tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191084602012-01-31T23:56:29.459ZClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.comBlogger2831100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-64508033339269221282012-01-31T23:55:00.001Z2012-01-31T23:56:29.466Z

I have not blogged for such a long time. I'm just a bit rubbish. Here's a short update! I finished C25k and can run for 30 mins. Nanas house sold quite quickly, and as soon as we knew we had a buyer, we went out looking for a house for us, which we found and put an offer on in November. I started a new zumba class with my old friend Wendy, taken by the lovely Anna, and am once again addicted and

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-59262716895895502472011-09-27T16:20:00.000+01:002011-09-27T16:20:49.793+01:00

well I started week 8 of C25k yesterday. 3 sessions of running 28 mins continuous, with 5 mins warm up/warm down....I am a little amazed to say, I did it! not 'easy' - first 14 mins were faster than the second 14 mins - and by the time the voice told me I had 5 more mins to go I was hanging on for the end - but I did it - all of it - no stopping. And it felt great :D and thats all I have to say

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-43606143138480813322011-09-23T13:56:00.000+01:002011-09-23T13:56:57.629+01:00

well, not quite 'away' - but I figured it must be getting very boring, my constant running posts and not much of anything else posts - and so stopped posting. For a bit. Now, its catch up time. So last time I had completed W6.1 of the Couch to 5K running plan and was looking forward to doing 6.2. Week 6 is a blur now - I remember I did it and I have the logs on Nike+ showing me that it was

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-85083853455491830572011-09-12T17:17:00.003+01:002011-09-12T17:37:30.222+01:00

I'm bored with running titles now.... (OK OK I'm brain dead and cant think of one - plus it's VERY windy.... ) So today I was supposed to be running C25K W6.1. I say supposed to be, because I haven't run today. BUT!! I'm not skipping a day, oh no. I'm not letting as little thing like a hurricane stop me from completing my planned run. I did it YESTERDAY instead. The weather man was kind enough

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-51805169240377985592011-09-09T16:32:00.000+01:002011-09-09T16:33:01.696+01:00

Forgive me for the lack of posts! I know I was away on holiday so can be excused that week- but we have been home a week since and I seem to have been so busy with back to school and back to work I just haven't gotten round to posting. Today I want to share my continuing running journal, and then over the weekend I will upload some holiday pics and info. So - as we jetted off on holiday I had

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-47698250558255970452011-08-22T23:13:00.000+01:002011-08-22T23:13:19.293+01:00

Well it certainly feels like I am. Week 4 days 2 and 3 both done but boy it was hard. Day 2 was easier than day 3. I did day 2 on Saturday, got up and out early as we had an appointment with the estate agent at 10.30am over in Ashington to get Nanas house on the market. I had much the same time as with day one - the first 3 mins was hard, the next 5 and 3 were not too bad, and then the final 5 I

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-54138025518010389702011-08-18T17:38:00.000+01:002011-08-18T17:39:41.761+01:00

but not right now, I'm hard pushed to walk let alone run at this moment in time. That's because today I did week 4 day 1 of C25K....... oh deary me. The voice told me as I was warming up that 'this is where it gets serious' - no kidding?! I have had quite an easy run (pun intended) so far and not really struggled with the program. Well I struggled today. I did it! but I struggled. Week 4

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-49965173280517220212011-08-16T14:24:00.002+01:002011-08-16T14:27:34.715+01:00

you can't catch me.... well actually you probably could. And overtake. My running pace is only slighter faster than my walking pace. Well at the start - by the end it is considerably slower. In fact little old ladies with walking sticks could probably walk faster than me running by the end of a session. So - week 3.2 AND week 3.3 done. I ran 3.2 on Sunday morning and 3.3 this morning. Pretty

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-80467949375692643872011-08-13T09:43:00.001+01:002011-08-13T09:43:00.404+01:00

Still very much in love with my pens. Did a few more colourings in this week -  not entirely satisfied with my results but I can see improvement and I'm just loving doing it. my faves of those 5 are: Ruby on her swing - shes a Gorjuss girl - i love these stamps they are so sweet without being too cutesy and twee. And also this one which is on SU! cardstock - the first time I

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-83912751366719988482011-08-12T16:03:00.001+01:002011-08-12T16:23:07.496+01:00

This running journey of mine seems to be taking over my life a little bit. I am still finding it hard to believe that I'm actually enjoying it, or that I can actually run. But I am, and I can. I have accelerated the program sightly as I need to be finished week 4 by the time we go off on hols, so between now and then I'm running every other day. I'm still getting the rest day between runs, but

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-64904497921597088872011-08-10T23:03:00.000+01:002011-08-11T00:03:19.104+01:00

well not for my LIFE exactly but for the safety of my ankles.... got yapped and lunged at by a small dog while out running today and got such a fright I ran on an extra 30 seconds past my 90 second time!! Adrenalin, works wonders on tired legs. What is it with these small dogs - is there such a thing as small dog syndrome? do they have to try and kill/maim/fight/chase/hump everything they see

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-76123055271430725762011-08-09T23:56:00.001+01:002011-08-09T23:57:00.318+01:00

*sigh*  I apologise - but it can only get worse.... So - Here we are in week 2 with session number 2. I actually did this run on Monday morning but what with one thing and another haven't got round to sharing it till now. I went out nice and early, about 8.30am. Tom and I were off out for the day with friends so had to get out and run, back, bathed, breakfasted and ready before 11am. This run

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-28362284893959593832011-08-07T18:52:00.001+01:002011-08-11T00:04:45.042+01:00

As promised here is the list of Spectrum noir pens that are compatible with Stampin' Up! colours. its a PDF document. I have listed the 'best match' which is the colour that goes best with the cardstock colour rather than the ink or pen colour - the ink colours tend to be slightly darker I find, and if you are colouring in an image to layer onto paper or cardstock then its more likely you will

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-19504935815859761812011-08-06T16:17:00.001+01:002011-08-06T16:17:58.652+01:00

It's absolutely bucketing down today. Luckily I did see the forecast yesterday so was prepared for the rain and went for my run session after breakfast time at about 9.30am. and was back home and in the bath before the rain started. I know the time will come when I have no choice but to venture out in the rain to run - but I'd rather avoid it as much as possible. So - week 2 of C25K began today

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-76617490317207741092011-08-04T16:39:00.002+01:002011-08-04T17:22:58.033+01:00

I haven't blogged anything crafty for such a long time. The main reason for that is I haven't done anything crafty for such a long time other than the odd card here and there... So let me tell you about my new pens! They are called Spectrum Noir, they are alcohol based markers  - so like a copic or promarker -  developed by a crafter, for crafters, right here in the UK. One end is a bullet tip

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-67238797644416109072011-08-04T15:58:00.004+01:002011-08-06T16:17:58.660+01:00

*wonder how many run related blog titles I can come up with before having to reuse some*..... anyway - Hello! its me again. The runner. The person who runs. For fun. Today I did W1.3 (see - I'm learning the correct terminology for the sessions now as well) and that's me completed week 1 with a smile on my face. I'm still both amazed and delighted at how much I enjoyed it this week . A little

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-73747497943338227302011-08-01T22:47:00.003+01:002011-08-06T16:17:58.668+01:00

This is something I never thought I would say - ever - in a million years..... I have started running. And here is a second statement that I would have bet indecent sums of money on never passing my lips. I ENJOY IT! OK - before I get too carried away - here are the facts: I have ran twice. I have enjoyed both times (despite the second time being something of a catalogue of errors...) I am

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-69864629192493851562011-07-30T12:00:00.000+01:002011-07-30T12:00:04.547+01:00

That was the setting for the very first Creative heArt and soul retreat in early May this year. Im not exaggerating any when I say it was a fabulous venue, the most wonderful house I think I've been in. Because it is a house, a manor house, or hall yes, but not a massive one, just big enough. The weekend was wonderful, the food was fabulous, the company was just right - we had a very lovely time.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-75047037526592957772011-07-28T12:00:00.000+01:002011-07-28T12:00:15.103+01:00

So, here's a little update of life a la Broons. Thomas left primary school last Thursday and will be going to secondary in September. My wee man all grown up. we went to Bristol to visit friends in the Spring half term and had a lovely few days including a visit to Weston Super Mare. and I went to Otterburn to teach at the very first Creative heart and soul retreat - which

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1Broadway Cir, Blyth, Northumberland NE24 2, UK55.12285809718051 -1.515426635742187555.11831809718051 -1.5252971357421874 55.12739809718051 -1.5055561357421876tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-83887525114373955162011-07-26T11:57:00.004+01:002011-07-26T12:01:22.398+01:00

Its not that I don't want to blog, it's just there are other things in my life that need done before blogging. Priorities. That's all. Anyway - Confucius say: It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop. and that is now my mantra for 2011 for many reasons 2 of which I will share.  My weight loss journey is achingly slow - since 31st Jan I have lost 1 st 1/2lb - thats an

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-58289194413718450552011-05-04T14:02:00.000+01:002011-05-04T14:02:09.926+01:00

its been quite a while since I posted, many things have been happening. My Nana, who (as you know if you have read my blog previously) had been poorly for a while and was in Blyth hospital recovering from pneumonia, became quite ill and on 19th March was moved back to Wansbeck general hospital, where she died 4 days later after a very distressing last 24 hours. I was called by the nurses at 11pm

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-66227421096501310832011-03-07T22:07:00.001Z2011-03-07T22:14:43.746Z

In an effort to make blogging actually happen (lack of it lately despite the good intentions) I have downloaded a blogger app for my phone. .. lets see if it helps! I am posting from it now. Have to say its a little faffy but at least I can use it when I have time and not just when I have time and access to the laptop! Goodnight for now x

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-68738507416460751152011-02-15T22:06:00.001Z2011-02-15T22:08:29.115Z

Nella Lasts War: The diaries of 'Housewife 49' - read.Band of Brothers - Stephen E. Ambrose - read.Halfway To Hollywood: Diaries 1980 to 1988 - Michael Palin - readFleshmarket Close - Ian Rankin - reading now.Robbie - Sean SmithEat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything - Elizabeth GilbertThe Help - Katherine Stocketta little update! Halfway to Hollywood took a very long time to read. And

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-57571695544479191882011-01-20T17:18:00.002Z2011-01-20T17:24:23.705Z

I love making 'ready to fill' albums for babies and weddings, they are a unique gift for a happy couple or new parents. I tend to keep them simple and classic rather than go OTT like I might do for myself though as peoples tastes vary so much. This is one I made for our friends baby born just before Christmas, its a 'month by month' book for a photo taken every month on 23rd to chart his growth

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-4031513296047746412011-01-13T13:44:00.002Z2011-01-13T13:49:14.614Z

Just a quick update on the Jan to March books list, 2 now ticked off and 3rd one on the go. Nella Lasts War: The diaries of 'Housewife 49' - read.Band of Brothers - Stephen E. Ambrose - read.Halfway To Hollywood: Diaries 1980 to 1988 - Michael Palin - currently reading.Robbie - Sean SmithEat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything - Elizabeth GilbertThe Help - Katherine StockettI really

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-82844205377700304642011-01-11T15:45:00.006Z2011-01-11T15:57:42.481Z

All the ones....onety one one one.....erm, yes. So this must be an auspicious day with a date like this. Eleven is considered a very special and lucky number in numerology - so today must be doubly blessed.Well its good for me as I finished layout number 2 in my 50 in 52 self challenge.Its a photo of Ann (Freeman) and myself on our journey from Stansted airport to Stoke-by-Nayland hotel. We were

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-5441927748572860372011-01-07T14:47:00.001Z2011-01-07T14:48:40.410Z

One of my personal goals for 2011 is to read at least one new book a month. I have a terrible habbit of re-reading books that I love and enjoy (mostly Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Tom Holt, Jilly Cooper, Ian Rankin ones and lots of biographys) which is fine but not expanding my knowledge in any way. I read lots. I could read a lot more but try and do other things while I'm upright like

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-4237097147816213392011-01-06T15:47:00.004Z2011-01-06T16:00:38.878Z

I'm back! at last! it's been a busy old time over the holidays and despite all my good intentions I just did not find time for blogging. My Nana is still in hospital and not well at all, but she is being looked after in the best place. We have spent a lot of the holidays visiting her as she was here in Blyth community hospital for a while before being taken back to Wansbeck, and then to North

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-49688921213120290212010-12-11T17:29:00.002Z2010-12-11T17:30:06.439Z

Have had a busy few weeks with my Nana being poorly again (the pneumonia is flaring up again) so posts have been rather thin on the ground here - and then on Thursday I managed to slip on the ice while walking over to work and though I didn't fall, I bashed my hand against the wall trying to catch myself and ended up spending most of Friday in A&E. Soft tissue damage they say, but my goodness its

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-58398441058595619862010-12-03T20:45:00.000Z2010-12-03T20:45:47.756Z

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat! Over on the Chicken Soup blog we are doing 12 days of Christmas from 1st - 12th Dec - pop over and have a look at what the team have come up with! These are my contributions to day 1 and day 2: An advent calendar made from 24 small 'sour cream' sachets, filled with a jelly sweet in each sachet. Some handmade Christmas cards. And these are

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-35661527204124850692010-12-03T12:00:00.007Z2010-12-03T13:16:39.513Z

Not really - but everyone else seems to be using that excuse so I didn't want to feel left out. In this very cold weather - a night in with friends, some food, a gossip and a few drinks is just what the doctor ordered! Choose 5 famous folks you would like to have in your circle of best friends. I'm not one for celebrity watching and celeb gossip mags etc, but there are a few well known people I

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-85722153254720020572010-11-28T16:30:00.000Z2010-11-28T16:30:47.123Z

Gosh - recipe 22 already - last one before our Christmas special (running 1st to 12th Dec) and then we are having a short break till the new year! The image this week was a photo of Christines taken on holiday in Turkey - very yummy!  I created a card based on the image - not really sure how I ended up with the card that i did - the only bit that seems anyway inspired by the image is the spiral

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-24835120496171866462010-11-26T10:00:00.044Z2010-11-26T16:26:50.702Z

Dogs or Cats Tell me 5 names of of pets you have had, pets you would like, or pets you are going to have! I've had quite a few cats in my life, Cindy was the first, she lived with my Nana as I wasn't allowed pets at home. When I moved out and began living on my own I aquired 2 cats quite quickly! Sarah was a stray, pure white and very prim and proper (hence the name Sarah!) but a bit of a

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-27117665916644954972010-11-19T10:00:00.001Z2010-11-19T10:00:03.631Z

Due to unforseen circumstances todays post is very short|! Just the topic - and I will share my answers tomorrow when I get a minute to blog.  Backchat! What things do you hear yourself saying that you never thought you would hear come out of your mouth? things a parent or a grand parent used to say, old sayings or or cliches that you vowed would never cross your lips - but have?

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-67181664682753955422010-11-15T12:47:00.001Z2010-11-15T12:47:43.414Z

This weeks recipe is a very yummy image indeed - and open to lots of interpretation as you can see for the many varied projects the team came up with!!As soon as I saw the image I was immediately inspired to get inky and make a graduated background, but although I knew that was where I wanted to start, I wasn't sure what else I was going to do! That is until a new set of stamps arrived from

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-89595818017031322842010-11-12T10:00:00.002Z2010-11-12T10:00:10.113Z

 This Friday we are going Tennertastic! I want to know 5 bargain buys for a tenner or less.Anything goes! 1. Empire Cinema 3d movie ticket - £8.95. Book online and get a free upgrade to premium seating too! 2. M&S night in - 2 main courses, 2 puds and a bottle of wine - all for a tenner! 3. Joe Bloggs weekend bag - £9.99 4. Toy Story 3 DVD from Amazon - £9.97 5. Nerd do well - Simon Pegg

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-23110846104509703392010-11-10T10:37:00.000Z2010-11-10T10:37:54.317Z

These are the example pieces I created for my classes at ATDML Nov retreat. I taught 3 classes, a layout, a home decor class and a minibook. My Layout class using fancy pants Happy Together range - in which we made the spiral flowers and the paper tree. My home decor class - this time a shadow box frame made from foam board and 7gypsies papers and embellies and some Tim Holtz metal bits.  

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-84153664363628788192010-11-09T12:50:00.000Z2010-11-09T12:50:22.686Z

As I have mentioned before, a couple of months ago I was asked by some of the girls I crop with to join their team on UKS. It's been a while since I was on a team, or on UKS!! but I thought - why not! so I did - and this week its our teams turn to set the team challenge. This is my layout I did as an example for the team challenge: You can find the thread here on UKS with the details of the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-30117816461475696132010-11-08T15:54:00.005Z2010-11-10T10:46:30.280Z

no not Christmas - the ATDML retreat weekend! Once again I was teaching for Mel and Jill and so got to spend the whole weekend in great company, see lots of friends, make some new ones and generally have a fabulous time. My fellow teachers were Debbie, Mel, Ann (also my fellow chicken soupers) and Suzanne Torr, a ATDML design team member and also a good friend. These are just a few of my own

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-40638823398363116632010-11-05T10:00:00.005Z2010-11-05T10:00:07.045Z

Inspired by the release of the remastered 'Band on the Run' album from Wings, this weeks topic is: 5 favourite Beatles songs  any song written and/or performed by any of the fab four, either together or solo (Its still a song by a Beatle after all!) or in collaboration with another artist, or a classic as covered by someone else. There is an extensive back catalogue from all four Beatles, so

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-72911039950646237132010-11-03T12:37:00.002Z2010-11-03T12:51:07.667Z

On Friday 3rd November 2000 at 5pm in St. Cuthbert's Church in Blyth, Pete and I were married. 10 years ago today! We chose a teatime wedding for a few reasons - it was different, it was simple, it wasn't such a long day and it was a bit less expensive as it meant only hiring the venue (The Grand Hotel, Tynemouth) for the evening instead of the whole day - it was a wedding on a budget but non the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-74813811433871797872010-10-29T10:00:00.003+01:002010-10-29T11:31:04.812+01:00

As Halloween is very soon - typically a time of tradition i.e. carving a pumpkin, dressing up, trick or treating - today lets talk about traditions.What traditions do you follow? are they personal ones, family ones, regional or national? at work? school? do you have a favourite tradition you look forward to more than anything else?I'm not one for following traditions if I'm honest - we rarely

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-53467416771055546642010-10-26T14:00:00.000+01:002010-10-26T14:00:35.645+01:00

Recipe can be found here on the blog - this week is a piece of costume jewellery from Accessorize. I used the colours, the clock and the heart charms as inspiration to create a DL size card:  I masked off the large clock image and stamped the cogs so they appeared behind the main image,  and also rolled the music notes wheel in the corners to create background. Using 2 small circle punches I

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-28467598316122837952010-10-22T10:00:00.001+01:002010-10-22T10:00:04.306+01:00

Todays topic is one very close to my heart - or possibly my hips.... Comfort food! 5 foods you love to eat when you are feeling a bit under par, whether that be a bit down, a bit poorly or just a bit cheesed off! I'm a BIG believer in comfort - I love food and a good meal is always going to cheer me up, and the fact is there are certain things being more comforting than others! 1. Hot

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-82696782656223226032010-10-18T14:00:00.000+01:002010-10-18T14:00:06.675+01:00

This weeks recipe was one of my photo's I took in Rome last year, while on our first cruise on Destiny. It was in one of the little streets somewhere near Piazza Navona. I took the photo because I liked the shapes and colours of the sign and the wall and the distressed look, and I had a mind to use it for inspiration for something - and so when I came across it when looking for a different photo

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-43179817514448538862010-10-15T10:00:00.006+01:002010-10-17T13:54:00.600+01:00

Friday again! not sure if its just me but the weeks seem to be going very quickly right now - could be the shorter days, winter does seem quicker when its dark most of the time I guess! Todays topic: of late I seem to post on twitter or facebook a lot about an advert thats caught my eye - I have no idea if this means ad companies are getting better, or if I'm just noticing adverts more!! but

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-54038081990874400182010-10-08T10:00:00.010+01:002010-10-12T13:37:27.499+01:00

Im going with an easy one today, it's been a 'thinking' week here and my brain is in need of some light relief!! So today I want you to tell me your 5 favourite places in the world Doesn't have to be outside of your home country if that's where your fave places are! but you have the option to go global.They can be area's, cities or towns, specific places like a beach, a pub or restaurant!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-68543047660542034202010-10-02T14:11:00.002+01:002010-10-12T13:37:55.433+01:00

This weeks recipe is live on the blog - see it here This is my take on the recipe, which sort of went off on a bit of a tangent! I used the general divided areas of the flag as inspiration for the grid in the middle, the distressed look inspired me to distress all the edges of the paper, I incorporated lettering and metal elements, and of course a flag is fabric - so I stitched on the layout.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-32460482514537470592010-10-01T18:34:00.002+01:002010-10-12T13:40:27.130+01:00

Time for 5 on a Friday - slightly later than usual today as I didn't manage to schedule my post properly!! Todays topic: Jobs or vocations you have had or would like to do. Well this is an easy one this week! 5 jobs I have had: Childcare practitioner - current occupation, sounds posh doesnt it?/ he he - its not - but it IS a lot of fun and a big responsibility. I work for Barnardo's but

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-76492152070785023442010-09-24T20:20:00.001+01:002010-10-12T13:41:16.412+01:00

....well I baked one anyway! off to our local crop tomorrow and its my turn for cake - so I've made a Cherry and Almond cake from a James Martin recipe. I made it last week for a trial run and it was delish - hope this ones as nice for tomorrow...  While I was there with the ground almonds out I thought I'd make a few marzipan petits fours too. so that was mostly my Friday!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-50085873057635193032010-09-24T10:00:00.002+01:002010-10-12T13:42:48.772+01:00

It's definitely getting colder and time to swap the summery clothes and sandals for warmer layers and boots! Todays theme is: Wardrobe failures! What items of clothing or footwear have you bought and worn that you really wish you hadn't? for whatever reason, colour made you look ill, was unflattering, too low or gaped, was too small or too big, or came apart at the seams! Well, being an 80's

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-56985320909802564852010-09-17T19:30:00.005+01:002010-10-12T13:44:12.866+01:00

I chose the image this week (you can see it on the blog here) I saw it as I was surfing the net looking for inspiration to create artwork for my wall. I used it as a sketch almost to create a cover for an A5 notebook. The original cover was Kraft cardstock with a logo on it - I saw it in the shop and thought 'Oooh - that would be fab to cover!' as well as doing my bit by buying recycled. I have

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-43768177633873597162010-09-17T10:00:00.034+01:002010-10-12T13:44:55.692+01:00

Everyone loves a good film. Whether it be going to the cinema and watching on the big screen, or snuggling up on the sofa with a DVD. This weeks 5 is 5 movies you can watch again and again I am picky about my films just as much as I am about my reading material! cant be done with horror films or things that are too sad and depressing, or with too much blood and gore. I like a comedy, a

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-71331833550350815412010-09-15T13:24:00.000+01:002010-09-15T13:24:30.133+01:00

 Fancy being a Chicken Soup chef? check out the details here :-) go on...... you know you want to! You have until Sunday 26th Sept to submit your entries, get creating!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-68792926159229418532010-09-13T17:42:00.000+01:002010-09-13T17:42:49.072+01:00

Until I entered the UKStampers bunting swap over the summer, I hadn't taken part in any swaps for a long time. I really enjoyed the bunting swap and cant wait to see my bunting when its all together soon. So having finished that one I decided to try another, and opted for the ATC swap. This month its 3x3 in shades of blue, and these are mine. I used the Stampin' Up! 2 step bird punch, 2 shades

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-73687151336364646212010-09-11T21:00:00.001+01:002010-09-11T21:02:02.802+01:00

This weeks recipe is a cracker! See it here on the blog - and here are my ATC's inspired by this weeks image: I used a couple of elements from the image and based my ATC's on those. To make the splatters I mixed watercolour wonder crayon and water in a pool, loaded up a paint brush and flicked it onto the card. The butterfly is made from 2 small heart punch outs a tiny extra bit of card I cut for

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-19646135256087102252010-09-10T10:00:00.000+01:002010-09-10T10:00:03.965+01:00

I think most of the kids are back to school now in the UK - Scotland went a couple of weeks ago - and England, Ireland and Wales followed in dribs and drabs depending on which bit you live in. Mine went back 8th Sept - quite late due to a teacher training day on the Tuesday! Todays 5 - what were your 5 back to school essentials were when YOU were a child? New school skirt New shoes New pencil

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-82272809123073995362010-09-06T20:07:00.001+01:002010-09-06T20:10:41.358+01:00

....is this puss. Lola asleep this afternoon on the back of the sofa. My desk is behind the sofa and this is as close as she can get to me without actually being on the desk - which she knows she isn't allowed to do, most of the time LOL. I think she has missed us while we have been on holiday. The first week while we were on the cruise Jamie was at work so her daily routine got disrupted badly

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-37875639565980661812010-09-05T12:53:00.001+01:002010-09-05T12:54:58.036+01:00

Well I'm home from my holidays - finished all the gallivanting I plan to do for a while *sob* The cruise was wonderful but just NOT long enough - we have another week in April to do and I so wish it was going to be a fortnight! Next time we book a cruise it is definitely going to be a 2 week one.I will upload a few photos when I get a chance. So there's been a couple of Chicken soups while I

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-48923563100116001252010-09-05T12:11:00.002+01:002010-09-05T12:19:53.676+01:00

I do apologise - I had scheduled this post to happen while I was away however it didn't!! so here it is today: 5 items of footwear that you love/hate/wouldn't be without/would never buy etc. I chose this because I have just finished reorganising my bedroom storage and have realised how many pairs of crocs I own. Now crocs are comfy - but they are not the be all and end all of shoes!! so here are

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-53200267174631827072010-08-27T10:00:00.004+01:002010-09-05T12:22:13.237+01:00

5 of your favourite places to visitin your local area - might as well make this a useful one, make like the tourist board and sell your locality.Kielder Water and Forest.Cragside House and GardensBamburghOtterburn MillCoastline chippy in BlythKielder is quite beautiful, winter or summer alike, in a bleak and remote sort of way. Although it's much nicer in the summer, less mud and warmer. The

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-75551158223492032302010-08-25T10:00:00.002+01:002010-08-25T10:00:03.117+01:00

still coming round fast these Wednesdays! This weeks weyhey if for a couple of fab purchases from last weekend - first is my gorgeous new GREEN coat: bought in Asda - its canvas military style mac and it's so very green and I'm in love! Not just the coat to show off in the pic though - see the wall there? thats my bedroom - thats the vinyl wall stickers I got from Ikea  and stuck on the wall

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-62707783535208780672010-08-23T10:00:00.003+01:002010-08-23T10:00:03.776+01:00

Last October we went on a 7 day cruise round the Med on Thomson Destiny (see the photos here) and it was so fab we booked again to go on another Med cruise on Destiny again - different itinerary this time, but still the ship we loved. We can not wait to sail away soon! We will be calling at Trapani, Naples, Ajaccio, Cannes and Barcelona and I'm busily making plans as to what excursions we want to

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-70920718190740009932010-08-20T20:00:00.013+01:002010-08-20T20:00:00.877+01:00

I LOVE this weeks recipe - see it on the blog now. I have of course loved all the recipes so far but I think this weeks could be my fave from the first 8 -  its simple, its clean, its very inspirational and it has produced so many completely different ideas in the team.  I chose the lettering as my inspiration - the way it they ran into each other and overlapped but left that bit of white space

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-42536773649968014232010-08-20T10:00:00.004+01:002010-09-05T12:22:49.751+01:00

5 sweet things you like to eat - simple one today!Photo is of my home made Banoffee pie. Mmmmmmmmmm.Chocolate - Dairy Milk or Galaxy. Flake or ripple. Buttons or counters. Mmmmmmmmm.Banoffee pie - oh how I love Banoffee pie!Fruitz ice lollies from Aldi - great in the summer, and I can have them on my diet as there's only 39 cals in each one!Lemon drizzle cake - love anything lemony. Except

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-50673828226995436802010-08-18T10:49:00.000+01:002010-08-18T10:49:15.595+01:00

Comes around quick doesn't it? Missed last week due to frenetic decoration activities. Today I'm feeling very happy about a few things. The fact the bedroom is finished and fresh and clean and organised and I love it of course, that deserves a huge weyhey all of its own! But I'm also pleased that I have a place on the college course I want to do. I went into college yesterday and had the

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-20841831015872328032010-08-16T10:00:00.000+01:002010-08-16T10:00:01.062+01:00

Missed my Monday muse last week as I was busy in the house decorating and reorganising the bedroom. There's a good topic to muse about - decorating!I have a love hate relationship with DIY - I'm good at visualising how things will fit and look once finished, and I'm good at planning, and I love it once it's done, but boy do I hate doing it! And it is me who does it because my other half isn't

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-49840569355908237552010-08-14T19:49:00.001+01:002010-08-14T19:49:00.327+01:00

It's that time again - and this weeks recipe is live on the blog. The image this week spoke to me of soft girliness and fabrics and florals. Not really very me I know!! but I got an idea for a card!Recipe: all products used are Stampin' Up!Stamps: Bella Toile, Sanded, Greenhouse Garden, Wonderful WordsInks: Whisper White craft, Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Regal Rose, Rose red, cameo Coral, Pretty

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-7912449397903002122010-08-13T10:00:00.000+01:002010-08-13T10:00:03.400+01:00

Friday 13th eh? lets have an appropriate 5 on a Friday - are you superstitious? do you have certain ways you have to do things? list 5 superstitions you believe in or rituals that you always observe, old wives tales or folk lore you swear by, or 5 of these you think are complete bunkum and why.Walking under a ladder. Its an obvious one, but really just common sense! I don't want a wet chamois or

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-82238595116206037412010-08-07T18:13:00.002+01:002010-08-07T18:42:11.109+01:00

Recipe 6 is live on the blog - but I have nothing to show you here this time because I wasn't taking part in this recipe - so instead - here is some arty clarty stuff I have been making this week.I'm in a swap on UKStampers to make bunting. Each member of the swap makes a flag for the others, the only rules are the size and it has to be in their chosen colour scheme - any medium is allowed. I

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-23853216601815212062010-08-06T10:00:00.007+01:002010-09-05T12:26:02.959+01:00

This week's 5 is.....5 much loved gadgets.I'm not a gadget freak. Correction: I can't afford to be a gadget freak. I do have a few things, what I think of as essentials that make my life better, more enjoyable. This is my fave 5.Laptop - without which I couldn't blog, or surf, or do facebook. But I would have a lot more time and probably get a lot more done... I'm new to a laptop - always had a

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-62781379782712930032010-08-04T10:00:00.002+01:002010-08-04T10:00:03.554+01:00

I have 2 things to be happy about today: I have a bit of a thing for pins, I love pearly topped pins, pins with decorative heads, beaded pins,loop head  pins..... so imagine my delight when I saw these little beauties in an online ribbon shop owned by a friend recently! Well I had to buy them. And also a set with heart shaped heads too.... When they arrived with the postman it was like

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-40437152077252020652010-08-02T10:00:00.004+01:002010-08-02T10:00:05.808+01:00

I have lost a lot of weight this year. Admittedly I had help with that, one of the symptoms of TINU is loss of appetite leading to weight loss. I was actually trying to lose weight though as well, not knowing I was ill, so I lost more than a person who wasn't trying to would have if they had TINU - but of course that means more than I would have if I didn't have the TINU and was just dieting

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-62023221505584837602010-07-30T21:15:00.000+01:002010-07-30T21:15:19.521+01:00

This weeks recipe can be seen on the Chicken Soup blog here. I took my inspiration from the squares and large title over the images - flipped it about and muted the colours to match the photos. Winter in July! Ingredients: all product Stampin' Up! Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Soft Suede, Kraft(Crumb Cake) Paper: Bella Bleu Ink: Craft - Whisper White, Basic black. Punches: Tab, Spiral Stamps:

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0Blyth, Northumberland, UK55.1270807 -1.508819655.0289317 -1.7422791 55.2252297 -1.2753601tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-53127187814538843642010-07-30T10:00:00.009+01:002010-07-30T10:00:02.001+01:00

Todays prompt is nice and simple -list your last 5 books read. Further blogging: how long it took to read each one, did you enjoy them, would you read more of that author, have you read any of them before, how often you read, what genre you most enjoy, have you got a favourite author/book, where do you read.  Damon Hill: From Zero to Hero - Alan Henry. Mary Wesley (3 books in one volume) -

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-47682770154760750092010-07-28T10:00:00.004+01:002010-07-28T14:00:46.874+01:00

Time for a Weyhey! This week I joined a team on UKScrappers. I hadn't planned to join a team: been there done that got the T-Shirt as they say! Nor did I really ever think I'd want to go there again. Even 6 weeks ago I would have said no thank you when asked, but just lately..... well I have been scrapping again, and even better WANTING to scrap, so I figured - go on! They are a lovely bunch of

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-65915361749964587682010-07-26T10:00:00.003+01:002010-07-26T10:12:21.945+01:00

As previously mentioned I have come up with several regular prompts to make me blog regularly - and today is Monday - so that means - the Monday muse!Today I am thinking about storage, not craft storage for once, but office storage. I have recently done away with my large computer desk - an Ikea one that had an over desk unit that held a lot of paperwork and 'office' stuff. I now use a laptop at

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-63948863768896196682010-07-24T19:00:00.000+01:002010-07-24T19:00:02.346+01:00

Find this weeks inspiration on the Chicken Soup Blog under Recipe 4.My interpretation: 2 ATC's entitled 'friendship'I took the colours and the grunginess from the image and created 2 stamped ATCs using several SU! stamps, inks, punches and some cardstock, plus a Brad from the hodgepodge kit. Ingredients: All product Stampin' Up!Stamps: Backgrounds - A-Z, Sanded and Medallion, Sets - Polka Dot

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-16380816636068115162010-07-23T10:00:00.008+01:002010-07-23T10:00:02.160+01:00

I'm not being a very good blogger at the moment - mainly because it's summer and I have other stuff I'd rather be doing than sitting indoors in front of the laptop. However there are dead days and rainy days and days when I just want to sit in front of the laptop ALL DAY LONG and not move because I'm so tired, so I figure on these days I'm going to post a weekly blogging prompt to be called '5 on

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-60891373959316502812010-07-21T10:00:00.004+01:002010-07-21T10:00:02.550+01:00

This week I have decided to take control of this blog properly again and make use of it, create regular 'themed' posts every week as well as posting all the usual crafts, photos, days out etc. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will all have a themed post from now on.On a Wednesday I shall be posting something(s) that has made me go WEYHEY! for whatever reason. It's tenuous I know - but W words are

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-12972874444691582362010-07-16T19:29:00.004+01:002010-07-16T19:49:07.400+01:00

This weeks Chicken Soup recipe is now on the blog - a CD cover with lots of scope for interpretation. I was drawn to the 3 photos, band of colour and large areas of white space and so used the inspiration like a sketch, a little smaller and on a stamped background, outlining the whole of the white card layer with black pen to make it stand out. I used chipboard letters coloured with crayons to

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-20329468354296633232010-07-10T20:20:00.005+01:002010-07-10T20:42:33.674+01:00

See the inspiration live on the Chicken Soup blog - come play along!This is my take on this weeks recipe - a patchwork card and matching small gift bag - the perfect size for a piece of jewellery, a single special chocolate, a sachet of bath salts etc. I took my inspiration from the colours of one of the projects on the cover of the book, plus the use of the heart image. I didnt want to use any

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-52973668599893619512010-07-02T19:05:00.000+01:002010-07-02T19:05:00.069+01:00

If you are anything like me, your crafting mojo sometimes needs a bit of a boost, a little bit of help to get your creative juices flowing. Well help is at hand! the very first post from the NEW 'Chicken Soup' inspiration blog is live! Chicken soup for poorly Mojos - come and play along!

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-77098600052113584222010-06-29T17:12:00.003+01:002010-06-29T17:22:06.987+01:00

Not sure if it's the new laptop, the sun or the *exciting* Friday thing that's making me post more, but here I am again. I had my hair cut today, long over due, the last time it was cut was 1st April - the day I got called to the docs for the results of the blood tests that showed I had severely reduced kidney function. As you can imagine my fringe has got pretty long in all that time, so I have

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-80875803396582212762010-06-28T21:01:00.004+01:002010-06-28T21:20:21.951+01:00

.....for the new laptop. My desktop (who goes by the name of Feegle) was on its way to a breakdown - needed serious formatting (total replacement of Windows XP required to fix its problems). I figured I may as well get a new one - which then of course led to a laptop instead. So here I am on the laptop - who is called Esk (did you guess the theme yet? Petes lappy is called gaspode, Jamies lappy

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-80397615549667393202010-06-25T13:46:00.003+01:002010-06-25T14:32:57.960+01:00

....to say Hello! I am alive I'm juts not doing anything worth sharing. Hopefully now I'm on the mend I might do some exciting stuff - ok maybe exciting is over egging it - something less boring? yeah that sounds about right!I'm still on 2 weekly visits to the hospital, but I now have a diagnosis and I AM recovering. I have *clears throat* Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis. Also known as

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-9100526678708439782010-04-15T11:09:00.010+01:002010-04-15T12:04:14.567+01:00

Last weekend was the April retreat organised by Mel and Jill in the Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel. I have shamelessly stolen my post title from Mels daughter who calls the weekend "the 'treat" - and she is so right is IS a total treat. As always it was a fabulous weekend, the weather was especially gorgeous, the classes were all wonderful, the company was very good and the hotel staff were excellent at

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-17503386809820370652010-04-08T10:07:00.000+01:002010-04-08T10:08:15.718+01:00

Exciting news - it was announced this week that as of October 2010 Stampin' Up! will be making big changes to the current Colour Families - now to be called 'Collections' 'Colour Renovation' has been inspired through customer feedback and monitoring trends over the last few years. The new colour palette is organized into four collections: Subtles, Brights, Regals, and Neutrals. You will see 25 of

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-6572364034872500432010-01-08T15:27:00.005Z2010-01-08T15:45:37.692Z

How cold is this Arctic weather? Tom did get back to school, but only for one day, Wed/Thurs and today its been closed. Work was also closed yesterday and today so I'm not back either. Pete's struggled in every day to the Uni though. Its not that we have a LOT of snow in Blyth (although a lot more than most folks under 30 can remember!) but the surrounding areas have had lots, the roads are

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-29409843231456499932010-01-02T17:16:00.000Z2010-01-08T15:27:14.481Z

Brrrrr! we still have the snow from before Christmas and overnight New years eve it added a MUCH thicker layer to it. We went for our traditional new years walk on New Years day in glorious thick white snow! We drove to Atlee Park in Bedlington and walked along the river, the path was quite well trodden by dog walkers although the open areas were still very deep and almost overed my wellies in

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-45601659529308195752009-12-30T15:46:00.000Z2010-01-08T15:47:20.864Z

It's Sale-A-Bration time again at Stampin' Up!, and friends, fresh ideas, and free product is what it's all about! Every year Stampin' Up! gives customers, hostesses, and new demonstrators the opportunity to earn fantastic, FREE, limited-edition products they'll enjoy for years to come. Here's how Sale-A-Bration works: SpendWhen you spend £45 on Stampin' Up! merchandise, you'll receive a free

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-6411508264236141042009-12-18T13:00:00.001Z2010-01-08T15:25:47.780Z

With starting a new job I don't seem to have the time to actually MAKE things any more - or blog for that matter! I barely made any Christmas cards this year - only a handful for a swap in November using the fab Tree Trimmings stamp set from SU! - which then sadly went missing in the post.I also made place cards for the Christmas table using this set for a challenge on ILWS forum.Then I made

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-49018553981186104472009-11-17T10:07:00.000Z2010-01-08T15:13:55.697Z

I spent the weekend on the Suffolk/Essex border in a fabulous hotel called Stoke By Nayland Country Club at a scrapping retreat run by the lovely Mel and Jill - I was teaching, and these are the projects we made in my 3 classes over the weekend: layout class, minibook class and Christmas home decor class.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-27966598498310404472009-11-08T15:02:00.000Z2010-01-08T15:06:39.812Z

Every night we had the most gorgeous sunsets, often while we were in port but a couple of times while sailing, here are a few of my fave pics: Cranes in marina di Carrara, Sailing to Palamos from Corsica, and over the Spanish mainland as we leave Palamos.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-34544774363817522962009-11-08T13:47:00.000Z2010-01-08T15:02:13.531Z

Some of our fave places on Destiny - Blakes, The Clipper bar, The Oklahoma lounge, The promenade deck, the Pool deck and grill plus the Towel animal our cabin steward created for us on the last night. We embarked and disembarked in Palma - a marina full of very expensive yachts and cruisers as well as being a working port.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-26904321946150347102009-11-08T13:39:00.000Z2010-01-08T13:46:38.333Z

From here we went to Barcelona for the day - it was overcast but still hot - and though Barcelona was fabulous, we didn't enjoy the long coach journey there and back and we didn't feel that we had got much out of the trip as we saw most things from the bus! We did get an hour to wander Las Ramblas and a stop at Sagrada Familia though (although Sagrada Familia was a building site and not easy to

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-29985514392229899352009-11-08T13:33:00.000Z2010-01-08T13:38:52.660Z

Very hot, very pretty, and very relaxing! We stayed round the port and enjoyed the beach and the food and entertainment on the ship.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-49961789631234521652009-11-08T13:19:00.000Z2010-01-08T13:32:32.194Z

Our second port of call was in Italy - Marina di Carrara - not the prettiest of places! but the weather was very good, and the marble mountains behind were very striking. From here you could take a trip to Florence and Pisa - but we stayed local and went up the hill to visit the town of Carrara. Third port of call was Civitaveccia - from where we went to Rome - our most fave day of the holiday as

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-53741330613582709212009-11-08T13:07:00.000Z2010-01-08T13:18:50.494Z

Cruising the Med in October isn't always going to be fab weather - but we were incredibly lucky and had the most wonderful weather all week. Except for the arrival day which was cool, wet and windy - we had temps of between 25-30 degrees every day. I'm not going to write up everything we did, it would take far too long - but here are a few of my fave photos from the week - starting with our first

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19108460.post-31831691117102178142009-10-09T16:31:00.000+01:002009-10-09T16:32:34.948+01:00

The all new catalogue for 2009-2010 is online now - follow the link in the sidebar to browse online or email me to purchase a copy or place an order.

Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373817530992564137noreply@blogger.com0