Scrappin' Away

Here Come the Girls....

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:16:00 +0000

It's like the Boots Ad here in the office today. I'm trimming my nails while waiting for my ...slow... computer to transfer some files, hopefully resulting in a less slow computer. You can almost smell the fake tan from around the office and there's nothing but talk of hair appointments and make up and tights versus bare legs discussions...and we are not girly girls. The Office Christmas Party is on tonight. A little earlier than I would have liked and I certainly don't feel 'christmassy' enough to party, but hopefully there will be plenty of 'christmas cheer' about later and will get us in the mood. It's a smaller affair than last year - smaller numbers unfortunately, but we're counting our blessings to employ as many as we do and to still have work for everyone. One week at a time, but there are lots of people in worse positions for sure. We are going for a meal and drinks at 7 and on to a nite club - not sure if I'll remember what to do....

On top of that, today is a pretty monumental one for me. On a kind of an impulse, but decided over the past week, I got my ears pierced today. Not such a big deal to most, but when it's for the first time and you are 31, it was an interesting decision for me. My father didn't have too many rules, but one was that he didn't want us to get our ears pierced until we were at least 16, so there was no Holy Communion earrings for his 4 daughters. As a teenager I played a lot of sport and so the idea of taking in and out earrings outweighed any benefits (add to that I was a teenager in the grungy 90s when the less dressed up you looked the better - the anti-bling, we could now describe it) so I didn't bother. Ditto in college and when I had first baby, the idea of earrings which could be pulled and dragged didn't seem so good either. So, why today? I don't know, but I am now sporting some cubic zircona bling in either ear and seemingly have to leave them in for 6 weeks, which doesn't live up to my expectations of wearing fancy danglers on Christmas morning. One of my best childhood (and teenage and college and post-college) friends was with me - it was our Friday lunch-date with a twist. They asked if I was nervous but I figured after having 2 babies, ear piercing wasn't going to be much on childbirth (although technically I had 2 c-sections...but had labour for 8+ hours....so I think that counts). It all went swimmingly and there doesn't appear to be any swelling (which she didn't warn me about until after the job was done, yet only 7 before the christmas party....). I will post a pic if I can manage to get the old computer going. Must dash to get the hair done. You really might as well give everyone a half day the day of the christmas party; well at least all the girly girls....cos the amount of work that will be done here this afternoon is minimal!

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:14:00 +0000

Prompt 3 is going to be a quick one as I will be away from computer most of today. Christmas Cards....

Last year was Eilis's first time to give cards to kids at school and her crafty mum decided what a pity it would be to buy them, and better to make them. I spotted a 'colour your own' christmas card kit in the Early Learning Centre and bought the pack. Of course, between one thing and another the 'colouring your own' didn't start until the week before christmas and I didn't consider how long it would actually take to colour 12 cards! Let alone the handwriting which was required in each one and on the envelopes! So, we cheated. She coloured one, I scanned it and printed off on card and hey presto, we had 12 cards with a click of a mouse. We couldn't cheat on the handwriting so there was still a bit of work there.

It's amazing what a difference a year makes though. This year I bought some packs in Pennys with cad blanks and toppers and lovely red envelopes. An assembly line was created and she got all the cards almost finished in less than an hour. We still haven't written them, but are well on track as it's only the 3rd!

I also decided to make some cards this year and put them for sale in my aunt's craft shop near Athlone. No feedback so far, and as always I'm a bit sick of making cards now, so probably won't get to make my own. Although it's all about keeping it simple. Also time to get the old list together. Here's two of the cards I've made:

Winter Weather

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:33:00 +0000

So this year I'm doing Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas again...or at least 'attempting' it. I'm also keeping an eye on Ali Edwards December Daily prompts. I've printed out digi journalling cards from Ali and mounted them onto 6x4 patterned paper (can't get photo to upload for some reason...) and will journal on them at a minimum and also take a few photos each day, so basically will be a combination of both. I think the beginning of the month is easiest. It gets more difficult to keep the journalling up as we get more busy, closer to the big day, but for now, this is my commitment. I did about 8 days last year and they are fun to look back at.

Today's JYC is about winter weather. Don't get me started! After getting 1/3 of Ireland's rainfall in the month of November and being stranded and not able to go to work for 3 days I think this has been an exceptional year....for all the wrong reasons. Lots of homes are flooded (which really makes you appreciate your own home even more) including nearly my aunt, who has been visiting her house in waders for the last week, but thankfully, the water dropped by an inch yesterday and hadn't actually gotten beyond the deck into the house. It's the upheaval more than anything - unimaginable, and especially difficult this close to Christmas. Count your blessings. We don't tend to get much snow here, especially in the city, although a taxi driver told me yesterday that he heard someone on the radio predicting 2 foot of snow in January. Watch this space. We had one saturday's worth of snow earlier this year which was great for the kids. Managed to make a snowman but not affect getting around or getting to work on the Monday. I'm dreaming of a White Christmas....

Christmas Countdown....

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:39:00 +0000

And so the countdown to Christmas 2009 begins....

The Late Late Toy show has been watched, the first christmas songs have been played on the radio, the letter to Santy is written, (some) cards have been made :) and for the first time in as long as I remember, we have an advent calendar. Something I always wanted, and always vowed I'd make...or at least buy in the January sales and then I saw this one in Laura Ashley (and didn't even get it on sale :( or 3 for 2) but I think it's great and now it's loaded up with chocolate coins for the days to come.

Blogging Anew

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:02:00 +0000

Time to revive the blog…or perhaps start a new one?

I’ve just signed up for Shimelles new class Blogging for Scrapbookers. Hoping to give this blog a bit of a facelift and get into a better habit of updating, etc.

Also now using Windows Live Writer to see if it makes the process a bit easier.

WATCH THIS SPACE….hopefully evolve before your eyes!

Well, if you don't blog on your Birthday....

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:09:00 +0000

....there's not much hope for you, is there.

Again, it's been ages since I blogged....busy busy, etc, etc.

Today, as I turned 31 (eek) I decided that I better write a few lines for posterity, if nothing else. In fact, maybe I'll journal my day - A Day in the Life of a (newly turned) 31 Year Old - sounds like a plan.

Eilis stayed in Mam and Dad's last night so she could have a 'lie in'. We get up at 7 normally, so once a week she stays overnight with someone or other...usually Thursdays and usually with my parents. It's like a little holiday for her and she loves it. I think she thinks it's the norm, that everyone does regular sleepovers in close-by relatives houses.

Last night, Tony's mum and sisters called over as they aren't around this evening and we had a few glasses of wine. I am slightly feeling the effects this morning, although we were up and out and in Galway before 8 this morning. Am plugging away at work, but with a fuzzy head. Since I decided not to drink beer anymore (relevation at age 30.5) I don't get headaches or bad hangovers. I think it's either the yeast or wheat as I've tried to cut them out too. Whether or which I can drink again without being a wreck the following day as long as I stick to wine or spirits. This is difficult when you were a die hard, bottle of Heineken fan.....but I'm getting over it.

One of the things I find very strange nowadays is how you get messages on your birthday as emails from things you've signed up to. This morning I was greeted by a 'happy birthday' from boards.ie and earlier this week at Curves 'happy birthday' flashed up on the screen when I logged in. Are we now going to get to a point where our birthday greetings are all from anonymous electronic devices? Scary thought. PG I'll always have my mammy to think of me - even though she only lives 3 miles away she told me yesterday 'there's a card in the post'.

Plans for the day are to pop into town at some stage (most likely on pretence of a 'meeting') to collect some bits as I am heading off (early) tomorrow morning to Co. Louth for my friend Aoife's hen party. I need to get a naughty but nice gift for her and also to get some shoes. Unfortunately I was in town for an hour yesterday and saw nothing...so I don't know how hopeful I am. I don't actually mind what I spend (which seems heresy in the 'current climate') but I want a pair of good, black, classy, high heel (but not too high), comfortable black going out shoe. Preferably with a pointy toe. Is that too much to ask!?!? So as I said, if I had to pay €200 for the perfect pair, I wouldn't mind. I've never come close to spending that kind of money on shoes by the way, just I don't have a black shoe for going out and am at a stage in my life where I need a pair that will last and that are (like the little black dress) easy to just throw on, no thought required. So, we'll just have to see how we get on today. Unfortunately it seems to be all boots now and it was all sandals during the summer.

Anyhoo, maybe this is why I don't blog, cos I get sucked in to writing all manner of slightly irrelevant stuff... although I'm not writing for you, I'm writing for me! Over and out for now....I'll try to keep notes as I go along today.

Rest of plans include lunch with Tina (college friend) and Tony (DH). Home early-ish, shopping, packing and maybe a chinese and a few 'nice things' with my sisters/parents/whoever's knocking around at the time.

Me, The Abridged Version

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:31:00 +0000

So I'm taking a course on Big Picture Scrapbooking by Cathy Zielske
It started today. It's digi...if we want it to be and it's called Me, The Abridged Version. Basically an A to Z set of layouts about yours truely. Our first tasks are to compile our thoughts, in alphabetical order. Cathy's also prompting us with emails each day asking questions like - What can't you Imagine Living Without.

P is for Pragmatist, or Pessimist (although I don't really think I am). I just couldn't think of anything I couldn't live without (apart from obvious air and water....scientist in me even saying you could probably survive if you had to....). If you had to live without stuff, or loved ones, or technology, you just would. Obviously I'd prefer not to have to live without my family, friends, television, chocolate, etc, but realistically we don't always have the choice and so it's better to just live each day and not wish for things.

This is a difficult entry - I'm not good at imagining negative things (which is a good thing I suppose). Ask me to imagine winning the lottery or All Ireland and I could write a book!

More soon. Am not going to apologise for not blogging more often, or for the state of my blog, which needs a serious overhaul. It's not going to happen this week.....
I haven't even uploaded photos from June onwards off my camera, never mind put them on blog. Life and stuff gets in the way, but it's all good.

Playing with Paper Again!

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:39:00 +0000

I haven't blogged in forever....what's new. But I have been a little bit crafty and am trying to make more time (even if it's only a little time) each week for myself. So if that means crocheting while I watch television, or sorting photos (which is a mammoth task, but I am getting through them, little by little) or doing some actual scrapping, I feel much better for it.

So, when I saw that Paperplay Challenges have upped the anti this week with a twist of a prize I decided to play along....although I'm not sure if it's just for cards? Anyway I made this layout this week based on a sketch (so that's two layouts in two weeks for me - a record for sure!). Funnily enough I started with the paper, without any photograph in mind. I suppose with a sketch that might be a good jumping off point. Also it meant that there was less of the 'starting with a blank page' syndrome. I often start layouts off as 8x8 and then just stick them onto a 12x12 plain cardstock to put in my albums....and they often look better for it, whereas if I started with a 12x12 I wouldn't have done the same LO at all. Another thing that's unusual about this LO for me, is that it's GREEN. I am soooo not a green fan, but I kinda like this. So after I had part of the LO finished, I went looking for a photo and came across this one of Eilis with part of trampoline from last summer. The green worked, but there was a bit more colour to it (which I was looking for) and am happy enough with results. I've used a photo I wouldn't usually use, a colour I wouldn't usually use, stitching (which I haven't used before) and lots of journalling. And it didn't take all day! Sometimes you just have to get back on the horse....and go for it.

Photo is pretty crappo - apologies, but it was a late night, bad light photo unfortunately.

A new beginning....

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:17:00 +0000

With all my healthy eating, I haven't actually lost any weight. Although I was getting compliments, I think they were all based on weight lost before Christmas. Easter I fell off the wagon, but have now committed to a plan to lose more, especially before the swimsuit season and weddings during the summer. A gang of ladies have pooled together on Craftsupplies forum to support each other in a weight loss plan and of course there is a stash prize at the end of 12 weeks as incentive. I'm a bit late in joining, but think the support is just what I need.

So, I started in earnest at lunchtime. I hadn’t really prepared in time for this morning (which is the key to all this I suppose) but headed into town at lunch and hit the healthfood store, hard. Part of my plan is to keep the carbs to a minimum, and I always find lunch very difficult – what’s the alternative to a sandwich (if you don’t make it yourself)? So, I’m currently chowing on a very expensive lemon soya yogurt (as a treat). I will follow with fruit and some nuts.

I’m going to follow Patrick Holfords low GL diet, which seems to allow foods I like. It’s based on low, but not no carbs, combining protein and carb in every meal and having small but frequent meals/snacks during day. It’s also about cutting out refined sugar in order to get your blood sugars right. I think it’s right for me because I am very mood swingy if I don’t eat (indicates blood sugar issues). It seems you can eat almost as much fruit and veg as you want, keep red meat to a minimum (trickier), lots of chicken (ok) and fish (trickier for me) and minimal brown rice/pasta/potatoes. Given that it’s summer I think plenty of salads will be in order and I do love veg, so it’s just about preparation. Idea is to go cold turkey from sugar for a few days. No caffeine forever (which doesn’t affect me cos I don’t trick tea or coffee….see, I told you this diet suited me…but is not for all I suppose), no diet drinks and there’s a scatter of supplements – vitamins/minerals that are recommended.

I’ve done WW in the past and lost about 9 pounds (pre wedding though so there was lots of incentive) also did a diet at Curves for 6 weeks that nearly killed me I was so hungry. This is the first time I’ve done anything just using a book. But I’ve spent about 100 quid between the book, vitamins and healthy food so I’m in it for at least the duration of the challenge on CS. For my height, I need to lose 33 pounds (to put me at the top of the ‘acceptable’ range!) but that would make me lighter than I have been since I was in first year in school (although I have been the same height since then!). So, I’m going to set my target at 2 stone – 28 pounds which would get me down to (I’d say) a comfortable size 12 (am tightish 14 now). I think in the 8 weeks left in the plan I’d be delighted to lose around 10-14 pounds. Halford seems to think 2 lbs per week is best you can do. I agree.

Now, it’s in writing, I have truly committed. Am keeping food diary from today – noting exercise and water drank. All the best to everyone else trying to live healthy out there!

Starvin Marvin!

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:59:00 +0000

I’m starvin Marvin and it’s not even noon….This healthy lifestyle is hard going…ah no, it’s fab.

Got two great compliments (ok one from my mother so maybe that doesn’t count!) yesterday about losing weight….one from a local boutique owner if you don’t mind. Actually, maybe she was just trying to drum up business! Ah no, I’m not good for taking compliments, but positive reinforcement like that is always welcome, especially when you are only on day two of healthy living! Also watched operation transformation on the telly and saw what that gang were able to achieve in 8 weeks – some of them were losing 2-3 stone.

But it’s not just about weight….it’s about feeling better….and I’ve made a list (thinking of making a cool mini book – that’s how hopeful and positive I am about this working) of the reasons WHY – not very many are for health reasons but who cares…I need to keep looking at my reasons to keep me going. Also a treat on Sunday is worth looking forward to!

Have a good weekend…I’m not sure what I’ve planned. The little one was sick on Wed night but seems fine now (after destroying two sets of bed linen!) so quality time with littluns and a major house clean up required – that should burn some calories while I’m at it! Have a good one, whatever you get up to.

Healthier New Me!

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:32:00 +0000

So, I haven’t blogged in 2 months….what’s that all about. In those two months we had Christmas, Eilis turned 5 and we moved into the new house. Must post photos…in fact must tidy house and take photos, but I said I’d blog quick to get back in habit.

Had Crafteire at the weekend. What fun. It’s such a treat – my spa weekend as I put it. So much better than a spa and you have lots of creative bits coming home with you. Great friends, chat, ideas, creativity….it’s wonderful. Classes were fab – I did 5 on the Saturday and yes I will finish the house…at some stage…although it’s more difficult than building a real house!

Made pancakes last night...but did I take any photos?! Duh! Had great fun flipping them - we have now a super high ceiling so there's no risk (we also had eaten about 6 apiece at that stage so there was no major problem if one accidentally tried to escape!).

40 days and 40 nights…..new healthy lifestyle starts today….with a view to losing a stone overall but somewhere between a half and a stone between now and Easter Sunday. I think lent happens at a good time in that you have probably tried and failed at the whole New Years Resolution and it gives you another shot at it. I didn’t really make many resolutions – of course I want to be healthier, but with the amount of rubbish in our house left over from Christmas and then people calling to the house and then Eilis’s birthday parties meant that it has taken until now to eat our way through the sugar. Simple Lenten resolutions for me towards a healthier lifestyle (not diet) are – no junk, except I’m allowed a treat on a Sunday. Also I will eat breakfast. Simple as….for now. We have to see what kind of results are yielded with that plan. Weekly weigh in, keep a diary/notebook for inspiration and review the plan after 2 weeks – might need to exercise to meet goals, but it’s too dark in the evenings at the moment and I’m not paying to get fit – that’s another resolution.

All is Calm, All is Bright

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:19:00 +0000

December Daily post for 1st December:

All was not calm yesterday, until the end of the day. Life in the office is pretty hectic at the moment - some uncertainty about business, but nothing too worrying yet, but add into that people on holidays, people out sick and trying to move 10 bodies and 3 years worth of 'stuff' to a new office can be kinda stressful. Add in icy roads and it's all very interesting altogether. Let's just say I was glad when the day was over. I made a vow coming home in the car to try to stay calm this Christmas.....and try to enjoy, rather than wish it away.

Signs of Christmas included 'Driving Home for Christmas' which Ian Dempsey played and I also heard later in a shop. It's one of my favourite Christmas songs as it's not too christmassy yet and also quite calming on the soul. Am thankful for my mother in law who had a lovely stew ready when we came home from work - just hit the spot and was so appreciated. On the television, the Kelloggs Cornflakes ad with the little blonde girl, came on. Eilis was fascinated. We used to dress her up in an all in one fleece PJs and make her say 'ho ho ho' when she was 2 so it was kinda ironic that she liked the ad.

More positives - I got my Journal Your Christmas first layout completed (despite Grace's best efforts!) and the lights are on in our house. All was calm and bright when I got home.

And yes I will jazz this blog up soon - and also post some pics. Time is what I want for Christmas please!

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:07:00 +0000

I know I haven't been around much - am mental busy with Merger at work, moving office in a week's time, Brian's (work partner) wedding and building our House! hopefully in time for Christmas. Spent all weekend wandering the shops of Athlone for curtains, and similarly on Sunday in Galway. It's all good though - I love interiors. Spent saturday with my mother...who by all tastes, I am turning into. The two of us ooohed and aaahed at exactly the same things, in EVERY shop. I don't mind though - I think she has pretty good taste, truth be told. So I've invited all the family to dinner in our new house on Christmas Day - well, my family anyway. The other half are going to Tony's sister's house, as it's their first Christmas there too. I have instructed my mother to order the Turkey and ham though - not sure if I'm up to knowing what size, etc....and worst case, we'll be eating in their house...
We live next door to my inlaws, and only 3 miles from my home, so we'll get to see everyone on Christmas day anyway PG.
Am hoping to do Journal Your Christmas with Shimelle and December Daily with Ali (in the one album), although we'll see. If I could get set up in advance it would all be fine...but have another (yes, you guessed it.....) Wedding!!! on Friday. We are looking forward to it, but I feel like the wedding queen. Last year I complained because we had 7 weddings and I was pregnant for about 5 of them - this year we only had 4 but two are within two weeks of each other in November....at least the outfit is the same.

Anyway, this wasn't meant to be a big long post about me and weddings....it's to tell you to read this - am sobbing at my desk....a nice story about the real meaning of Christmas.
Later
I'm off to google how to make curtains! How hard could it be!! Tips welcome

Happy Birthday John Aldridge

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:11:00 +0000

John Aldridge is 50 today.

Happy Birthday John.

Incidentally, I'm 30 today too. Sharing a birthday with John Aldridge was much more significant when I was in 6th class and it was all about Italia '90, etc.

Don't know of any modern stars I share a b'day with - must go and find out...ah the internet is a wonderful thing!

Am off to have lunch, then a meeting and then a Long Weekend. Yipee. It's fun being 30!

ETA: Just found out that some other stars also share a birthday with me - Lance Armstrong, James Gandolfini and Will Smith's wife. I know she has a name, Pickett something or other...but you know who I'm talking about. Lucky chick. Greta Garbo would be 103 today if she was alive. That's about it. France abolished the death penalty on this date too

Good Year for the Roses

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:14:00 +0000

Dunno where that song came from...but anyhooo

One last post as a twenty something. One last look at the good times....it's all downhill and step aerobics from here....chortle chortle
Have I any insights? - here's a few. Stop buying note books. Just fill everything into one...it means you won't lose things. (that's an insight just for myself...I could lay my hand on approx 7 'pretty' notebooks at this moment....)
But I digress. How do I feel about turning 30? Not so bad I suppose...one husband (that's the main thing by 30, isn't it!?!), two kids (all good so far), one almost built house (could be better...especially better than where we're renting, but that's not for here....this is for good stuff only), one share in a business (good and bad). This year was to be about celebrating and appreciating. We are celebrating on Friday night. I try to appreciate things as much as I can...the little things. I very much appreciate family and the support we have. I know we are super lucky and our kids are super lucky and I will try to instill that appreciation in them.
Today we made a huge decision at work, which will change the face of the office as we know it, forever. Yesterday our builder told us that he'd be finished in 6 weeks and then it was over to us to get it finished...that would give us 7 weeks to christmas...do-able? We'll see.
This is a very rambling and not insightful post, but I'm kinda tired, just back from step aerobics and in need of hydration probably. And I need to get my 'outfit' for Friday night sorted...well, I have to make a ra-ra skirt...probably shouldn't have left it until now...but it'll all work itself out...things always do! Must also go and take one last photo of the face of a 29 year old I'm leaving behind....
and measure myself on the wall....When I was a kid, I used to mark my height on the wall on the night before my birthday, convinced that it was overnight on your birthday that you grew! Ah, I stopped growing vertically somewhere around September 1991. Laterz

Livin' on a Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:13:00 +0000

I'm in a strange mood (again!) today...I think it started last night when I came home from step aerobics (that's another story) and decided after my shower to let my hair 'dry naturally'. So this morning, it was tied up in a ponytail and it was 6.45am so I didn't give it much thought. I pulled on blue jeans (cos I have no client meetings today) and a black top...pretty straightforward stuff really....but then I spied a black waistcoat that I bought during the summer in Pennys and said - why not, and put that on. Kinda jaunty.
In the car on the way in to work I let me hair down as it still wasn't dry.

It's now 9.15 - I've been at work an hour, and am just back from the toilets...where I got my first glimpse in the mirror. I LOOK LIKE JON BON JOVI.
This is not a good thing. My scrunch dried hair was quickly tied up but the waistcoat and blue jeans look....I had bought the waistcoat to wear in a smart, workwear kinda way, but instead look like a rocker from the 80s. This 80s fever (see post below) is slowly setting in!
I am confined to my desk for the day...and will probably starve. Am planning going into town shopping asap!

Anyhoo, all good besides - maybe this is a mid week pre 30 crisis!
Laterz

And will the rain ever stop? Answers on a postcard please....

What I'm Up To

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:28:00 +0000

A quick post - what I'm up to at the moment.....

Eilis started school last monday. All is going great TG. Emotion didn't progress beyond a lump in my throat on the first day - luckily, cos she probably would have turned around and given out to me. She came home on Tuesday and proclaimed that she 'loved' school and it was 'brilliant'. I think that's a pretty good first week. Am hoping to pull together the photos and put them into the Lance Anderson album from the Midsummer Megascrap Classes.

The house is flying along. I've been taking lots of photos - trying to take them at the same location and at every stage. I haven't been as good taking written notes though. Might even do it in my diary at work just to get something on paper. Went last week looking at kitchens....it's all becoming more real now that the roof is kind of on.

Birthday Party:

Hopefully this invite won't prompt a mass invasion of random lurkers...ala a teen 'houseparty' that gets out of hand...just like you see in the movies. Haven't decided on my costume yet - most people are planning on being someone from the 80s like Magnum PI or Anneka Rice - I was just going to dress up in my best glad rags and tacky make-up. Suggestions welcome for a themed couple....JR and SueEllen, etc, etc.

Kirsty's Principles Course

This started yesterday with the Rule of Thirds. Have to get out and get snapping...in the fresh autumn air. Also have to read the manual for my camera - this relationship needs to get stronger.

Halloween Megascrap Event

On the 1st of November. Donna is coming back and Anita is coming with her. Love the potential of these classes and am excited. Don't really want to miss Halloween night with the kids though, so we'll see what can be done....

So ya, you could say I was busy! And as for work.....

And here's a pic of the littlest fraggle in the house...lucky she's so cute - cos she's waking up at night still!

Funny Kid

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:16:00 +0000

This was a post i wrote last week and saved instead of posting up....

And it's not a full moon today so I don't know why I'm in a funny mood....maybe it's just that Monday Feeling.

When I asked Eilis how she felt about starting school. She said 'it's going to be great. Because if it's raining like this (points out window) we'll be able to do stuff.'
"What kind of stuff?" I asked
"Like LEARN" she said
This child has high expectations about what will happen in Junior Infants. I hope it lives up to them!

On holidays in Lehinch, we visited the Aquarium....Eilis quite liked it. Grace was nonplussed by it all and preferred to chomp on a Liga. Fair enough. I decided to educate my eldest and called her over to a tank with a Ray. I said " See how this fish is the same colour as the sand so that it's hard to see". "Yes Mammy" said Eilis, " That's called Camouflage".
Tony and I looked at each other trying to hide the laughter and at that point I decided I had to step it up a gear and explain how rays were the same family as sharks, etc, etc. She had learned about camouflage from 'Little Einsteins' on the telly. And who said tv is bad for children!? I just have to find a 'big einsteins' programme for myself to keep ahead of her.

Pink Shrugs and the Countdown

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:22:00 +0000

There's an unusual title. I'm in a strange mood - I wonder if there's a full moon??

Today, because it was so yeugh outside - winterlikeness, I pulled on jeans and a top for work and pulled a pink shrug out of my 'winter wardrobe box'. I know this makes me sound
A - super organised because I have a winter wardrobe box and
B - super cool for owning a pink shrug....

Hmmmnn - well, the organised bit is WRONG - I am the untidiest person in Ireland at the moment. Have no space, hate hanging up clothes - prefer to just let them sprawl...and the box is actually just one that wasn't unpacked from the move in March. So there. Not super organised, at all.
Super cool...maybe....I bought the shrug in H&M last winter thinking I'd wear it loads cos I was preggo and nothing else would fit, but just didn't do it. Now, (when it's probably uber unfashionable) it is my favourite-ist thing in my non wardrobe. It's cerise pink mohair-ish (not like really hairy mohair, just kind fluffier than wool...so probably not mohair at all in fact. And there's a touch of sparkliness through it. Everyone needs a pink shrug on a day like today.

The Countdown to my big 30 starts today.....
Not sure what the countdown will entail...any suggestions??
Was going to do a 30 days to 30 - but I forgot, life got in the way, and so instead it's 24 days to 30. How will I celebrate the last 24 days of being a twenty something....Aggghhhh.....
I'll blog - that's one thing I suppose....maybe photos? Maybe craft?
I'll be back...

Woo Hoo....

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:14:00 +0000

She's coming back. I logged onto the scrapbookstore.ie for a quick gander around the forum and found out news to perk me up for at least a couple of months....Donna Downey is coming back to teach again. Twice in one year! Something to beat those Winter Blues.

Fan flippin tastic

I had been half thinking of organising some sort of winter event, but nothing would be as super dee duper as this. She was quite legendary at the Midsummer Mega Crop and so I'm really looking forward to more of her classes. And, I'm going to be up to my tonsils with non scrappy stuff anyway if we are going to be in the house by Christmas - Christmas - Christmas?

I'm not really believing it, but working towards it none the less. A trip to Belfast to Ikea is the first big thing...has to happen soon-ish. Will whisk my hubby away in a van some weekend - ooh I say!

Have to order the new catalogue...looked on line last night and there are some nice new bits and really I think we could do a lot of kitting out if we put our mind to it....and did a quick course in carpentry....Ah, sure that's what brother's in law are for!

Boring-ist blog in the world

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Apologies to anyone who reads or even stops by here - it's the most dull and boring (visually!) blog in all of cyberspace. I need to get my act together. Hoping to get a home computer sorted by this weekend and then I'll be all about IT projects. Home accounts systems, work from home, labels on everything from catfood to babyfood!....to school books. OMG my baby is starting school....it's just sinking in. The poor little chicken, first of the flock....
Although I have incredibly fond memories of primary school so hopefully she'll love it too. Bought a tie for her today....I didn't have a primary school uniform...I dunno, good idea cos you don't have to worry about what to put on them, competition, etc, but I wish it was a bit more exciting than navy, blue and grey. Even a red tie would jazz it up a little....still, she'll be wearing pink shoes, for the first couple of weeks anyway. No, I'm not trying to individualise her - they were the best shoes in the shop that didn't look like some kind of correctional footwear. Just because she needs velcro doesn't mean it has to be two inches wide...c'mon shoe makers! A little bit of prettiness for the hardest child on shoes in Ireland. Have gone through 2 pairs of crocs (she broke 2 straps), and two pairs of sandals this summer.....

So I only decided to drop a line because I hadn't in a while. House is flying along. Builder said yesterday if we wanted to think about being in by Christmas, we could, but we'd need to start getting our act together now, rather than in October, when his 'big' work is done and it's down to picking tiles, etc. Picking tiles is just up my alley, I just didn't think I'd be doing it this soon.

Right, back to work....

Red Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:07:00 +0000

This article caught my eye...mainly because I am a lover of red shoes....I think lots of us closet crafters can take something from it....

Who Says You Can't Wear Red Shoes?
By Carolina Fernandez (link here)

Who says you can't wear red shoes? Or chartreuse for that matter!

Have you bought into the notion that only a few select individuals in this world are creative? Or that the only people who can act artistically are artists? If you struggle with these beliefs, recognize that you are not alone. These concepts are broadly, albeit mistakenly, held by the majority of the world’s population. Even pop culture confirms this sentiment, as evidenced, for example, in the wonderful scene in Father of the Bride 2 when George Banks, played by Steve Martin, having just been told that he is about to become a father again in midlife, yells at his OB/GYN that men his age don’t become fathers! When the doctor informs him that Picasso fathered a child in his seventies, Banks screams: “But he’s an artist! Artists can do whatever they want to do!”

Chances are, you have grown up with the notion that intelligence—and creativity—are measured by a standardized test, like the traditional IQ test developed by Alfred Binet. When Binet came up with his test, he was actually trying to categorize schoolchildren’s potential for learning. This test was his attempt to objectively measure comprehension, reasoning and judgment. Modern day research, however, paints quite a different story of the validity of the measurement of IQ and of creativity. We now know, for example, that each of us possess at least seven measurable intelligences, ranging from mathematical to linguistic to musical to interpersonal, to name a few. Additionally, neuroscientists have found that intelligence is not only located in the brain but in cells that are distributed throughout the body.

So not only are the notions of intelligence and creativity out of whack, but our comprehension of our potential falls short of the mark as well. In short, our capacity for creativity—our brainpower—is much greater than we could ever imagine! You could learn seven facts per second, every second, for the rest of your life and still have plenty of room left over to learn even more. Pyotr Anokhin of Moscow University compared the brain to a multidimensional musical instrument that could play an infinite number of musical pieces simultaneously. In short, each of us is gifted with a birthright of virtually unlimited potential!

So just how do we tap into our unlimited creative power? And more significantly, how do we unleash our power of creativity out into the world so that others may benefit?

First of all, it is imperative that you figure out what in the world you were created for! You must determine your life purpose! Each of us was created with a combination of gifts uniquely packaged into a particular being and given as our birthright. Of the six billion people currently living in the world and the more than ninety billion people who have ever lived, that has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone quite like you. Your creative gifts, your talents, your personality, your mannerisms, your dreams…are unprecedented! No one else in the world can bring your ideas to life in the way that you can. So you must understand, first and foremost, the wonderful idea that God had when He created you, and that for which you were created. Do you have a feeling of destiny, of your uniqueness, of your purpose in life? This is the jumping off point, for if this is still unrealized, you will no doubt flounder with your creative gifts until you discover that uniquely designed purpose God had in mind when He created you.

If you are still floundering, expose yourself to lots of different activities and see what clicks. Dabble in something and see if there appears to be any natural talent. I have always loved the feeling of paint on my fingertips, and of dabbling with brushes and paints on everything from paper to canvas to fabric to wood. But it was not until six months ago that I had the opportunity to take a formal oil painting class to see if I could learn proper technique and develop the eye of a painter. Imagine my excitement to discover that I can indeed paint! I am able to take a blank canvas, mix oils onto a palette, pick up a brush and produce something that actually resembles art! Granted, heavy doses of individual instruction have been critical in getting my work to this level. But I have discovered an area where my natural inclination has met both a natural curiosity and a natural passion such that fruitful progress is being made.

Expose yourself to beautiful music. The genius of the masters will open your mind to increased receptivity for creativity. The research on the Mozart Effect is widely recognized as valid: you increase both intellectual and creative powers when you listen to classical music, particularly that of Mozart and Bach. Their music was composed with particular attention to harmony and melody such that the brain waves of the listener are beneficially affected and creativity flourishes! Expose yourself to great visual art. Visit museums. Develop an eye for aesthetics. You must develop respect for proper proportion, for symmetry, for balance, and for good line to understand good art. It is only by frequent exposure to the best the world has to offer that this can be assured.

Expose yourself to the performing arts. Delight in the creativity of opera and ballet, of great theater and of movies. Allow your imagination to stretch beyond its usual horizon.
Expose yourself to the world through travel. Taking a break from your typical daily scenery will free up your mind to enjoy different cultures, different accents and languages, different foods, different air, different smells, and different sights.

Study inspirational individuals. You want to be a better golfer? Study Tiger Woods. A better leader? Study Winston Churchhill. More creative? Study Leonardo daVinci.
Encourage productivity. One characteristic of creative people is that they produce. Geniuses never seem to run out of brilliant ideas. Bach wrote a cantata every week, even when he didn’t feel like it.

Think like a child. Get in touch with the child inside you. Look at issues in life and ask: “How would I look at this situation if I was six years old?”

Explore your dreams. Imagine. Daydream. Napoleon said that imagination rules the world. Imagine a world in which your creative talents took hold.

Seek out eccentric people. One of my friends is amongst the most eccentric people I know. She wore a mini-mini-skirt with “Pippi Longstockings” to my elegant birthday party, shocking my staid middle-aged friends who all traded their mini-skirts for mini-vans years ago. She gave me nail polish that changes color in the sunshine for my birthday gift, something most of us would have deemed more appropriate for our seven year-old daughters. She possesses a unique creative flair, without a thought for the comments of others. Her whole persona laughs.

Give yourself the freedom to act creatively. Let yourself act like an artist, whatever that means to you. If it means dressing in funk rather than Brook Brothers, so be it. If it means wearing sterling jewelry loaded with beads rather than 14k gold, go ahead. And yes, buy yourself a pair of red shoes. Or even chartreuse. And wear them. You will feel more creative instantly. Trust me.

If you can keep your head

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:24:00 +0000

There are a couple of poems I like - If, by Rudyard Kipling (probably obvious one) and Desiderata by...it seems to be a long story...

IF
IF you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,A
nd yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,Y
ours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

I have always liked this poem and have a few transcripts of it that I would have written out as a teenager - I must look those up. Strangely enough my Dad quoted part of it as part of his speech on my wedding day. I had never told him that I liked it, but it was very apt and felt particularly relevant to me because it was 'my poem'.

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

The last 6 words sum it up for me. My wish is always to be happy - because if you are happy and satisfied, what else do you need?

They are probably both a bit 'lectury' in terms of poem choices, but there aren't too many I studied that I particularly liked. These were two I found on my own in my younger days. Maybe the 'learning' in school goes into too much depth - do you really need to interpret every single word? Maybe that's not what Wordsworth was on about...maybe there is no hidden meaning.... Maybe I'm just cynical.

This Ol' House

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:35:00 +0000

I didn't ge to upload that photo last night - was doing other Super Important things!! We start work on our New New house today!!! and so we were breaking ground last night - holy water and spades and cameras abound. Check out house blog here.

No Shimelle prompt today yet, but I'll be back!

Pack up your troubles....

noreply@blogger.com (CoCo) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:08:00 +0000

Shimelle's prompt for today is - What's in your suitcase? What are your travel essentials....

I don't do an awful lot of travelling and tend to be a 'just in case' type of person, so overdo the packing whenever I am going somewhere. Strangely enough this was one of the things mentioned about my personality type too....that we are always ready for every eventuality, but to the extent that we pack way too much stuff.
I have tried the 'capsule wardrobe' idea but it didn't really work. I can't go anywhere without at least 3 pairs of shoes - comfy everyday, comfy dressy and dressy dressy - does that make sense to anyone? Two years ago i decided I would only buy clothes in black, white, navy, pink or red and would conveniently be able to 'mix and match'! ya right! - if you are Kate Moss I think. This year I have gone against that idea and bought 'outfits' so that I have dress/skirt, top, cardigan and shoes. This makes it so much easier to decide what to wear when I get up in the morning and lets face it, that ten minutes extra in bed is worth more to me.

Back to the holiday packing....sun cream, sun hat, after sun (I am a fair haired, sun burn prone person, in case you hadn't guessed), prescription and non prescription sun glasses, swimming and non swimming swim suits (ie one for when I actually want to swim - speedo type thingy, and one for wearing sitting pretty on the beach), lots of shorts, stringy tops, flip flops - dress up version and beach version. I always pack a mini first aid kit with paracetamol, band aids, steri wipes and various dresssings. Insect repellant and some form of antiseptic cream, tickets, passport, notebook/journal to write in, travel book of area I am going to (am a Rough Guide snob), other book for general reading. I also love plastic jewellery - and love to have something to match the various 'outfits' I have for holidays - bangles, necklaces, etc. Currency, although the euro has sorted that, credit card, and emergency numbers.

Phew....and I have no plans to go anywhere this year...unless my darling hubby decides to whisk me away for my eminant (sp?) big (ish) birthday. I'm 30 in September....he's 30 in August...any suggestions of a pressie...while you are all out there?

Ooooh, I need a pic - I bought a super funky hold all a couple of weeks ago - I needed it because I haven't anything for weekends away, etc. I'll post a pic later.