tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347529612024-03-07T08:29:00.638+00:00Scrapping Away......to my heart's contentCoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-73020398410815399532011-10-02T21:11:00.001+00:002011-10-02T21:11:53.403+00:00Pure New Wool<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP1qZUiHSzJiTHig0dTNUbVVvE46Zmpa7VKpIr7Uh_zQ5zCuPK4UFIY-F6FPbQEL-4pQ9il-NuN7lhSu4_N9si_QtY1QORpTw6w2uZAbhLDT_Zrb_0lXeW-8xhtliMbtlVTGDmw/s1600/photo-713404.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP1qZUiHSzJiTHig0dTNUbVVvE46Zmpa7VKpIr7Uh_zQ5zCuPK4UFIY-F6FPbQEL-4pQ9il-NuN7lhSu4_N9si_QtY1QORpTw6w2uZAbhLDT_Zrb_0lXeW-8xhtliMbtlVTGDmw/s320/photo-713404.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659005592524424114" /></a></p>So the x factor is back on, so that means it's Crochet Time! This new hat is item no. 1 created this weekend from some fun new wool my sister gave me for my birthday! Gotta love those dark (productive) nights! Did some fun stitching today at a class and also taught a scrapbook class in athlone. Busy busy!CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-24834408548478215222011-09-21T15:16:00.000+00:002011-09-21T15:16:10.062+00:00Craft Extravaganza Layout Sneaks.....It's that time of year again - already! <a href="http://greatbigcraftextravaganza.wordpress.com/">The Great Big Craft Extravaganza</a> is coming up in only two weeks!<br />
This year I'm teaching a gorgeous double layout scrapbooking class using <a href="http://ansiopabui.ie/epages/950000389.sf/en_IE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/950000389/Categories/Yellow_Clubs">An Siopa Buí's Yellow Club</a> September Scrapbook kit. I can't say too much yet, but it's an autumnal based layout in a rustic style. You'll need four 6x4 photos - 2 portrait and 2 landscape....ideally in autumn colours or black and white.<br />
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Here's a few sneaky peaks! See you there.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u0MtOw9cTc9Q4Ar7hrLkCNOGb20EeMmqijmNoGWqXoLYAC0JwOQeDCU4idbJkWtpjvPPLMh8KjOY_bMXIwDrFNGmftHeheidiMPdRBHyOFbMWhD4cNQFny11KiAurIvDZSkReA/s1600/DSCF5468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u0MtOw9cTc9Q4Ar7hrLkCNOGb20EeMmqijmNoGWqXoLYAC0JwOQeDCU4idbJkWtpjvPPLMh8KjOY_bMXIwDrFNGmftHeheidiMPdRBHyOFbMWhD4cNQFny11KiAurIvDZSkReA/s320/DSCF5468.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAxJkk4S2Sgz-IxYp1Nq_hTPP2qhKLX4lLL5pUfiqXN-yLUVwYg_krcfIU4owKHBwOr67A3EPRjhJUz2K24QTvCIpzKdIpFUJ9GZWl2hQIGnn-WDxzBGUSchc8PMtP9-p_Y8CPQ/s1600/DSCF5462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAxJkk4S2Sgz-IxYp1Nq_hTPP2qhKLX4lLL5pUfiqXN-yLUVwYg_krcfIU4owKHBwOr67A3EPRjhJUz2K24QTvCIpzKdIpFUJ9GZWl2hQIGnn-WDxzBGUSchc8PMtP9-p_Y8CPQ/s320/DSCF5462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtwElpHFgAwtfFPxvPhvKvKoSYTI6MSYUAl4yj-lo7VqdmkNrU4JNY3AW2BQ_Ai10I5cjFfKgtV9l7a2QJlD9yj-PvYVnGo1Bjav_Efy9kaa8Kqg0YG8jM2OpEipugegbGyoXeg/s1600/DSCF5465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtwElpHFgAwtfFPxvPhvKvKoSYTI6MSYUAl4yj-lo7VqdmkNrU4JNY3AW2BQ_Ai10I5cjFfKgtV9l7a2QJlD9yj-PvYVnGo1Bjav_Efy9kaa8Kqg0YG8jM2OpEipugegbGyoXeg/s320/DSCF5465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-20336847138974111172011-09-01T14:23:00.001+00:002011-09-01T14:23:02.563+00:00Revision!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4ppEf3l7TktXZp1jgjHRUzcdl0ftt_TDH22qKyil8i5YarzM2TTkZXPHzQ_mty0i7c-hIgpLHL3DP4dc9zPC8P_88Mm8WidCUL7rFQ8jc3sVoFKMU2B6wV4FE36ubGxNkGYnAw/s1600/photo-782564.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4ppEf3l7TktXZp1jgjHRUzcdl0ftt_TDH22qKyil8i5YarzM2TTkZXPHzQ_mty0i7c-hIgpLHL3DP4dc9zPC8P_88Mm8WidCUL7rFQ8jc3sVoFKMU2B6wV4FE36ubGxNkGYnAw/s320/photo-782564.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647396588379399026" /></a></p>Learn Something New Every Day - Shimelle's annual class starts today. <br>Today I learned (re-learned, because this is something I have to keep reminding myself) that sometimes you just have to say no. Even if you feel under duress but ultimately know that you are going to be more pressurised, just say no. This could also have been called 'don't bite off more than you can chew'. EtcCoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-4204283977372844222011-08-21T18:32:00.000+00:002011-08-21T18:32:43.628+00:00Scrap HappySo my creativity is back with a bang...thanks to <a href="http://www.shimelle.com/">Shimelle</a> (who is becoming all to often my saviour). While I would have liked to have got more layouts completed for last weekends crop party, I'm delighted to have finished four new layouts and got my mojo back. I also learned that it doesn't take 2 hours to make a layout and yes, I should just follow sketches or prompts more often and 'just do it'.<br />
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So, here are my layouts....in no particular order....<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here's us on holidays in Achill - photos I have been meaning to scrap for ages, so this goes under the 'photos from before 2011 challenge':</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtntQOSiqY2k82VTzPk6oanQjb0joH9qiUNeRvBuPNo_YlLQBAnG8L4Iv5dMAbpA6vlahelkObQFYlmo4FielKUsAztiQgEVJLzPurfUge5MudpNOkIaZPO02KVgWPXEYke-g7ZA/s1600/Achill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtntQOSiqY2k82VTzPk6oanQjb0joH9qiUNeRvBuPNo_YlLQBAnG8L4Iv5dMAbpA6vlahelkObQFYlmo4FielKUsAztiQgEVJLzPurfUge5MudpNOkIaZPO02KVgWPXEYke-g7ZA/s320/Achill.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Here's my attempt at a 'half the page' challenge....love the photo, not sure about the sploge in the top right...let's just pretend it isn't there ok.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2quVuN9DsfS1dwbGLhqwWxjNah9qSRwPNoW2muHuHPtrrb1Adj0ODQpEwBiPwr_Yn4aUvDb9rMvLxFFvSHiRGT3RMhG5HEzTMiEXKsm2yd_qtHV5A9fapvUu8l6ECzgfMYITu-Q/s1600/Treasures.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2quVuN9DsfS1dwbGLhqwWxjNah9qSRwPNoW2muHuHPtrrb1Adj0ODQpEwBiPwr_Yn4aUvDb9rMvLxFFvSHiRGT3RMhG5HEzTMiEXKsm2yd_qtHV5A9fapvUu8l6ECzgfMYITu-Q/s320/Treasures.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>I 'heart' .....reallly like this layout. Am happy I also got to scrap Grace as there's always a comparison between who has most photos/layouts, etc....the plight of the second child!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8ZYHXj0N57OJDx7hB0IPJCTqXAZMliYarA7RkdZYWRRinPFJcIMsMdGPTI9m8Zo6OiFWS8NtSYBcxigJL1DMITVMzhw3oiQeVnLI8Snt5X6cA132QMyuOuu_Bvi5Ut4c5HRKFA/s1600/WE+Love+Grace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8ZYHXj0N57OJDx7hB0IPJCTqXAZMliYarA7RkdZYWRRinPFJcIMsMdGPTI9m8Zo6OiFWS8NtSYBcxigJL1DMITVMzhw3oiQeVnLI8Snt5X6cA132QMyuOuu_Bvi5Ut4c5HRKFA/s320/WE+Love+Grace.JPG" width="312" /></a></div><br />
Finally 'Galway Girls' is my effort for the group of three challenge. Am also delighted to have used these pics which I thought were going to be difficult to scrap based on dark background for photos (our hall carpet)...but I used Shimelle's 4x6 photo love template for my three pics and am super happy with result.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB4_MUggS1b9NOO4iosnV-RNXK0Nf6l3cRwkiXPRMeGQ1MaixmA5IHktQJz5sZ2cN5ZQSZtVyM5yegYEmVM1y2JxizMjtdcFpbzAIeb93oJf7rImxrC0b-yij3wvPKvndzgoPGg/s1600/Galway+Girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB4_MUggS1b9NOO4iosnV-RNXK0Nf6l3cRwkiXPRMeGQ1MaixmA5IHktQJz5sZ2cN5ZQSZtVyM5yegYEmVM1y2JxizMjtdcFpbzAIeb93oJf7rImxrC0b-yij3wvPKvndzgoPGg/s320/Galway+Girls.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So that's it for now....but I think I might be in the habit now. Am currently making puppets for school....but my mojo is back. Hurrah!<br />
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CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-16796379877918243452011-08-15T11:26:00.000+00:002011-08-15T11:29:29.217+00:00My new obsession<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdR225HsE5s9OhVVOODSrv-jIMUf3idSIhaQJTWyj1TRfv8CLRDSNHmJ7g4QpNIahZwvT4nluwmFZCgIdRwJombyG0UcrtSYt_lk3w4q4C09xk4cPSoLe6svOS395axew2doOgw/s1600/photo-769218.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdR225HsE5s9OhVVOODSrv-jIMUf3idSIhaQJTWyj1TRfv8CLRDSNHmJ7g4QpNIahZwvT4nluwmFZCgIdRwJombyG0UcrtSYt_lk3w4q4C09xk4cPSoLe6svOS395axew2doOgw/s320/photo-769218.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641043417328631106" /></a></p>I realised over the course of the last few weeks that I am obsessed with stone Walls. I am drawn to them. As I walk, drive, etc. I have gone so far as to email someone in appreciation of their stone wall (which was just fabulous). Is it really strange to be in love with an inanimate object such as a wall?! I'm going to catalogue my finds. This photo is of a wall in Clonbur in Co. Galway. Limestone. The light on the evening I took it was tremendous but it doesn't really show. Still like the wall though!CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-57652945111113019232011-07-22T11:10:00.001+00:002011-07-22T11:10:33.463+00:00Isn't it ironic<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNtPOB3RIDYC4FmfsEuL3uvhwDcLrVaTc6VLntUrG_L04GWILSRhTprKLQsTVsJpPiazwCt34ZBIbJkTaXgpDsjJszUMH9d2sXlvs-pQYIliznN5t23TGIa8p_b3SFzB47tA6OA/s1600/photo-733464.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNtPOB3RIDYC4FmfsEuL3uvhwDcLrVaTc6VLntUrG_L04GWILSRhTprKLQsTVsJpPiazwCt34ZBIbJkTaXgpDsjJszUMH9d2sXlvs-pQYIliznN5t23TGIa8p_b3SFzB47tA6OA/s320/photo-733464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632132498368916434" /></a></p>Or an alternate title would be "oh I wish I'd looked after me teeth"<br>Yesterday, I broke a back tooth on the aptly titled bubblegum pictured beneath. Yes, jawbreakers broke my tooth. <p>That in itself is a funny story except it meant I had to go to the dentist. And the thought of that made me close to physically sick. I'm not sure if I'm phobic but I'm pretty close. I hadn't been to a dentist in (gulp) 11 years. Now for those of you holy joes who get dentally checked every 6 months and have a perfect set of choppers, that sounds utterly shocking. But (and I know this because you can find anything on the Internet, including dental phobia support) there are lots of folk out there the same as me. So I'm breaking the silence (go me!). I feel I can now cos I'm just back from my visit to a super nice modern dentist. I got 3 fillings including repair of that broken tooth and a filling replaced and I feel great. So, the message is don't be afraid. Drugs seem to work better, drills don't seem to do as much work, no pain and White fillings. I have to go back (11 years - remember!) but I'm ok with that. This was the first step. <p>How this links to finding perfection or letting go of perfection (ala Shimelle's prompt) I'm not sure but I might have teeth that are closer to perfection at the end of all this. Explore indeed!CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-1704502561105117072011-07-21T13:04:00.000+00:002011-07-21T13:06:35.677+00:00Maps<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_5HB-CGBtrUWPU85W1pSVCB94RkVSHXHF6JbOlwcelTyZ2AcG3SUMwQvt2ZTaAueTh30mogtyXIjK-I4uMfL6oCBcZU63gIegNa0WTH0zEH2Ndv7Tf3V5m8Ht28o5PCnu53Vcw/s1600/photo-795678.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_5HB-CGBtrUWPU85W1pSVCB94RkVSHXHF6JbOlwcelTyZ2AcG3SUMwQvt2ZTaAueTh30mogtyXIjK-I4uMfL6oCBcZU63gIegNa0WTH0zEH2Ndv7Tf3V5m8Ht28o5PCnu53Vcw/s320/photo-795678.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631791311779684258" /></a></p>Maps are a big part of my daily life. At work I create and consult maps for every project. We use GIS packages to create maps as if it's second nature. And yet when you think about all the work that had to be put in to create the first maps. The trigonometry. It's mind boggling. <p>However, the map challenge has identified in me my require to control. I almost always bring a map because I like to be in control of the journey. I don't like feeling lost and the possible associated sense of adventure. It's not for me although occasionally I'm happy to take a different route if it's with a plan to getting there faster or avoid traffic. But usually that only happens with a map so it's not about getting 'lost' rather just finding an alternative route. Deep!CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-68895548927732434942011-07-20T13:30:00.000+00:002011-07-20T13:36:14.209+00:00My (less than) adventurous layout!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqpEVqhDWe4Z38iQ0-ld2STGaBW-L0K_r2yZpLoHxYFDam-sl_gR_9XOfjkU136PsLlZCu-NUjN0m1y15bmH1nBWBBDBjJ-bkW4onCMDmLuJ_ZSefKTbg-I8qiVakAX0QFUGKYA/s1600/photo-774210.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqpEVqhDWe4Z38iQ0-ld2STGaBW-L0K_r2yZpLoHxYFDam-sl_gR_9XOfjkU136PsLlZCu-NUjN0m1y15bmH1nBWBBDBjJ-bkW4onCMDmLuJ_ZSefKTbg-I8qiVakAX0QFUGKYA/s320/photo-774210.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631427864205399234" /></a></p>Here's the text and postcard from my 'adventure' prompt from Shimelle. Confession: I didn't post the postcard. I know my postman and felt that it would limit what I could say if I posted it to myself. I'm sure they have a quick browse on occasion and what's more interesting than a postcard to someone from themselves highlighted by the fact it's a postcard from a nearby city and not somewhere exotic at all!<br> <br>Apologies for the mass of blog posts with single pictures. I've decided that mobile blogging is my only hope and I haven't figured out how to add more than one photo. Just means I have to be selective. <p>Two prompts. Two layouts. Go me!<br>I also just completed a mini book to bring on hols with me next week. Will post a pic soon. Yes, maybe my creativity is seeping back gradually. Need to retain momentum.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-52828799831415310032011-07-19T21:30:00.000+00:002011-07-19T21:33:30.115+00:00Adventurous Me<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIao5VI0SqDYbz6FXGI6lr9cnMPbBaaR4tk1CUwx9lw0txw17FN0Xh7QQ32fs5c64snYphTAjVQtkfbfhDIfsgjduRV26aA5FU2-nVvDv41ZqaZiezeMEstF6NVX4dWTFJaqAbYA/s1600/photo-710116.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIao5VI0SqDYbz6FXGI6lr9cnMPbBaaR4tk1CUwx9lw0txw17FN0Xh7QQ32fs5c64snYphTAjVQtkfbfhDIfsgjduRV26aA5FU2-nVvDv41ZqaZiezeMEstF6NVX4dWTFJaqAbYA/s320/photo-710116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631179771429512578" /></a></p>I don't really consider myself adventurous. I see that mainly as a bungee jumping, bare back riding, motor cycling, pink haired and tattooed world traveller. Which is not me! I'm the most safety conscious wary home bird I know. But, I might be considered 'arty' or 'creative' or even 'adventurous' when it comes to my dress sense. So, maybe I'm more adventurous than I think - in ways. <p>Our greatest family adventure to date was our recent trip to Paris. Bearing in mind my above statement re safety consciousness you can probably understand more why I would consider our first family trip abroad to one of the largest cities in the world an adventure! It was our kids first time abroad, first time on a plane, first time on the tgv, in a country with a foreign language and foreign food. What if the kids were hungry, bored, cold, tired, disruptive? <p>But you know what - we rocked it! Next stop London!CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-91175653520539309392011-07-19T07:42:00.000+00:002011-07-19T07:47:28.644+00:00Never enough E's<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefgGIHWxKWcpDjqw7O4GxYSq_QqnfmVkNdooBUsUZFb1YZyJflLskj_-V4yLOMJd-u_-tZpgYHaGaPJqqoYjhtiZANMUv7dXzGnWlzOvvSBaDHmLFLwD4Z_blfcOKlyZMWCkLlA/s1600/photo-748645.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefgGIHWxKWcpDjqw7O4GxYSq_QqnfmVkNdooBUsUZFb1YZyJflLskj_-V4yLOMJd-u_-tZpgYHaGaPJqqoYjhtiZANMUv7dXzGnWlzOvvSBaDHmLFLwD4Z_blfcOKlyZMWCkLlA/s320/photo-748645.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630966909050628642" /></a></p>There's never enough letter E's in a pack I think. Yes I know it's the most commonly used letter in the English language but it's also in both my children's names so it tends to get used up pretty quick. Thankfully there's always backward 3's and cut in half 8's to do the trick. Here's my 'Explore' book cover. I think it needs more but will suffice for now. My internal pages are a combination of cardstock and canvas and patterned paper, some of which I altered for my 'learn something new' class last September but didn't use. Overall I see it being quite a grungy look (what's new!). Today we need to get a postcard so that's my plan for lunchtime today.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-20179561853113047042011-07-18T13:40:00.000+00:002011-07-18T13:41:34.946+00:00Explore prompt 1<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXQZJvAOVgjT3h5F8_wlutPoJ0kaz881kShnf5A1hNEyqq0NRZ1LIFq4YzyvjAWinfidEjV7PLoxlzQ2xoYKztJl9F7-9u0PwEhy-Wrx_H862zKwHBCNMW00h30lMPWZRd4FNrQ/s1600/photo-794947.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXQZJvAOVgjT3h5F8_wlutPoJ0kaz881kShnf5A1hNEyqq0NRZ1LIFq4YzyvjAWinfidEjV7PLoxlzQ2xoYKztJl9F7-9u0PwEhy-Wrx_H862zKwHBCNMW00h30lMPWZRd4FNrQ/s320/photo-794947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630687071566894946" /></a></p>So here I am. Work in the background. I haven't been feeling overly creative lately; that is to say, I've been more creative. Usually I'm keeping notes of things I'm going to do, projects to make, layouts or photos to scrap but lately I haven't made notes or created much. I've kind of resigned myself to the fact that there are other things I 'should' be doing - cleaning, gardening (weeding), studying, working, exercising, playing with the girls, etc. Difficult to make craftiness a priority but yet it's the most thing I enjoy. I don't think lack of creativity is ever my problem. Usually it's lack of priority or sometimes fear that projects need to be given hours not minutes. Outside my window I'm not particularly inspired. I think that's just today, at work whereas my 'home' view is more positive (albeit a garden requiring attention! But with lots of potential). I decided to take this class because the idea of being prompted back gradually to do something I enjoy appealed to me. Also I'm embarking on a little exploration for a few weeks and thought it would be an interesting time to review and document. Little by little.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-43471865011710725252011-07-18T07:24:00.000+00:002011-07-18T07:24:24.422+00:00Time to Explore....This week I've started a new course with <a href="http://www.shimelle.com/">Shimelle</a> called Explore. Really looking forward to getting crafty again as I feel I haven't done anything in ages...bar the odd compulsory card or gift for someone. Nice to be prompted to try new techniques and to do it in a fun way that's not about being 'perfect'. There's still time to sign up if you're interested!<br />
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<a href="http://www.shimelle.com/classes/1099/explore-the-new-online-scrapbooking-class-starts-tomorrow-win-a-free-place-today/"><img src="http://www.shimelle.com/images/2334.jpg" /></a>CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-9171487194222058492011-07-12T10:44:00.000+00:002011-07-12T10:45:34.824+00:00I never promised you a ....<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKMwamPbn06zx6NeJ0vL0YDCFX9tSG4ELBkIoaU2stwlnp1rsyztwjHtZO2vcBdy3wEsFHzPYKWgsq-IXOnkndHW2gpizmSs1dFK4k0hwQewya05Eu3YPMuQC5ZJF-0rPtbEBNA/s1600/photo-734825.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKMwamPbn06zx6NeJ0vL0YDCFX9tSG4ELBkIoaU2stwlnp1rsyztwjHtZO2vcBdy3wEsFHzPYKWgsq-IXOnkndHW2gpizmSs1dFK4k0hwQewya05Eu3YPMuQC5ZJF-0rPtbEBNA/s320/photo-734825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628415209412312530" /></a></p>... Herb garden!CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-12544674343012360752011-03-29T10:12:00.000+00:002011-03-29T10:12:17.856+00:00Miscellaneous new year stuff....Since the new year (although I think I blogged reasonably extensively in January) I have..... <br />
<br />
Stared Zumba - what fun...and exercise too!<br />
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Bought a new camera - my first DSLR...but with a twist. It's a compact style Sony Nex-3. TBH I haven't gone off auto yet, but the photos even on auto are pretty fab...and the main joy is that it is compact enough to actually bring places with me. Like....<br />
<br />
....Paris. Finally. We went to Paris. We went to Disneyland. I took 5GB worth of photos and spent over €60 printing them. Lucky I get 'money back' on my photo printing loyalty card. Time to get scrappy methinks.<br />
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We decided to make a 'garden path' so we can go up it. Actually, we decided to take an offer of free bricks to create 'something' in the garden and decided on a garden path...which is, as yet, a muddy path sans bricks. Our garden is very much an unfinished symphony, much to my mother's dismay. I believe I will get stressed closer to May, when it my SIL is getting married and there will be visitors to our unfinished garden. Also, I wouldn't mind a patio this year so we can actually use our BBQ at home. At last. (I am assuming we will have marvellous weather!)<br />
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I'm still not convinced about spas. But, I'm going again this weekend...on a hen weekend for said SIL. In the meantime I must create something wonderful as a group gift (no pressure...only 3 nights to get it done). I've booked a facial and a seaweed bath. It's an award winning spa. So, I'm hoping I'll get over my 'not love of spa' thing.<br />
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I've been to two crops with wonderful <a href="http://www.thescrapbookstore.ie/">Anna Marie</a> in Athlone and created 6 layouts which I am delighted with. I have still bought stash and not used it...(not quite, but kind of a new years resolution).<br />
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I have created 170 wedding invites and got them out ON TIME - Yay! The 'simple' design, still involved quite a few steps, including ordering card from the USA...which ended up being the wrong colour, but we turned that into a positive.... defo decided that making wedding invites is probably not something I intend to dedicate my life to!<br />
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I've signed up to <a href="http://www.aliedwards.com/">Ali Edwards</a> 'One Little Word' Class for my word 'Revive'. how exactly am I reviving myself...I will discuss at some point later in a full post.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-72105561976533230772011-03-25T08:07:00.000+00:002011-03-25T08:07:49.357+00:00Hello BlogHello Blog, How are you.<br />
<br />
Since we last spoke, I've started a new college course (online...but very different to what I do now), taken a trip abroad (with our children...for the first time) and lots of other stuff. We probably need to sit down and do a big catch up. soon. but not today.<br />
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Just said I'd touch base in case you had forgotten me.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-81083437548663796242011-01-30T00:19:00.000+00:002011-01-30T00:22:28.684+00:00Note to self...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXMFAnBzCex6jEZy-Njs6vZilEifmWAOnt11NkXmbB_DjZZVTOr-dOfAygHLYVOpxZ97HHMwdaSd4n_2mHUVY2nHXUjIHcPYg-SxML_ZlcLT50gvNruRRVXsTXDpYQAC7c6fR6w/s1600/photo-748685.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXMFAnBzCex6jEZy-Njs6vZilEifmWAOnt11NkXmbB_DjZZVTOr-dOfAygHLYVOpxZ97HHMwdaSd4n_2mHUVY2nHXUjIHcPYg-SxML_ZlcLT50gvNruRRVXsTXDpYQAC7c6fR6w/s320/photo-748685.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567767754425909442" /></a></p>Don't promise your nearly seven year old you'll make a piñata without some research first! Layer three only complete now with t minus fourteen hours to party. It's past midnight and I'm gluing paper to a balloon! It will be pretty funktastic when complete but there's a fair process involved for something that's going to be destroyed in less than sixteen hours (where hopefully eight of those hours will be in my bed minus pva glue!). Anyhoo. The things we do....CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-89338550577137164332011-01-17T23:03:00.000+00:002011-01-17T23:08:45.358+00:00Polka dot watch - 2<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxjMZQib7DVcTP-SG5mZbtdJM2lzDhHuERjyNmdvyvjPeuzAMKlybA5TMDmLoGjfsI-VDpBKg3VyRlTXqb1UhG6Z4vGdR4bn_WdMZwyzlEx-DgDtkkVEq12TjIq0rKJIzdIRdFQ/s1600/CameraBag_Photo_1016-725359.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxjMZQib7DVcTP-SG5mZbtdJM2lzDhHuERjyNmdvyvjPeuzAMKlybA5TMDmLoGjfsI-VDpBKg3VyRlTXqb1UhG6Z4vGdR4bn_WdMZwyzlEx-DgDtkkVEq12TjIq0rKJIzdIRdFQ/s320/CameraBag_Photo_1016-725359.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563295733699116946" /></a></p>Fab navy linen dress new season in monsoon. But I'm not buying any clothing until I drop a dress size. WW week 1 weigh in tomoro. I've been reasonably good so am hopeful.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-28158112414359661132011-01-16T21:14:00.000+00:002011-01-16T21:17:18.041+00:00Those who can't...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I10P-RGJpG7CcbGDCeJUpnJp22hoL3YPt-hW8tP5gaBm0F-i7J8aNtfK-uYemxK2zzL-U2aFFcB9cu9hDQCrhpuyeC_Jy8Kww1xnPOgbLBa8fCN-VaYuSZCP5Z_o1hhcDLQ9QA/s1600/CameraBag_Photo_1015-738042.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I10P-RGJpG7CcbGDCeJUpnJp22hoL3YPt-hW8tP5gaBm0F-i7J8aNtfK-uYemxK2zzL-U2aFFcB9cu9hDQCrhpuyeC_Jy8Kww1xnPOgbLBa8fCN-VaYuSZCP5Z_o1hhcDLQ9QA/s320/CameraBag_Photo_1015-738042.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562895921713845714" /></a></p>Debating about upskilling a bit. We'll see. There's a book for everything though! How to Teach by Phil Beadle.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-39697963612612019812011-01-15T21:43:00.000+00:002011-01-15T21:48:41.462+00:00My album collection<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqKrtuCxvU3WJqCEyi2ED21Fzr9AGaEx9CmJtwE7OumHNLedZ6r2PScOclh2IfoKLI1Q2Q2YmJoEe0YDhTSImJgyzbxmeLJK3Cpv0XjoaYk2x642u-4HwDxP8tOR41UJYgtZ5Tw/s1600/CameraBag_Photo_1014-721463.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqKrtuCxvU3WJqCEyi2ED21Fzr9AGaEx9CmJtwE7OumHNLedZ6r2PScOclh2IfoKLI1Q2Q2YmJoEe0YDhTSImJgyzbxmeLJK3Cpv0XjoaYk2x642u-4HwDxP8tOR41UJYgtZ5Tw/s320/CameraBag_Photo_1014-721463.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562532930239569586" /></a></p>My scrapbook albums found a new home on the shelf in the sitting room. I decided last year to change to ring bound American crafts albums and even managed to buy a pink one in TK Max for a tenner on sale after Christmas. Of course now I have to fill them! <br>Started back at swimming lessons today. Dreadful weather. Heavy rain all day. Despite that, we got our shopping done, got passport photos for the kids and made some soup and salad for the week ahead. Managed to avoid telling kids what passports were actually needed for! It's a long time till march though.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-75005766846705285372011-01-13T22:57:00.000+00:002011-01-13T23:45:22.542+00:00Nifty and Cute<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU-US1zg-NMIOlD9YrBnjoty43hWX7G7T8yF7UkPuBA5ZxE5gTSfJFs1AXAPzzUOWhY4JsrAxAEciGgWyFGrWp9zbFFbSpop6iV9VjN0W6MvuGDVuN4s5jCR0qMtx5SeIcGDj7g/s1600/photo-722543.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU-US1zg-NMIOlD9YrBnjoty43hWX7G7T8yF7UkPuBA5ZxE5gTSfJFs1AXAPzzUOWhY4JsrAxAEciGgWyFGrWp9zbFFbSpop6iV9VjN0W6MvuGDVuN4s5jCR0qMtx5SeIcGDj7g/s320/photo-722543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561820830786078274" /></a></p>No, not me (although I try my best!) this is my new earring holder thingy. Loving all things heart-y for a while now and this is functional and decorative. I picked it up two weeks ago in a little shop called Town and Country in Athleague, Co. Roscommon. It's a fab spot and despite lots of large and expensive country style interiors, they often have nice affordable nic nacs. So even better if said nic nac serves a purpose. I only got my ears pierced last year - aged 31! So I'm still in the loving dangly earrings phase. Maybe I love to buy but not to wear...<br>In other news, I'm still weightwatching and to be honest a little bit peckish tonight. I didn't eat all my points but feel it's too late to eat now at 10.30 so early to bed instead. Over and out.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-60579347130051441892011-01-12T15:54:00.000+00:002011-01-12T15:58:23.091+00:00New Year, New Me<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KwOYszd-J0Px9yVGHA71B3CLk7JBQRDfHyYqGFh7qKVzIOu3DwbBuAei4fCMC3Us4Q_XR79HR0oH0xz7g3wBymRhL2O6RtFTsaNnTfVvyGWrKr8i-YcH39L_SKugjNPLlnq8cg/s1600/CameraBag_Photo_1013-703092.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KwOYszd-J0Px9yVGHA71B3CLk7JBQRDfHyYqGFh7qKVzIOu3DwbBuAei4fCMC3Us4Q_XR79HR0oH0xz7g3wBymRhL2O6RtFTsaNnTfVvyGWrKr8i-YcH39L_SKugjNPLlnq8cg/s320/CameraBag_Photo_1013-703092.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561329401827011698" /></a></p>Lots of new and exciting things! Yesterday I joined a new pilates class at home. I found it ok but not very strenuous but was assured that there was worse/more to come. On my way out from class I saw a sign for weightwatchers so I decided to bite the bullet and sign up. New system called 'pro points' so I was as new to it all as everyone else. Three points in a curly wurly! Maybe that shouldn't have been the one that jumped out at me! A slice of bread is two points and you have around thirty to 'spend' each day. Also weekly floating allowance. We'll see what happens but I have a good bit to lose so hoping that the first few weeks will be good so I keep inspired! <p>Also decided to book some flights. And our first ever family holiday. V exciting. More details later!CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-37237114753416450472011-01-10T23:08:00.000+00:002011-01-10T23:12:23.571+00:00Hall layout - before<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygZhYC0M8TIfNFWoOLQspNlm4zVcQAAys_shFGkMbynHZqs8jnoae9qRhxdHYwTNgNXzjiW84nF84lbzr2F345A7NCbWHwN4Pa_AhH_TQy73HWp0moNu3cbC7vSS5zyu32u5G0g/s1600/photo-743572.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygZhYC0M8TIfNFWoOLQspNlm4zVcQAAys_shFGkMbynHZqs8jnoae9qRhxdHYwTNgNXzjiW84nF84lbzr2F345A7NCbWHwN4Pa_AhH_TQy73HWp0moNu3cbC7vSS5zyu32u5G0g/s320/photo-743572.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560699073627107298" /></a></p>One year on, I still haven't filled the frames. Getting there though. Scanned a few more pics at weekend. Plan to make it a family tree wall. Watch this space.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-16150964661633421232011-01-09T22:51:00.000+00:002011-01-09T22:53:03.936+00:00Today IFell in love with the I-pad, chose a wedding stationary design with my sister in law, ate a lovely Bon voyage meal for my brother in law and am currently becoming attached to a new tv series - downton abbey. Period drama. Busy but relaxed day. Perfect for a Sunday.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-13314353687710409532011-01-08T15:26:00.000+00:002011-01-08T15:29:56.639+00:00Sad old tree<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8JPns8HHmTz-K2Vh9tMlrBfDF6TF0jf7rKwJdIs7tCq7hf09_-VRLwe5kLoVyTBdlcFeEp-mG55q-R0381WdiXMgeswZV98uqCccj7t1Fsh6v1C5B0AO857Uy7evfsxf1S3c-Q/s1600/photo-796640.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8JPns8HHmTz-K2Vh9tMlrBfDF6TF0jf7rKwJdIs7tCq7hf09_-VRLwe5kLoVyTBdlcFeEp-mG55q-R0381WdiXMgeswZV98uqCccj7t1Fsh6v1C5B0AO857Uy7evfsxf1S3c-Q/s320/photo-796640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559837732493692978" /></a></p>Like every party, The worst part of christmas must be the tidying up afterwards. I didn't realise I had so many bits. This year I bought some plastic boxes in an attempt to organise the supplies a bit better. Up to this it was a selection of various pampers boxes etc. Unfortunately the three boxes won't be enough. Yoikes! Anyway, no more ornaments required (although I'd love a garland for my stairs - the hall was very un-seasonal this year I think). Ok, we'll have a revisit of this de-briefing email next December I think.CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34752961.post-90205895661757403922011-01-07T23:17:00.000+00:002011-01-07T23:24:30.580+00:00Polka Dot Watch - 1<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUm3K_TsTSJ_fgmiDd0gL087Ljiypp8XqnrWgP35EMePBUHpwVwQb5QfYrncAdntAqhZOQuN45xESoaW30nMVmOXac-eCd97ympkHpZXPuUI-zHYRv3pqPJd4ZQTjIuG2lDJl_A/s1600/CameraBag_Photo_1012-770581.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUm3K_TsTSJ_fgmiDd0gL087Ljiypp8XqnrWgP35EMePBUHpwVwQb5QfYrncAdntAqhZOQuN45xESoaW30nMVmOXac-eCd97ympkHpZXPuUI-zHYRv3pqPJd4ZQTjIuG2lDJl_A/s320/CameraBag_Photo_1012-770581.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559588942757944946" /></a></p>Thank crunchy it's Friday. What a busy week. So in case I haven't publically professed my love for all things polka dot up to now, I'm officially going to start recording my polka love. Starting with this dotey kids chair in the window of Wooden Heart shop on Quay Street today. Stay tuned for a year full of polka observations. Yay for polka dots!CoCohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784432863492247434noreply@blogger.com0