2009-09-07T10:34:00.002+01:00

...that Cancer Research shops will accept old and well worn clothing, old linen and curtains if you mark the bag as "rags". This generates significant income for the charity and these items don't end up in landfill. So they help research into new treatments for cancer and save the environment as well. Excellent.

Craft against cancer update

2009-09-07T10:17:00.002+01:00

The lovely Michele has done really well so far in her craft against cancer and raised £378. She wants to raise as much as possible for the Royal Marsden Hospital by the end of September so why not pop over to her blog and see how you can help. It's a charity very close to my heart and I think she's done so well. She's also a very clever crafter....

Sad news

2009-09-07T09:57:00.002+01:00

Had some sad news this morning. Dad rang me at 7am to say sadly my nan passed away last night aged 84. Poor lady had been in hospital for a while and was in a lot of pain, was mentally confused and not very well at all. In a way, it's a relief for her as she's free of pain now and back with grandad. Poor dad is upset, he went to see her in hospital yesterday and she didn't recognise him. He did what he could, so did his sister. RIP nan, we love you xxx

Peace at last....

2009-09-07T09:53:00.002+01:00

I would say it's nice to have the house to myself again after the summer holidays but it actually feels too quiet... Tim went back to school on Thursday and promptly twisted his ankle. Didn't seem too bad and he did go to school on Friday. Emily started in Year 1 today. Seemed a little subdued in the playground but was ok. Some of the mums were getting really upset. But I couldn't cry... not because I'm hard but because I've done it once before so I'm used to it. Plus neither of my kids are the clingy crying type, both were ready for school and enjoyed it. I'm glad about that.

Anyway, once I'm back to "normal" LOL with housework etc I'm going to do some crafting. Not really interested in cards much now but want to do scrapbooking. Have a wedding, an anniversary one and our holiday one to do. Any ideas??

Maelstrom

2009-08-29T00:06:00.000+01:00

http://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/ThrillRides/Maelstrom.aspx

Tim wanted to go on this but I wasn't so sure. Maybe if we go again.....

Stormforce10

2009-08-29T00:05:00.000+01:00

Tim & David went on this..... http://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/ThrillRides/Stormforce.aspx

G-Force

2009-08-29T00:04:00.000+01:00

This is the ride I went on with Tim where we hung upside down. Great fun. http://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/ThrillRides/GForce.aspx

Shockwave

2009-08-29T00:03:00.002+01:00

This is the ride I wanted to go on at Drayton Manor. See what you think. Has anyone been on it? What's it like? http://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/ThrillRides/Shockwave.aspx

Drayton Manor pics

2009-08-28T23:57:00.002+01:00

A couple of nice ones of Tim & Emily at Drayton Manor.

Drayton Manor Pics

2009-08-28T23:48:00.002+01:00

David & Tim went on this and got very wet. It's a water coaster. David was very brave as he doesn't do roller coasters. This one even went backwards down a watersplash!! They loved it. It's good too as it raises money/funds a lifeboat named The Drayton Manor.

This was a fun ride for all of us.

Tim & I queued for about 45 mins to go on this. I was PMSL but he was squealing like a girl. You hung upside down held in only by the middle bar for about 2 seconds on the first corkscrew. It was hilarious.

I wanted to go on their standup roller coaster but Tim wouldn't. He said it's just not right to stand on a rollercoaster. Fraidy Cat!! And David certainly wouldn't. He feels sick on the runaway train at Chessington.

Well worth a visit and not as expensive as Chessington or Thorpe Park.

Quote for the day

2009-08-28T23:43:00.003+01:00

"It doesn't matter where you go in life, what you do, or how much you have, it's who you have beside you!"

(from a plaque I bought in Mallorca - thought it was quite profound. Just going through all the souvenirs we bought but haven't got round to displaying yet!)

Help needed

2009-08-25T00:23:00.002+01:00

Hi all, I'm in need of advice, tips etc. I want to do a scrapbook for mum and dad as it's their 45th wedding anniversary in November. Any ideas of nice papers, embellies etc to use and where to buy them. Personally I prefer to buy rather than download papers so any good online shops you can recommend would be good. I want to get on with it now as I have that one to do, my sister in laws wedding scrapbook from June and our holiday scrapbook from April to do. Have been really bad and not had any mojo for ages. But hopefully once school holidays are over I will have more time and inspiration. Hope you're all ok. hugs Clare x

Another week gone by already

2009-08-15T00:44:00.002+01:00

Hi all, sorry not done any crafting at all this week. Hubby off again this week so we've been doing jobs that needed doing (ie taking junk to the tip - not v exciting!) But I did do some gardening with Tim's help love him. And we had a family day out today. We went to Drayton Manor Park in Staffordshire. It was fab. More about that tomorrow and some pics. Take care. xx

Mega candy

2009-08-11T00:38:00.002+01:00

The very talented Bev is celebrating 400,000 hits (yes 400k!) and has mega candy on offer till 17th August, so pop over for your chance to win. Will post pics tomorrow as my computer is having a sulk.

London Eye

2009-08-10T00:43:00.004+01:00

It was a nice treat to go on the London Eye again (we've all done it at least twice but Emily has never been). But this time it stopped and started a lot more than before and you could really feel it shudder! Not good for people who are claustrophobic or vertigo sufferers!! Also, even with aircon units this time it was so hot. Good views though.

St Pauls' Cathedral - can anyone see the old Bird Woman from Mary Poppins?

Houses of Parliament

Ant people

Emily & Daddy braving vertigo (Daddy really is afraid of heights!)

Tim looking bored, with Emily & daddy being brave!

The Davies 02 Arena!!

2009-08-10T00:27:00.003+01:00

Our rather large tent that we bought at last year's Aldershot Army Show, then jinxed the summer as the weather turned crap. This year though the sun shone all through our lovely weekend camping. Hooray! What do you think? Rather posh eh? Carpet and all!! (I'd just tidied up, it didn't look like that most of the time!! PMSL!!) We bought such a big one (oo err!) as when we used to go camping it rained most of the time and we felt claustrophobic in a small tent! Let's hope the weather is always this nice when we go again!

More of the forest walk

2009-08-10T00:18:00.004+01:00

The New Forest is so beautiful, I'd forgotten how unspoilt it is. So close to home too, only 1hour drive. Must go there more often.

A walk in the forest

2009-08-09T23:54:00.002+01:00

New Forest pics

2009-08-09T23:31:00.002+01:00

Toms Field Campsite, Godshill, New Forest

Mobile pics from London

2009-08-09T18:09:00.006+01:00

Hi all, these are my mobile pics from London. The outdoor ones are ok but the indoor ones are very blurred. I was very high up in the 02 and used the zoom on my phone but obviously it's not very clear. Oh well, thought you might like to look at the small pics anyway. They look better like that.

New Award

2009-08-09T17:42:00.005+01:00

The lovely Karen has given me this award, thanks hun x. The rules say I have to list 5 things I like then pass this onto 5 blogger buddies. So, here goes.....

1. My hubby & kids (love you!)

2. Spending time with my family and friends.

3. Goats cheese fritter with balsamic vinegar dressing, salad & chips (the Fish Inn, Ringwood).

4. The New Forest, I'd forgotten how nice it was till camping there this weekend.

5. My new Mini.

So I'd like to award this to ... Han, Emma, Clare, Joanne & Michele.

Camping in the New Forest

2009-08-09T14:37:00.002+01:00

Well we had a great weekend camping in the New Forest. We bought a massive tent last year at the Aldershot Army Show but only managed one wet night in the garden last year before the summer went to pot. So, a bit nervous about what the weather would be like when we came home from London on Thursday in torrential rain, we loaded up and set off early Friday morning.

Don't laugh, but we needed both cars to take all the stuff and us!! I drove the Mini, it was fab. It took about an hour to get to the campsite. It then took about 3 hours to setup the tent as the ground was very flinty and hard to get pegs in without bending them in half. But when it was finally erect (ooo errr missus!) it was great. We helped the lady in the next pitch setup her tent as her hubby was at work and her kids weren't much help. She was very grateful.

The site was very basic but lovely. Called Toms Field in Godshill, run by Tom & his wife who were very pleasant. The view was fab as we were right next to a huge valley in the forest. Horses were in the field next to us. Emily loved it.

After a sandwich and play around the campsite we went to a lovely pub called The Fish Inn in Ringwood for a fantastic dinner. Then we went back to the tent and slept fairly well.

Emily started the next day badly. She became famous as the girl who fell off the tyre swing into the big mud puddle underneath. She was covered!! Not impressed either. Bless.

It was really hot so we mostly stayed by the tent but did go for a walk then a nice lunch in a pub near the site called the Fighting Cocks in Godshill. Very nice Ploughmans. We also ventured into Fordingbridge for about an hour. After more playing in the campsite we went back to the Fish Inn for another belly full of lovely grub.

We got up early and had breakfast then packed up and arrived home about 1.30 ish. Too short, especially as the weather was lovely, but really nice and relaxing. Will post photos later.

Walking with Dinosaurs Live

2009-08-09T14:30:00.002+01:00

Well what a great day we had in London. It was extremely hot but fun. Got there about 11.00 and queued for tickets to the London Eye. That was great. Emily had never been on before. Then we booked our river cruise tickets. After that we went to Hamleys and spent a fortune on toys. Then had McDonalds before going back to the boat to the 02 Arena. It's much better in there now than when it was the Millennium Dome.

Our seats were almost in the roof but it gave a good view of the dinosaurs. It was very well done. The kids loved it. A little girl behind us made me crease up. She knew all their names and when the brachiosaurus came on she said "yeah it's my favourite!" then when another one came on (can't remember the name of it) she said "oh look, it's a lumposaurus. I was crying with laughter.

It was very well done despite critics slating it. I took loads of pics on my phone but haven't worked out how to download them yet. Will post them when I've sussed it. Well worth going if you can still get tickets. http://www.dinosaurlive.com/funstuff/

Candy

2009-08-05T12:07:00.003+01:00

There's some fab candy up for grabs if you want to take a look on Denise's blog....

http://thecraftyden.blogspot.com/2009/08/its-candy-timeat-last.html

CD recommendation

2009-08-05T11:52:00.003+01:00

I've been listening to this CD called Cradlesong by Rob Thomas for a couple of weeks now and love it. See what you think. This is a video of my favourite track, Snowblind. (Hope this link works!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JcqGHpllD0

So much crafting to do, so little time....

2009-08-05T11:49:00.003+01:00

Hi all, sorry not been around much, but what with the school holidays and everything I've been really busy. Plus I had another stomach bug again last week which laid me up for 2 days. Had loads of dragon orders too which is good. I made a card on Saturday for Emily's friend's birthday but had to go straight to the party and didn't take a picture of it.

Need to make loads of cards, including one for my sister who moved house at the weekend, a wedding scrapbook for David's sister and still haven't done our holiday scrapbooks from Easter!

Going to see Walking with Dinosaurs Live at the 02 tomorrow then camping Friday till Sunday. Maybe next week I'll get some crafty time.

Hope you're all ok. Will do some blog hopping next week too hopefully. TTFN.

Craft Against Cancer Update

2009-07-20T23:37:00.001+01:00

My newfound blogger buddy Michele is doing really well with her Craft Against Cancer Appeal. She's raised £95 so far. She's got some good raffles coming up, for every £5 donated you get entered into the raffle. There are some nice prizes. If you'd like to win, or have a prize to donate pop over to her blog using the Craft Against Cancer button on the right of my blog. It's a cause really close to my heart so please help in any way you can. Thanks for your support.

Teachers presents and cards

2009-07-20T15:02:00.005+01:00

Finally, I've done some crafting...... Hooray. Thought I ought to get my act together since last day of term is on Wednesday. I've made the cards, tags and bag toppers for Emily's teacher and teaching assistant. Hope you like them.

Fridge magnets for both teachers bought from a local gift shop, with bag toppers made from the free papers and die cuts from Issue 60 of Simply Cards & Papercraft.

Beautiful glass bead necklaces bought at a local jewellery party, only £6 each.

Tags for the necklaces and cards for the teacher and teaching assistant made from the same free papers. Extra embellishments, beads and flowers from stash.

OMG

2009-06-25T23:40:00.001+01:00

Michael Jackson is dead, RIP. Although he was very strange he was also very talented, lets not forget that. Poor man had his head messed up from an early age. He will be sorely missed. I loved him and his brothers as Jackson 5, they were part of my growing up.

David's sister's wedding card

2009-06-25T18:01:00.002+01:00

Here's my card I made for the wedding. I finally found my mojo and used papers and embellishments from stash. Hope they like it.

Journey back from Birmingham

2009-06-25T17:18:00.002+01:00

The journey back from Birmingham was a nightmare. Bear in mind, we're all in the Mini as our other car was in the garage. My dad was in the back with me (he's 6ft!). We were dropping him off in Banbury where he and mum had been camping near his mum for the week. But every junction onto/off any motorway was closed so we had to go miles out of the way to get where we wanted. It took 4 hours to do a trip that should only take a max of 2!!! We got in at 2am after the show finished at 10.15. The queue out of the NIA multi-storey carpark was a joke. It took an hour just to get out of there. Don't think we'll go back there. The last time we saw it at NEC was much easier. Oh well, never mind. The dads had a nice time. That was the main thing.

The weekend just gone...

2009-06-25T17:07:00.004+01:00

We went to Birmingham to see Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds in the NIA. We were convinced it was the NEC but when we got there and looked at the tickets we discovered we had to go into the city centre at 6pm on Friday night, across spaghetti junction. Oops. Not fun. But the show was fab. We took my dad and David's dad, for birthday and Christmas presents. We had fab seats, about 10 rows from the front. It was very loud. The music is fantastic.

For those who haven't heard of the musical (and there are some who haven't) visit http://www.thewaroftheworlds.com/ Jeff Wayne is a genius. He took the famous HG Wells story and wrote music to suit. The film on a giant screen behind the orchestra and full band in Victorian dress is taken from his original 30 year old album art, bought to life. Richard Burton's holographic image is shown narrating the story. The original in the 70s had people like David Essex, Julie Covington and Phil Lynott in parts. Justin Hayward was in the original and sings on stage live now. He's fab. All those who have live singing parts are excellent. The best bit is a full size Martian tripod that comes down from the ceiling, complete with heatray! We got a fab pic last time on my mobile. Not bad eh?

If you ever get the chance, go and see it. You'll either love it or hate it, but if you love it you'll love it forever.

Now I'm feeling better ....

2009-06-25T17:02:00.002+01:00

Now I'm feeling better I can tell you more about our weekends with our new Mini. It's a beautiful car. We did have a nice ride to Littlehampton, although we didn't stay long. We go down quieter country A roads rather than motorway which is great with the top down. Emily thought it was hilarious. Her hair, at one point before I tied it back, was vertical in the wind. Being in the back is definitely more windy!! Trouble is, if you want wind deflectors you can't get them for the back passengers. They only do them for the front passenger and driver, but the whole thing sits across the back seats!! So we didn't bother getting one. In the front you don't feel as windswept. The heated seats are lovely! Anyway, we did that then on the Sunday (after we thought that was the end of Emily being ill!) we went to David's sister's wedding. It was beautiful. Then of course, poor Emily was poorly with her gastroenteritis.

Thank you everyone

2009-06-25T09:41:00.002+01:00

Thank you to everyone who sent me (and Emily) get well wishes. It really has meant a lot. I've felt really awful. The last 2 odd weeks have been really difficult with Emily being ill, then the stomach bug has wiped the floor with me this week. Felt like a worn out dishrag.

It hasn't helped that I've had some really nasty customers on my dragon website who are totally unfeeling and uncaring that I've been unable to process their orders. That really upset me. So all of you have made up for their nastiness. Thank you. You're lovely people.

I promise to catch up on blog hopping soon.

Thanks

2009-06-24T15:54:00.001+01:00

Thanks to everyone who took part in my blogoversary draw. Sorry for those who didn't win. Sorry for the delay in posting the winner, haven't even bought all the winnings yet what with all the illness at home. Thanks to everyone who wished both me and Emily well. It's helped knowing people care. Will post more when fully recovered. Can't sit at the computer for more than 15 mins without feeling dizzy yet.

and the winner is..... finally.......

2009-06-24T15:51:00.003+01:00

Susan from http://soozplace.blogspot.com/

Congrats hun, well done. Sorry it's late. I've been ill with gastroenteritis. If you can email me your address I will post your winnings soon.

Please bear in mind though that I still haven't bought all of it yet as I've had an awful 3 weeks, see previous posts. I will buy and post ASAP. Hope it's worth the wait.

sorry

2009-06-23T18:51:00.001+01:00

hi all, sorry not been around to draw the winner but have had this horrible stomach bug that emily had. been in the bathroom most of the last 2 days. now just have headache like someone's bashed me with a large plank. will draw tomorrow honest.

1st blogoversary / 7000 hits giveaway.

2009-06-22T10:00:00.001+01:00

This is just a taster of what will be on offer for my 1st blogoversary on 20th June /almost 7000 hits giveaway. I've not been able to get to the shops this week as my little girl has been home with an upset tummy (which I had at the weekend!) Say no more!

These papers are from the Papermania Signature Blueberry Hill pack. I will be offering an A5 pad of 48 sheets of this paper and some coordinating goodies when I can get to the shops.

This is another part of the giveaway. I made this last night. I bought some A5 notebooks and decided to have a go at covering one to see how it turned out. I think it's nice so decided to add it to the candy.

All you have to do is leave a comment here with a link to a post on your blog about my giveaway. It will be open until 10am on 22nd June as I'll be out the whole weekend. We're going to see Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds at NIA Birmingham on 19th and then to hubby's work's 100th anniversary party on 20th so will be busy/hungover that weekend. LOL!

Good luck, enjoy the giveaway.

Wedding Anniversary

2009-06-16T23:19:00.001+01:00

OMG, it was our 19th wedding anniversary today and we completely forgot. What with getting the new car and Emily being poorly we just didn't think about it. Our parents sent cards, bless them. Oh well....

Poor Emily

2009-06-16T15:01:00.002+01:00

My poor little girl really isn't well. She's now got gastroenteritis. So my blog candy draw will probably be postponed. Watch this space for details.

Poor Emily

2009-06-14T13:44:00.001+01:00

Poor old Emily is really having a week this week. She's got an upset tummy now poor kid. We're gonna try to put in an appearance at the wedding but won't stay long. She's not been ill since about 5am so hopefully that's the end now. She's just eaten a piece of toast and so far it's stayed down so let's hope she's on the mend, poor little girl.

Yay, got my sexy car

2009-06-13T20:18:00.004+01:00

Well, after weeks of going on and on about it, here it is.... Finally, took some convincing the bank by phone that we weren't making a fraudulent transaction. Stupid twits put a block on the account till we spoke to them. Had to go and get a bankers draft instead, how embarrassing. Went to say thanks to mum and dad this morning, after all, they bought it. Then went to Littlehampton for the afternoon. Great fun, very windy in the back but excellent. Funky black fabric & red leather seats and red trim to match. What a hot little number. What do you think? We're going to the wedding in it tomorrow. Better not out-shine the bride though!!

need some inspiration

2009-06-12T13:55:00.003+01:00

It's my sister in laws wedding on Sunday and I still haven't made a card yet. I'm lacking inspiration, can anyone help?

Candy update

2009-06-12T10:41:00.003+01:00

Well I did promise another prize to add to my blogoversary candy giveaway if I reached 7500 hits. It's over 7600 now WOOO HOOO. I promise I will add something to the candy stash.

Sorry but I've still not been able to get to the craft shop to buy the candy bits. I promise I will on Monday. As you know Emily's been in hospital and is off school for the rest of this week, and without a car it's almost impossible. So, since I'm getting a car tomorrow, and hopefully Emily is going to be well enough to go to school again on Monday, I will get to the craft shop.

I will add another piece of candy if I reach 8000 hits by the time the draw is due to take place. So keep passing on the message and the more bloggers who visit the candy, the more chance there is for another goodie.

Mini sorted - woo hoo

2009-06-10T18:44:00.003+01:00

Mum and dad transferred the money to our account today so we can collect the new Mini on Saturday for sure. We tried to pay it in by cheque but the bank doesn't express cheques anymore so it would have taken till next Tuesday to clear. Blooming stupid in this day and age of electronic payments through Paypal etc. Since we'd arranged insurance from Saturday this would have messed things up so I rang mum from the hospital and asked dad to wire transfer it. It's sorted so we'll go to the Mini garage on Saturday morning. Yipee, so will post pics as soon as I can.

Emily's been in hospital

2009-06-10T18:25:00.002+01:00

Hi all, sorry I've been absent. Emily's been in hospital for the last 2 days. She had a cold since Sunday and went to school ok Monday. Monday night she wasn't coping well with her asthma and inhalers weren't working.

By 11am Tuesday I knew she needed a nebuliser at the doctors. That in itself without a car is hard thing to accomplish. I managed to get a cab within 15 mins of speaking to the doctors surgery who said come down straight away. By the time we got there she was in a bad way. They got her on the nebuliser and monitored her heart rate and oxygen levels. These were really low and she fell asleep, which freaked them out.

So they called an ambulance and it went from there. We were taken to the Resus Unit at A&E and eventually got taken to the children's ward about 3pm yesterday. It was very scary but I felt I handled it very well, I didn't cry or get hysterical. I did ring David who came bombing back from work very quickly.

She was on continuous oxygen for the rest of the evening and nebulisers every 3 hours last night. We did manage to get some sleep. If you can call it sleep in a busy children's ward with all things going on all night, in a 3ft wide child's length bed meant for a child alone, not one with an adult in it as well! But she did sleep and was ok. She needed some more oxygen for about 10 mins this morning and nebulisers/steroid tablets/antibiotics all day. But, thankfully, she's ok and we're home now.

So, sorry I've not been around but have been rather busy.

Mini

2009-06-08T13:40:00.001+01:00

Well mum and dad rang this morning to say the money is through and we can collect ours from them today. So if we pay the money in tomorrow and it's cleared through the account we should be able to drive away our new Mini on Saturday. Wooo hooo...... so excited. Will be able to drive it to hubby's sister's wedding on Sunday with luck. Yipee

Awards

2009-06-06T14:58:00.010+01:00

My new found blogger buddy Michelle has nominated me for the following awards for my raising awareness of the Royal Marsden Hospital, which as you all know is where my son was treated in 2002. Thanks hun. Pop over to her blog for a look, she's a very clever lady. I will work out who to award them to a bit later today. Watch this space.......

7/6/09 Ok I decided who to give them to so here goes. If anyone else would like to take these awards but your name is not on the list please help yourself but link back to me. Thanks.

I'm so excited

2009-06-05T12:17:00.003+01:00

I'm so excited. I've just booked tickets to see Walking with Dinosaurs Live at the O2 in August. Can't wait. Looks fab, go to the link below to see for yourself. They've recreated 15 full sized dinosaurs that move round the arena. Sort of Jurassic Park but real. Looks brilliant. Quite expensive but what an experience.

http://www.dinosaurlive.com/funstuff/

I was just telling Emily last night that we must visit the Natural History Museum to see the dinosaur bones. We were reading Megs Eggs about dinosaurs (from Meg & Mog) at bedtime and she was full of questions. Then hubby sent me this link from work today and I thought, even after 19 years of marriage, we are still on the same wavelength.

Shopping list magnet

2009-06-04T14:10:00.002+01:00

I made this using the tag magnet kit from my winnings. I decided to give it to my friends who are moving next week as a house warming gift. It was really easy and looks very professional, even tho I made it!! LOL.

New home card

2009-06-04T14:08:00.001+01:00

I made this card from the retro papers I received in my winnings yesterday. I made it for my friends who are moving within the next week to a brand new house. Lucky things. The card is ok but I think something is missing. Any tips would be great.

Massive candy giveaway

2009-06-03T21:59:00.002+01:00

There's a huge giveaway at Melissa's blog so pop over to see the fab goodies you could win. These are a couple of the bits. She's being extremely generous!! Good luck.

7400 hits OMG

2009-06-03T13:22:00.001+01:00

OMG I've just seen my hit counter. It's over 7,400 hits already. Can't believe it! I will have to get to the shops and buy the candy and add something else when it reaches 7,500.

Look what postie brought this morning

2009-06-03T12:47:00.006+01:00

My goodies arrived from winning the guess the brads competition at Dottie's World. They're fab. I'm so pleased with them. Can't wait to get creative now.

This is what was in my parcel:

K&Co Amy Butler Ribbon

Stickles Frosted Lace

Jennifer O'Meara Red Gerbera Stamp

Imaginisce For Peeps Sake Ribbon & Bloom Kit

K&Co Tag Magnet Kit

K&Co Brenda Walton Memory Pockets

Vintage Travel Tag & Sticker Kit

Paper Pizazz 8x8" Retro Papers, Alphabets, Borders, Tags & Art for scrapbooking

I AM SO EXCITED!!! Thanks to everyone at Dottie's World.

Fab film

2009-06-03T12:40:00.003+01:00

OMG I've just watched a fab film. Yes I know I should be doing something constructive like making a card or housework etc. But don't you ever get the days when you feel like doing something just for yourself? So I thought, what the heck...

I bought it because it has Mr Hunk himself James Purefoy (should be called Purejoy!) in it (don't laugh!) but he's so gorgeous. I sound like a sad person who has no life! LOL! It's a Brit film with loads of my fave actors in, Joely Richardson, Hugh Lawrie, Joanna Lumley, Dawn French, Rowan Atkinson, Emma Thompson. Written by Ben Elton. It's called Maybe Baby. Anyone seen it? It's meant to be a comedy but actually is quite sad about a couple trying for a baby.

Anyway, just thought I'd share my thoughts about it. Worth watching. And of course, he's in it!! CORRRR!!

Brilliant blog

2009-06-01T23:53:00.001+01:00

The very talented Michelle created a fab Babushka doll card on her blog from chocolate coin wrappers. You must pop over for a look. It's great. I love it.

I won I won I won I'm so excited

2009-06-01T10:58:00.003+01:00

Yipeeee. I won the guess the brads competition at Dottie's World with my guess of 287!! Look what I won...... What a way to start the week, woooo hoooo! Thanks to the lovely ladies at Dottie's World, can't wait!!!

Gorjuss images

2009-05-29T12:35:00.002+01:00

My newfound blogger buddy Sarah sent my images that I won in her name the gorjuss girls 2 competition a couple of weeks ago and postie brought them today. I love them, they're just gorjuss!! Thanks hun. I don't know what their proper names are but they're so cute.

Another Dottie competition

2009-05-28T14:40:00.003+01:00

Another fab competition at Dottie's World this time it's guess the brads. Pop over for a chance to win. Ends this Saturday at 9pm.

some new cards

2009-05-28T14:34:00.003+01:00

I made these cards last night with my goodie bag I bought in February at the http://www.craftworkcards.co.uk/ stand at Make It Show in Farnborough. Hope you like them.

The thank you card was made for a friend who's house we've been to for lunch today. She's a teaching assistant in Emily's class and all her friends were there to play. It was great fun. Thanks for looking.

Notebook for Sharon

2009-05-27T13:36:00.004+01:00

I made this notebook for my best friend who lives in Florida. I coloured the image given to me by the lovely Clare. It's just gorjuss. I've used my fave papers from Papermania Signature Blueberry Hill and other bits from stash. The sentiment I made on the computer. Hope she likes it.

Lovely bag and charm

2009-05-27T13:31:00.003+01:00

Hi all, I forgot to post about my lovely bag I bought in the market at Puerto Pollenca on holiday in Mallorca. (Seems ages ago now!) It was just hanging there on the stall waiting for me. I loved it straight away. I have a thing for lilac! It's so soft, and although it's not leather it feels like it. And it cost only 12 euros which was great. Just wish I'd bought more.

Anyway, my jewellery making sister bought me these fab big purple beads for my birthday and I've made a bag charm for the bag. I'm just waiting for her to give me a big claw that can replace the green string and attach it properly to my bag. I know it's not the prettiest thing but I like it.

sorry not been around today....

2009-05-26T22:25:00.001+01:00

....had a really bad migraine and slept most of the day, so no crafting done. Bit difficult with pain behind my eyes and dark glasses on! Be back tomorrow.

Dottie's World challenges

2009-05-26T00:12:00.004+01:00

The lovely ladies at Dottie's World are having lots of challenges for their anniversary so why not pop over for a look and chances to win some fab prizes. I've entered the guess the number of buttons challenge.

Yipee .....

2009-05-22T22:38:00.003+01:00

..... we've decided to go to Littlehampton for the day tomorrow. Wooo hooo. We'll have fun at the funfair with Emily and on the beach. She'll have a good day.

Tim doesn't want to go with us which is a shame. He's getting to the age where it's not cool to go out with mum and dad. Oh well, have to let him go and trust he'll be sensible. Trust works both ways and is only as good as how much we trust each other. He's going to the local town with his friends, male and female, so we hope he'll be good. We trust him. He's been through so much he knows the value of life.

Hope you all have a good long weekend. Hugs Clare x

Blog candy ends 31 May

2009-05-22T17:00:00.001+01:00

The lovely Moni is having a candy to celebrate her birthday last Sunday. The draw ends on 31st May. Pop over to her blog for a look.

Look what postie bought me

2009-05-21T14:38:00.002+01:00

My lovely mate Clare sent me these for my birthday. I love the card she made for me, it's beautiful, me to a T. She also sent one for my daughter Emily. Bless her. Look at the goodies she sent with the cards.... naughty girl, but nice too. Thanks hun, hugs Clare x

Fantastic giveaway

2009-05-20T15:03:00.005+01:00

The lovely Melissa is having a fab giveaway, so why not pop over to her blog for a look and your chance to win. When she reaches 200 comments she's going to add to the candy.

Another part of the giveaway

2009-05-20T11:11:00.004+01:00

Another part of the blogoversary giveaway. I bought some A5 notebooks from work last night and decided to have a go at covering one. I think it turned out quite nicely, so I decided to add it to the giveaway. Think I'll do some more. They look quite effective don't they? If you want a chance to win the giveaway goodies please leave a comment on the main post dated 22/06/09 not here. Thanks.

Help please

2009-05-19T11:23:00.002+01:00

I've always wondered how you do that thing with text that directly links to someone's blog eg "Emma" that goes to my friend's blog when you click on her name. How do you do that? Can someone help me please it's driving me crazy LOL as I'm sure it's easy when you know how. :-(

Just Magnolia Challenge

2009-05-19T10:40:00.006+01:00

I made this card for my best friend who lives in Florida. It's her birthday on Tuesday. Hope it gets there in time. We went to school together and our birthdays are 10 days apart. Even though it's over 25 years since we left school we still keep in touch. We see each other every few years but it's not enough.

I decided to enter a challenge, which I've not done for a long time. It's the http://www.justmagnolia.blogspot.com/ challenge. This week is a sketch.

I used the Papermania Signature Blueberry Hill papers, with flowers and gems from stash. The image is one lovely Emma sent me (craftyemma) and I've coloured it with watercolour pencils. Thanks for looking.

guess what?

2009-05-16T21:00:00.002+01:00

I won the gorjuss giveaway over at www.cardoasis.blogspot.com so will be getting some lovely stamped images, thanks Sarah.