Day 213 - Thursday 31st July

"Listen to the Mustn't's child, Listen to the Don't's. Listen to the Shouldn't's, the Impossibles, the Won't's. Listen to the Never Haves, then Listen close to me. ANYthing can happen, child, ANYthing can Be.” - Shel Silverstein (1930-1999), poet, songwriter, musician

This is quite poignant for me at the moment as Zoe is definitely in her terrible two’s and is trying to find out just exactly what she can and can’t get away with. For the majority of the time, she is great fun and a joy to be with, but then she can just turn and throw the biggest tantrum imaginable over something really minor. She can’t seem to find a way back from these tantrums either, so she works herself up into a real frenzy and you just have to ignore her for a while.
I feel like I am constantly telling “No” or blackmailing her into, either doing something or not doing something. I am not sure this is the best way to deal with her, but it tends to work and I do try to be consistent about things and if I threaten something then I will carry it out.
Why did she come without a manual?

Day 212 - Wednesday 30th July

"Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement -- and we will make the goal” —Jerome P. Fleishman

As soon as I read today’s prompt, I immediately thought about our group of 365 ladies on the UK Scrappers forum. We have been going for over half a year now and we all chat on the forum on a daily basis. We all feel that we have known each other for years. When some of us met at the weekend, we just chatted away like we were the oldest of friends. It is an odd feeling to greet someone like you only saw them yesterday and then realise that you have never actually met them before. We share our problems, our triumphs, our scrapbook creations and our daily activities. Some have ongoing health problems, some are trying to lose weight, some have other problems, but no matter the subject, we do not judge, but we give lots of support, advice and encouragement. We have invented a new term called a “Huggle” and these are given and accepted freely by all of us. You can’t beat a great, big HUGGLE!!!!
And in November when we get to all meet up for a supposed Scrapping weekend, we will have lots of huggles and chatting – not sure how much crafting will happen!!!!

365 Challenge - Week 30 Layout

Our prompt from Anna was:

There is only one you, take a simple self portrait and use the questions below to journal.

This is from day 210 and my journalling is a cut down version of what I blogged.

My Freedom - Fifth Layout - Serious

This layout is to represent our serious side at work. I am a strong believer in having fun - even at work, hence some of my photos. We had to create a super hero for ourselves and then write script like journalling.

My super hero is the Incredible IT Whizz as I am an IT Manager.

My journalling reads as:

"One sunny day in June, the Incredible IT Whizz got dressed for work in her usual smart clothes and red magical shoes. These shoes had powers that were unexplainable. Whenever the Incredible IT Whizz put them on, she could fix any computer problems with a click of the heels of the red shoes and a quick Ctrl, Alt and Del and hey presto, the problem would be fixed.
If it was a particularly difficult problem, then the Incredible IT Whizz would slip into the magical IT pants and double-click the heels of the red shoes and the IT world would be saved once again. No problem was a match for the red shoes and IT pants."

Double layout:

Page 1:

Page 2:

Day 211 - Tuesday 29th July

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” —Voltaire (1694-1778), writer, satirist, author, humanist

There are lots of things in life that I appreciate and I think that having this outlook is a good way to live. I know that there are plenty more things that I would like to have or be, but I also know that I am very lucky to have what I have and to be what I am, in comparison to other people in this world who are not as fortunate as myself.
One thing I definitely appreciate is other people’s creativeness. I love looking on UK Scrappers at what other people create, be it cards or scrapbook layouts. I like to look through craft magazines too for ideas. I like to look at these “pieces of art” to give me some ideas and inspiration. I always think that anything I create is nowhere near the standard of the work of others – this may just be me being critical but that is how I feel. I am always much happier with what I produce if I am following a sketch or a design.
I could easily be the founding member of an appreciation society of the very talented people out there creating the most wonderful things.

Day 210 - Monday 28th July

"One, single, first"

There is only one you, take a simple self portrait and use the questions below to journal.
Who, What, Where, Why, When?

Who?
I am Claire, aged 35 1/2, mother of one daughter, wife to my long suffering husband and IT Manager for a chain of garden centres.
What?
I am short for my weight - 5ft 1 (officially measured by machine at doctors) and 10st. I am going grey but I cleverly disguise this by paying copious amounts of money to my hairdresser.
Where?
I live in Poole, Dorset and have done so all my life – but no bad country bumpkin accent!! Thank God!!!! I love living here – the sea is really close by and yet we also have some beautiful countryside near too.
Why?
I am short for my weight because I have a sweet tooth and eat too many bad things. I am rectifying this and have lost 9lbs since April. I am still not happy with my weight and although I feel much thinner and lots of my clothes are too big, when I see myself in a photo I think I look so fat.
When?
I need to lose more as now I am between sizes and I really want to be a comfortable size 12 rather than a loose 14 and a tight 12. I aim that by the end of the year I would have achieved this and I would like to weigh around the 9 stone mark.

My Freedom - Sixth Layout - Silly

This is the sixth layout for the My Freedom challenge. I am struggling with the fifth layout which is about the serious side of me and the journalling is to be in the style of a film script so I have gone straight onto the sixth layout - the silly side of me.

As a double layout:

Page 1:

Page 2:

Day 209 - Sunday 27th July

"The best things in life are free" - Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson

What things in life bring you great joy, that are FREE?

Today has been a beautiful sunny day and so after the usual Sunday food shopping, we took Zoë to the park to play on the swings and stuff. We went to Redhill Park which was really clean and totally graffiti free. All the play equipment is in excellent condition and Zoë had a great time. She went on the swings and all the slides. And the best bit is that it is all totally free – apart from the ice cream that we had before we came home.
Stupidly I forgot to take the camera and so photo is a cheat as it is one from a previous park expedition.

Scrap Your Day - July layout

This is my Scrap Your Day for July. We were meant to do some of the piccies in black and white but I totally forgot until I had printed out my photos. Oooops

365 Challenge - Week 29 Layout

This week we had to scrap our zodiac sign and we were challenged to use our birth stone colour. I am a capricorn and so have used ruby red colours. The paper is actually from a Christmas stack and the flowers are poinsettias. I have journalled the traits of a capricorn on to the photo and then ticked or crossed as to whether I live up to these traits.

Day 208 - Saturday 26th July

Pisces – The Fish

Pisces - The Fish - February 20 – March 20. The last sign of the zodiac. The traditional Piscian traits are:
Imaginative and sensitive – I think I am both of these and they are linked in that I am quite sensitive and then imagine that people are talking about me or I am in trouble at work – most of the time, I am completely wrong.
Compassionate and kind – yes I think I am.
Selfless and unworldly – I try to be selfless and it much easier when you have a child but sometimes I rebel and just do what I want to do rather than do what is expected of me
Intuitive and sympathetic – I am not sure that I am intuitive but I am sympathetic and am always happy to listen and share someone else’s problems or woes.
On the darker side, Piscians can be:
Escapist and idealistic – a little bit of me is like this. I love to read for the very reason that you can just escape into the story and forget reality for a little while.
Secretive and vague – no not me. Although my brain seems to be getting vaguer as I get older.
Weak-willed and easily led – most definitely on both counts!!!! Not for bad, dangerous things but for crafting things – bring it on Newbury Craft Show!!!!!

Talking of Newbury, these are my 365 buddies. This is the first time I have met this people in the flesh and it is like I have known them for years.

Day 207 - Friday 25th July

Aquarius – The Water Carrier – Amethyst – Fruit Trees

Aquarius - The Water Carrier - January 21 – February 19. The eleventh sign of the zodiac. The traditional Aquarian traits are:
Friendly and humanitarian – I am friendly, always ready with a smile and a helping hand
Honest and loyal – As I have said before, I value honesty very highly. If someone lies to me, I find it very hard to believe things that they tell me in the future.
Original and inventive – I am neither of these particularly.
Independent and intellectual – every one of these zodiac signs have been intellectual. I am very independent and will bring Zoë up to be the same.
On the darker side, Aquarians can be:
Intractable and contrary – no not me.
Perverse and unpredictable – oh definitely not me.
Unemotional and detached – and again this is not me. I get attached to things really easily

Day 206 - Thursday 24th July

Capricorn – The Horned Goat - Ruby - Ivy

Capricorn - The Goat - December 22 – January 20. The tenth sign of the zodiac. The traditional Capricorn traits are:
Practical and prudent – I am quite practical but I am not overly prudent. Take this morning as an example, I have just ordered 132 Prisma Pencils after having played with my friend’s and I just HAD to have them even though I have two sets of 72 other pencils.
Ambitious and disciplined – I think I am both these traits – I have worked hard to get where I am although, since having Zoe I am not quite so career driven anymore. I am pretty disciplined too – once I have set my mind on something, I don’t usually deviate from the plan.
Patient and careful – I am definitely less patient since I have had Zoe but I think this is because she would try the patience of a saint. She is so independent and she insists on doing everything herself which can be painful as she can’t do most of the things that she really wants to do. This is fine when we have plenty of time, but when you need to get out of the house for a set time, I do tend to lose my patience with her. I am careful but it depends about what.
Humorous and reserved – I think I am quite funny but I know I am not reserved. I tend to say stupid things without thinking about the circumstances I am in and whether it is appropriate to say it.
On the darker side, Capricorns can be:
Pessimistic and fatalistic – no I am definitely not pessimistic but I do believe what will be, will be.
Miserly and grudging – I hope I am neither of these.

I am a Capricorn having my birthday in January and my husband would definitely say I am an old goat.

Day 205 - Wednesday 23rd July

Sagittarius – The Centaur – Topaz - Dandelion

Sagittarius - The Centaur - November 23 – December 21. The ninth sign of the zodiac. The traditional Sagittarian traits are:
Optimistic and freedom-loving – I think I am a very optimistic person and I live by the motto of “My glass is half full”
Jovial and good-humored – yes this is definitely me. I am very rarely down, depressed or grumpy. I think it just takes up too much energy.
Honest and straightforward – yes this is me again. I think honesty is one of the most important traits to have and I hate being lied to.
Intellectual and philosophical – this intellectual one keeps coming up and I guess I am but not really sure about the philosophical bit
On the darker side, Sagittarians can be:
Blindly optimistic and careless – although I always look on the bright side, I do live in the real world and don’t think that totally unrealistic things will happen
Irresponsible and superficial – me, never!!!!!
Tactless and restless – I find I am getting more and more tactless with age. By the time I am 80, I will be a right old battleaxe!!!!
Although I seem to have many of these traits, I am not a Sagittarius.
Blue topaz is my favourite stone and I have lots of jewellery with blue topaz in, my favourite being the bracelet that my DH bought me from Zoe on my first Mother’s Day.

Day 204 - Tuesday 22nd July

Scorpio – The Scorpian - Chrysoberyl - Geranium

Scorpio - The Scorpian - October 24 – November 22. The eighth sign of the zodiac. The traditional Scorpian traits are:
Determined and forceful – I am a very determined person but not very forceful. I will always complete things that I have set myself but I am not very good at making sure others are doing what has been asked of them. I really do not like confrontation.
Emotional and intuitive – I am quite an emotional person especially if I am tired. I either get very silly and hyper or very tearful.
Powerful and passionate – not sure about either of these traits – too tired to be passionate ;-)
Exciting and magnetic – I don’t think I am exciting as such or particularly magnetic but most people seem to like me and I am quite popular.
On the darker side, Scorpians can be:
Jealous and resentful – I am not a jealous person or resentful but I think that is because I am in a settled and happy place which I value very highly, so I have nothing to be resentful of
Compulsive and obsessive – no I don’t think I am either of these other than about crafting stash, but then I think all crafters are like this ;-)
Secretive and obstinate – no I am not these either, unless you know any different and if you do, ssssshhhhhhhh don’t tell anyone!!!

Day 203 - Monday 21st July

Libra – Scale or Balance – Opal - Daisy


Libra - The Scales - September 24 – October 23. The seventh sign of the zodiac. The traditional Libran traits are:
Diplomatic and urbane – I try to be diplomatic but not sure that I succeed. I didn’t know what urbane meant so had to look it up “Polished and smooth in manner; polite, refined, and elegant.” – Mmmm no that is not me!!!
Romantic and charming – I think I am romantic but James may disagree. I am not charming as to me that means smarmy and smoozy!!!
Easygoing and sociable - I am very sociable but don’t really go out much anymore. I am pretty easygoing but again James may disagree!
Idealistic and peaceable – I am quite idealistic and expect a lot from the world and people and then usually end up disappointed. I would love to see peace in the world but I don’t think I will ever see it in my lifetime as things seem to be getting worse and not better.
On the darker side, Librans can be:
Indecisive and changeable – I don’t think I am indecisive, but then again maybe I am!!! ;-)
Gullible and easily influenced – I am not gullible but can be easily influenced especially when it comes to crafty things. I just need to see something popular and then that is it, I need it!
Flirtatious and self-indulgent – I am quite flirtatious but I like to call it sociable J
James is a Libran and doesn’t really live up to any of these traits either. I must be attracted to Librans as all my boyfriends bar one have been Librans.

My Freedom - Fourth Layout - Aspiration

This is my aspiration layout. The journalling is my achievements to date and then my aspirations for my future. Both bits had to be 100 words and mine is exactly 100 words each time.

Pretty happy with this layout in real life, the photo hasn't come out very well.

Really enjoying this challenge.

As a double layout:

Page 1:

Page 2:

Day 202 - Sunday 20th July

Virgo - Virgin - Carnelian – Chrysanthemum

Virgo - The Virgin – August 23 to September 23. The sixth sign of the zodiac. The traditional Virgo traits are:
Modest and shy – I am quite modest but I am no longer shy. I used to be very shy and would hide if we had visitors until they had gone but in adulthood, especially since the birth of Zoë I am not shy at all and will talk to anyone.
Meticulous and reliable – I think I am both these. I am very meticulous and like to do things in just the right way to get just the right result. I do try to be reliable but I am much more forgetful since Zoë, so I do sometimes forget dates etc and then tend to double book myself.
Practical and diligent – I am quite practical but I am definitely diligent. I like to get things done on time. I had to be behind on anything and my crafting challenges is a good example of this. Very rarely do I leave things to the last minute.
Intelligent and analytical – A big part of my job is writing report about how we are trading and stock level analysis etc so I guess I have to be analytical.
On the darker side, Virgos can be:
Fussy and a worrier – I unfortunately have both these traits. I am not hugely fussy but I do like things to be just so and I do tend to worry about things too.
Overcritical and harsh – I am not harsh but I do tend to criticise things. I may not air my criticisms but I would definitely be thinking them.
Perfectionist and conservative – I wouldn’t say I was either of these particularly but I am perhaps just a little bit of both.
Although I seem to have most of the Virgo traits, I am not a virgo!! Can you guess which one I am yet or have we not covered my star sign yet?

Day 201 - Saturday 19th July

Leo - Lion – Peridot – Sunflower

Leo - The Lion – July 23 to August 22. The fifth sign of the zodiac. The traditional Leo traits are:
Generous and warmhearted – I think I am both of these traits and I have said this before but I always try to treat people in the same way as I like to be treated
Creative and enthusiastic – I try very hard to be creative. I certainly am inside my head but somehow it doesn’t quite translate down onto the paper
Broad-minded and expansive – I hope to think I am broad minded and I live by the motto of “Live and let live”.
Faithful and loving – These I am definitely. I married for life and my husband is the most important person in my life (after Zoë)!!!
On the darker side Leos can be:
Pompous and patronizing – I certainly hope I am neither of these traits
Bossy and interfering – I think I can be a little of both of these but only with good intentions.
Dogmatic and intolerant – nope that isn’t me.

Last year we grew some sunflowers for Zoë and one seems to have seeded itself in the garden. Also I am addicted to eating sunflower seeds. I love them on my cereals and on my Ryvita with Philadephia cheese – extra light of course!!!
Here is the lion of the family

My Freedom - Third Layout - Inspiration

This layout had to use a list based style of journalling. I have chosen books as they inspire me and my imagination, a picture of Zoe as she is a constant source of inspiration to me and also a picture of some of the ladies from the 365 challenge on UKS. I have never met any of these girls but I chat to them every day on the internet and have done so for the last 200 days. I feel like I know them really well and we are all meeting up in November for real for some serious scrapping and some real life chatting. We all support and inspire each other!!!

Page 1:

Page 2:

As a double layout:

Day 200 - Friday 18th July

Cancer - Crab – Emerald – Lily

Cancer – The Crab – June 22 to July 22. The fourth sign of the zodiac. The traditional Cancerian traits are:
Emotional and loving- this is me to a tee. I can be very emotional especially when I am tired. I am also a loving person and I love to love and be loved.
Intuitive and imaginative – I am not so sure about the intuitive but I am certainly imaginative. I think I have a great imagination and I think that is why I prefer books to films as then I can imagine the characters, scenery etc
Shrewd and cautious – I don’t think I am shrewd and I am cautious in some things but not in others. It depends on what it is. If there is a risk of me getting hurt, then I am always careful but sometimes I just think what the hell, let’s do it!!!
Protective and sympathetic – This is definitely me. I am very protective – probably too much where Zoe is concerned and I am sympathetic to people and will always try to see things their way as long as they are honest with me. I hate being lied to.
And on the darker side, Cancerians tend to be:
Changeable and moody – sometimes I can be – usually dependant on the time of the month ;-)
Overemotional and touchy – again I can be this but I have to be feeling very down or very tired
Clinging and unable to let go – I don’t think I am this. I am quite an independent person who likes to stand on her own two feet. Until the day that Zoe tries to leave home!!! ;-(

My photo for today has nothing to do with the prompt, but it is Willow's (365 buddie) birthday and so this is for her!!!

This is Dusk and her mate Charlie and babies are due next week if she is pregnant.

Day 199 - Thursday 17th July

Gemini - Twins – Agate – Lavender

Gemini - The Twins – May 22 to June 21. The third sign of the zodiac. The traditional Gemini traits are:
Adaptable and versatile – I think I am both adaptable and versatile as I am always willing to help anyone out and change my plans to be able to fit in with someone else’s plan. I hate to cause any disruption and will do anything to keep things running smoothly.
Communicative and witty – well I can talk for England and I think I am quite witty – well people around me laugh alot, whether they are laughing at me or with me is debatable!
Intellectual and eloquent – I guess I am quite clever as I am educated to degree level but I know I am not very articulate or eloquent. This is something that I would love to improve on.
Youthful and lively – Although I am 35 I still feel and act like I am about 18.

However on the dark side, Gemini’s can be:
Nervous and tense – no I think I am either of these.
Superficial and inconsistent – with Zoe I try to be as consistent as I can to try and get her to behave – doesn’t always work but I try. I hope I am not superficial as it is a trait that I really do not like.
Cunning and inquisitive – I am inquisitive but I don’t think I am cunning. I like things to be straightforward and people to be open and honest

With a bit of clever Photoshop trickery meet my twin:

My Freedom - Week 2 Day 7

Day 7 we were allowed to day dream and plan out a magically inspiring day. We could forget realistic annoyances such as distance and expense. Here is mine:

My Dream Day with my Husband

Who would you be with?
My husband on a beautiful warm hot sunny day in Spring
Where would you go?
For a lovely walk in the Lake District around Buttermere Lake

What would you talk about?
Our future,our dreams and general stuff
What would you do in the morning?
Wake late to beautiful views from our rented cottage windows with the sound of bleating sheep on the hills. Eat a leisurely breakfast and then go for a walk round Buttermere Lake What would you eat?
On our walk we would have some sweets to munch on (just to keep our sugar levels up!!!) After our walk we go to the Fish Inn for a cold beer and a lovely lunch (with dessert – well we would have deserved it after the walk)

What would you do in the afternoon?
We go to the Ratty Railway in Eskdale Valley and ride on the little steam train.

What souvenirs would you keep from the day?
I would find a lucky stone from the shores of the Buttermere lake, plenty of photos and a tacky souvenir of the train ride to bring home to Zoë.
What would you do in the evening?
We would return to the cottage and the evening would have turned cold and so we would light a huge real log fire and cuddle up on the sofa with a couple of glasses of wine and just relax with a book and just have some very precious us time.

My Freedom - Week 2 Day 8

Today was to produce a timeline our achievements and our aspirations. My aspirations get a bit dreamy towards the end!

Timeline of Achievements:
1973 – Born in Swanage, Dorset.
1976 – Became a one parent family after my mum left my dad
1978 – Started Primary School
1984 – Started Secondary School
1989 – Left Secondary School with 9 GCSEs
1991 – Left College with 3 A Levels
1992 – Took a year off and worked in a pub for the year
1993 – Started my 4 year Business and IT degree
1993 (Nov) – Passed my driving test (first time)
1995 – Did a one year placement as part of my degree
1997 – Finished University and became a Bachelor of Science
1997 – Started working at Rollalong Ltd as an IT Administrator
1998 (March 6th) – Met James at work and left my partner at the time after 5 years
1999 – Started work at Haskins as an Systems Analyst
2001 – Was promoted to IT Manager
2002 – James proposed
2004 (July 10th) – Got married to James
2005 (March) – Fell pregnant with Zoë
2005 (Dec 18th) – Zoë was born
2006 (Sept) – Returned to work after maternity leave and Zoë started at nursery
2006 (Oct) – Started card making
2008 (Jan) – Started scrapbooking with the 365 Challenge on UKS by Anna Bowkis

Timeline of Aspirations:
2008 – Become much more pleased/satisfied with my card making and scrapbook layouts
2008 (end of) – weigh less than 9 ½ stone and be a comfortable size 12
2009 – Mastered my DSLR camera and use it off Auto mode
2010 – Have moved to a bigger house
2010 – Zoë to start school
2011 – Have had second child by now (just got to convince James!!!!)
Longer term goals:
2013+ – Research into starting my own craft company
2015+ - Research in writing a novel

My Freedom - Week 2 - Day 6

A little out of order I know, but the blog prompt for this was to share an photo of yourself and a current photo and tell my readers a little something that has changed and a little that has stayed the same.

These pictures should come with a warning!!! Truly hideous! Just look at those glasses!!!!

They were taken about 10 years ago and I would have been a very tight fitting size 18 verging on size 20. I had just started going out with my now husband James - god only knows what he saw in me. Shortly after this photo, I had my hair cut off and looked even worse. Life was pretty grim at the time as I had left my partner of 5 years and had moved back home with my mum.

Now I am a loose fitting size 14, happily married with a beautiful 2 year old daughter and no glasses!!! Life could not be any different!!!! I have just showed the pictures to my daughter and she didn't know who the photos were of. Phew what a relief!

Day 198 - Wednesday 16th July

Taurus - Bull – Sapphire - Rose


Taurus - The Bull – April 21 to May 21. The second sign of the zodiac. The traditional Taurus traits are:
Patient and reliable – I like to think that I am reliable but I am not very patient – especially when it comes to dealing with Zoe. It has to be one of my worst traits.
Warmhearted and loving – yes again I like to think this describes me. I do have a caring nature and like to look after and care for people.
Persistent and determined – I am definitely persistent and determined and once I have set myself a task to do, I will not give up on it. I like to see things through to the end.
Placid and security loving – I am not overly placid and I think since the birth of Zoe I am even less placid than I ever used to be. However I do like to know that I am loved by everyone and my security is high up on my list of important things in life. I had a security blanket until I was 11 years old.
On the darker side, Taurus people can be...
Jealous and possessive – I used to be very jealous and possessive and in the early days of my relationship with James, it did cause of some problems. However I know he loves me and wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise our family, I no longer suffer from this horrible dark black feelings.
Resentful and inflexible – no this is not me!!! I hope not anyway!
Self-indulgent and greedy – I think I can be a little self-indulgent sometimes – especially in my love of crafting purchases. However, I hope I am not greedy though.
The photo is of my step mum’s Red Devon bull Calypso.

My Freedom - Week 2 - Day 7

I haven't been doing all the blog posts as I have decided to only do the ones that I like the look of. And I like todays.
"Share a list of links with your blog readers, leading them to the websites that inspire you most"
I will try and keep the list short:
I started off into card making and these are my favourite card blogs/websites:
http://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/
http://beate.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tutorials-i-wrote-for-this-blog/
http://www.sugarnellie.blogspot.com/
http://sweetsugarchallenges.blogspot.com/
http://www.heartprints.net/gallery/cuttlebug/
http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
http://indigoinklings.blogspot.com/

Camera lessons and editing stuff:
http://www.usa.canon.com/content/rebelxt_tutorial/rebelxtlessons.htm
http://www.brushes.obsidiandawn.com/
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/tutorials/

Scrapbooking and other:
http://www.littlebookofsketches.blogspot.com/
http://www.pagemaps.com/
http://www.pencillines.com/
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1
http://www.shimelle.com/


My 365 buddies:
http://scrappingangelsuk.typepad.com/365_days/
http://steph-nerdbird.blogspot.com/
http://scrappy-sarah.blogspot.com/
http://parbold-365days.blogspot.com/
http://mylittlescrappingworld2.blogspot.com/
http://marysyear.blogspot.com/
http://365scraps.blogspot.com/
http://createaway-shirley.blogspot.com/
http://kaysdays365.blogspot.com/
http://bjs-scraps.blogspot.com/

I think that is all!!!

365 Challenge - Week 28 Layout

I want you to scrap a layout dedicated to music. Maybe we have looked at a genre of music and memories from your era. Be inspired by music today.

For this layout, I listed all the albums on my IPhone and then using my Craft Robo cut out some musical notes and scores.

Day 197 - Tuesday 15th July

Aries - Ram – Bloodstone - Honeysuckle

A new week, and this weeks prompts will be the Zodiac signs. Be inspired by birth stones, animals, flowers or the characteristics of each sign.

Aries - The Ram - March 21 to April 20. The first sign of the zodiac. The traditional Aries traits are:

Adventurous and energetic – I don’t feel very energetic today and have in fact come home from work early with a really bad headache, blurry vision and dizziness. I have just woken up from 3 hours of sleep and am feeling a little better.
Pioneering and courageous – I don’t think I am particularly pioneering – I tend to need or do what others have or do. I am not very courageous either – quite a wimp really.
Enthusiastic and confident – I am enthusiastic about things. I tend to really get into a task and want to see it right through to the end. I am a relatively confident person in my abilities but not at all in my looks or the way I am perceived by others.
Dynamic and quick-witted – not sure if I am either of these.

On the darker side, the Aries can be:
Selfish and quick-tempered - I hope to think I am not selfish but I am definitely quick tempered and I can fly off the handle very easily.
Impulsive and impatient – This sums me up perfectly. If ever I want something or to do something, I have to have it or do it now. In hindsight, these are not good traits to have.
Foolhardy and daredevil – I am not a daredevil. On our visit to Paulton’s Park at the weekend, I was very scared going on most of the rides.

These are my step mum's sheep back in April.

Day 196 - Monday 14th July

Pop(ular) Music - It is not a particular genre or style of music, but simply that which is the most popular for the tracked period of time.

What are you listening to on your iPod, CD player, radio?

I love listening to music. I just cannot be somewhere and have silence. If I am at home, there is always a radio on or a CD playing somewhere in the house. I listen to Radio 1. I cannot bear our local stations – they all just seem so cheesy. I love to listen to Chris Moyles in the mornings as he makes me laugh.
My iPod has quite an eclectic mix on it but I do tend to listen to the same albums until I get a new one that then takes over. My favourites at the moment are The Foo Fighters, Vampire Weekend (this is brilliant), Scouting for Girls (again fantastic), Cold Play and a compilation album that I bought for James for Father’s Day which is called Cigarettes and Alcohol. This has a broad mix of guitar band music ranging from the late 70’s to present day.

Penny Black Saturday Challenge #5

This week's challenge is to use this sketch:
The first card is using brown and pink cardstock to mat and layer. The papers are from the DCWV Glitter stack with a brown and orange flower and a pink brad. The image is coloured using Coloursoft pencils. The stamp is Minding Sheltie.The next card is using a black card blank layered with pink textured cardstock. The papers are from a Scrap a Go Go Greetings kit from a few months back and the flower is from this month's kit. The stamp is Ladies Devine and is coloured using Coloursoft pencils and then mounted on black card stock.