>>> Frustrating! <<<

Received my Catslife Press stamps today and in the process of sorting them out, somehow managed to lose one piece! It just completely disappeared and despite my best efforts in looking for it, I just couldn't find it. Really pissed me off big time as I usually stamp them onto an A5 sheet then laminate it so that the stamps are stuck on the back. The whole sheet is then kept put into a page protector and stored in a folder for easy access. I found that since doing it that way, I tend to use them more as they are now accessible. So now I can't laminate the sheet and it's annoying me that my best effort at organisation is being thwarted by a missing stamp! Checked the bin, checked myself too but to no avail. Just hope it will turn up somehow!

Was checking out Maya Road DT blog and found to my surprise, that I'm a recipient of a RAK. Cool... and it would be the new CHA stuff too.... pretty chuff to bits as I luv Maya Road stuff!

Rite, need to finish off some DT stuff... TTFN!

>>> Cars! <<<

Brought Ollie for his Mandarin class and with 2 hours to kill, hubby went to look at cars. Headed for the Mercedes showroom where he was attracted to a particular car. He's due to change his car and he looking around to see which is his next car. My only request is that there is space in the backseat as currently his Audi is flippin pathetic at the back! Poor boys hardly got any room when hubby pushes his seat way back. Hence, that is my only requirement... space at the back. Other than that, I'm not too bothered what car he has as I never ever touch his car. One of those chaps who's particularly obsessed with his car and moans if it's not in tip top condition, even though it's merely a company car!!! Anyway, I do have my own car and am very happy driving it.

Then we checked out BMW but it was just plain awful! I wasn't impressed and neither was he. Finally hopped over to the Audi showroom. I don't really like Audi cars... they may be nice on the exterior but their interior just doesn't do for me! Anyway, shall let him do the choosing since he's gonna be driving the car, not moi! I kinda like the last car he had... VW Passat. Great car with loads of space at the back! We even drove the car in Germany and it drove great... as you know, there's no speed limit on the German motorways and that car flew so silently! Fabulous! Might hint to him about looking at VW. TTFN!

>>> Gales, Storms & Chaos! <<<

The weather today was awful... so windy and it caused chaos on the roads and led to unfortunate accidents too. Thankfully, the only driving I did was to send my boys to school and back. I refused to drive anywhere else. Now a little worried that the fences at the back might blow off as it did a few years back with the strong gales that we had. Gosh, never before I had experience such ferocious winds i.e before coming to this country. Since being here, have experienced the tremors of earthquake.. and will never forget it. I've skidded on ice and it was a frightening experience, never mind the fact that my parents were with me then and since then, dad has always warned me about driving slowly during winter! Oh and having a tornado in Birmingham! Thankfully I wasn't affected but it was too close for comfort! TTFN!

>>> More Stamps! <<<

Creative Scrapbooking returned all my layouts today. Sad that the magazine is closing down as they were starting to get interesting. Oh well, such is the trend of scrapbook magazines in the UK now....

Received my Li'l Davis clear stamps today from AMLT and got to work with them:

These days we don't get much opportunity to go out without the kids. I think it was the last time we went out as a couple when Ellen was around. Having kids in this country is a liability.... it's like you become stuck with no social life and all your time is spent with the kids! No surprising, I'm lobbying/persuading hubby to leave .... life sucks big time here! TTFN!

>>> Tuesday Rambling! <<<

Postie brought me 2 parcels today! One was from Homegrown Dec Trilogy kit but still no sign of my Nov kit. A very strong suspicion that it might have accidentally be sent off via surface mail. It happened to one of the US kits before especially during the Xmas rush! Sigh... more waiting to do! The other was from 2peas where I had bought some stamps. Instead of using an envelope, those idiots use a pizza box! Just can't bloody believe it... what a waste of postage! The stamps and a little journaling book was wrapped in a plastic with a hardback so it could easily have gone into an envelope. Sigh!

Did two layouts but all DT related. I'm so loving stamping on transparency... a la Hambly style. Luv their transparencies but so difficult to get them in the UK. Some stores do sell them but not all the range. Hence, decided to make them myself instead. After, need to justify the cost of my stamps!

Ollie went for his usual violin orchestra practice after school. Have been drumming into him to put on his best behaviour but I think he will from now onwards as he has seen how pleased his teachers are with him when he's good. Plus on my side, lots of bribing too! He has been warned if he misbehaves, he will be kicked out!

Today marks the start of the Asian Dares.... the Asian scrapbooking community gals have come up with the Dares with a slight Asian flavour so check the blog out! TTFN!

>>> Sunday's Ramble / Monday's Stash! <<<

Sunday

Brillant day, sunny and bright so hubby brought us to Birches Valley Forest Centre for the boys to cycle. We adults walked. We had such a lovely time, great walk but very muddy! The boys enjoyed their rides.

Stayed off the PC the whole day as hubby's moaning how much time I'm on it. Oh well, good to have a break to avoid repititive stress injury! The right thumb does ache at times.

Monday

Postie brought me a parcel from Cocoa Daisy featuring Ali Edward kit. Ohhh, the contents were just so yummy. Luv the fact that is a mixture of different patterned papers. Wish I had the ability to mix up my papers but slowly I'll get there. Gosh, tons of stuff in there. Then later in the day, Parcel Force brought me another parcel, this time from Zany Zinnia featuring Autumn Leaves Black Red and Cream papers. Ahhhh, have been waiting over 2 weeks for these papers and was surprised to find it took so long to arrive seeing that it was sent off on the 28th of Dec! Gosh, had to just use those papers immediately and this is the result:

Those papers absolutely rock! Had difficulty getting them in the UK and most US kits featuring them sold out like hot cakes! So darn lucky to get hold of one!

In total seventh heavens now..... TTFN!

>>> Routines! <<<

Brought Zac for soccer lessons as he had wanted to go after seeing a flyer but when we were there, instead of joining in, he merely stood around and absolutely refused to play. After half an hour, we took him home. Doubt if I'm bringing him for anymore soccer lessons.

Today marks the start of Mandarin classes for Oliver so we brought him for his class. After that we went to the Big W to look for a lunch box for Zac as his isn't in a good condition. Found the Annuals going for half price and bought them a Spiderman and Power Rangers. Then, other stuff fell into the basket as well. There was a large section of clearance sale too. We had a bit of time and went into DFS to look at the sofas as hubby fancied a corner suite. However, as we hardly ever use the living room, I didn't fancy getting one. Pointless buying a corner suite just for showcase.

The rest of the afternoon was spent lazing about. The boys watched Cbeebies on cable while I was in between sleep. I tend to feel rather sleepy in the late afternoon these days. TTFN!

>>> Friday Again! <<<

Did 12 ATCs today. I'm in a swap doing Months of the Year and chose May. As deadline is looming up, had to do it by today and sent it off.

Went to the newsagent to check up on my CK mag but no sign of it. Picked the boys up as usual and went to MIL's house. Was so tired that I actually took catnap there! Doesn't help that the weather is awful... terribly windy and cold too. Enough to make you want to hibernate till spring!

Gosh, it's Friday again... time is just looming past so quickly. Zac's 4th birthday is coming up soon. Doubt if we will have a party but will see if we can bring him out to celebrate! He sure as hell doesn't act his age... he's definitely more mature than he looks! A little boy that can easily out-talk you and twist you around his fingers! But so stinking cute!

Rite, off to do more creative work... TTFN!

>>> Just Cruisin' By! <<<

Wow! Had a couple of items arriving in the post for me! The main one was the return of my layout from Creating Keepsakes. One of my LOs was asked for the Ideas Book vol 10. Unfortunately they had completely sold out the book so I didn't get a copy but they replaced it with a Photography book by Tracy White so that's not too bad! Looks like I've to get the book now.

Currently very busy with DT assignments as they are now trickling in. However, it does get a bit boring doing DT work so took a break today and scrap my own stuff:

Thought I do something funky and scrapped our photos of us as babies.... now anyone wanna guess who's who? There moi, hubby, Oliver and Zac!

Have put a hold on clearing up... well, will get down to it some day! TTFN!

>>> Another Mundane Day! <<<

Got another parcel from Scrapbook Inspirations, the Take Five challenge plus another free complimentary magazine. Grea to have a free mag to read!

Been busy churning out 2 layouts for DT assignments. Glad my mojo is still about. Best get on as I got an ATC swap to do as well.... sigh, why do I get myself into it!

Oh... something big is brewing on the Asian scrapbooking scene.... stay tune! TTFN!

>>> Tuesday Mumblings! <<<

Got a surpised parcel... it was from Scrapbook Inspiration returning my layout plus a free complimentary magazine. Cool!

Routine started today with bringing Ollie for his violin class after school. For his lessons in school, there's talk about changing the time again. Sigh! Wish they could stick to schedule instead of constantly changing it.

Still no sign of my Homegrown Nov Hybrid kit... sigh.... that was posted in early Dec and it's annoying when you know that other people has had their kits.... so where the hell is mine! Gosh, dying to use those Daisy D's Romance papers! Got a project in mind for it! TTFN!

>>> Heating Failure! <<<

In the midst of crafting when the phone rang at 10.30am. It was Ollie's school asking me to bring him home as the heating had failed! So off I went! Boy was he ever so pleased as he had pleaded not to go to school in the morning. Anyway, gave him some craft homework to do at home.

Phwee! My orders for Purple Onion stamps came today and boy are they gorgeous! Hence, did a sort out of my stamps and arranged them neatly in a folder so that they are accessible for use. I find I use them more if I see them. I now need to sort my clear stamps as currently they are in their own packaging in a basket but they are rapidly filling up and I might put them in a folder soon. Luv my stamps... find I don't need to use embellishments if I have my stamps around as they do act as embellishments! Later in the afternoon, tidied up my buttons as they are rapidly increasing and getting a wee bit mix up. So sorted them out by colours.

Still find my craft room a mess despite sorting it out... sigh... need to do a major clearout and sell out! TTFN!

>>> Sunday Happenings! <<<

Gloom and dreariness
Greeted us as we woke up
Didn't hamper us though
As we went out to shop.

Got ourselves a carbon monoxide alarm
Chinese groceries at Wing Yip
Had tim sum at Wing Wah restaurant
And a visit to MIL's house.

Day was still awful
But that didn't stop us
From having a little fun
And shopping therapy.

(Oops! Discovered a parcel sitting out the front porch. Postie apparently delivered a parcel yesterday but failed to ring the doorbell to inform us and as we didn't go out, never realised about the parcel. Thank goodness it wasn't stolen or worst, got wet from the rain! It was my Bingo Xmas win which I participated at the Scrapitude forum. Great scrapping stuff in there! Thanx Cathy!)

TTFN!

>>> What A Dreary Day! <<<

What a dreary day
Rained all day
No bike rides
For the boys.

Xmas tree came down
Decorations kept away
Xmas cards to be recycled
House completed hoovered.

So the day passed
Us completely chilled
Doing nothing much
What a day!

TTFN!

>>> More Clearing Up! <<<

After completing a LO in the morning, spent the afternoon clearing the mess in my bedroom. Gosh, there's tons of rubbish under the bed, besides the wardrobe etc. So armed with a black bin bag, started going thru the rubbish.... can you imagine month's old newspapers, letters, cards, magazines (mostly hubby's and mostly unread, still in their plastic covers! Why on earth he buys them I just don't understand!). Had no time to hoover up as it was time to pick the boys but the amount of dust is just unbelievable....!

Boys spent the afternoon with their nan's . They usually visit her every Friday after school. However Ollie wanted to rush home so that he could watch NumberJacks on the Cbeebies channel. Sigh! These days he's getting more demanding, wanting to use the computer to play games online etc.

Next task to tackle is the clothes... load of unworn clothes that need to be sorted out and given away... running out of wardrobe space now. Gosh, that's a thankless task as I've got the 4 of us to sort! Moreover, being a sentimentalist, I've this tendency to keep clothes for memory sake...just have to toughen out and throw it! TTFN!

>>> School Started! <<<

Whee! The boys went back to school today but I had a difficult time getting them up for school. Anyway, had my 6hr free to myself and did a LO. Hard to scrap with them around as you are constantly interrupted.

Have been clearing up my craft room too. When hubby created this room, he brought my stuff from downstair to here and simply chucked them in boxes. Hence I had to go thru each boxes and threw out loads of rubbish! Even re-organised my scrap supplies into colours. Sorted my patterned papers into colours too. Well, not all though, certain brands are by themselves e.g. Basic Grey, Daisy Ds, Urban Lily, Chatterbox etc. In fact, papers which I had a fair amount of the same brand were kept together for the time being. Then I went through all my kits and separated the papers and the embellishments. New kits are still kept together but those used ones are filed away. Did a quick stock check and realised I've got far too many papers... enough to last me a lifetime seriously! Not much in terms of embellishments but loads of stamps which are currently my all time favs! Oh and loads of ribbons and alphas in any form! Scratching my head as to how best to store them efficiently! By colours, separately each letter etc.... sigh! How on earth did I get into this hobby......

Mission for this year... to try and use up my bellies, sort out papers I no longer or will not ever use and get rid of it. Pointless keeping them. Scrap more too... currently averaging 15 LOs a month... see if I can do another 10 more. Do more projects like mini albums! More altered stuff too. Most importantly spend less online... they do eat into scrapping time!

Best get on with the clearing up while the mood is there........ TTFN!

>>> Last Day of Hols! <<<

It's the boys' last day of the holidays... they go back tomorrow. Well, actually school has already started but it's teachers training day so they are off!

Didn't really do much apart from keeping them entertained. We had to nip out in the afternoon to get a loaf of bread but hurried home as the weather was so foul!

The evening was spent at MIL's house as we were invited for dinner. Hubby's dad was off work and had cooked a spread! As usual, it was just delicious! Wish I didn't have to cook almost everyday.... that's when I really wished I was in Singapore where I eat out cheaply and be swept off by the enormous variety of food! Sigh! TTFN!

>>> Jammies Day! <<<

We spent a lazy day in our jammies, just chilling out playing games and watching TV. The boys didn't want to change out from their jammies. It felt good actually, just lazing around knowing other people had to go back to work, namely hubby! Thankfully he came back pretty late and by then the boys were already asleep. Don't think he would be pleased to know his sons were lounging around in their jammies, including their mom!

Wow! Just a mini toot! I've been taking part in the Scrapitude year long Goals contest last year and the result was announced today. Initially there were quite a number who took part but by December, it had whittled down to 3. I didn't win the overall contest but I was asked to become a permanent Design Team member. Wow! I'm truly honoured and of course said YES! Nice to have a purpose for scrapping! What a great start to a New Year! TTFN!

>>> Happy New Year! <<<

The Year 2007! Well I only knew when I started hearing fireworks at midnite. Caught the fireworks display in London on TV.

SIL in Leicester had invited us over so we were there by 12 noon. As she has 2 boys too, so it was like a mad house with 4 raging testosterones, accompanied by noise! Well, they weren't too bad really. At one stage, we got them 4 sitting quietly in front of the TV, playing an X-box game. Now that was a photo opportunity not to be missed!

By the time we got home, it was late and we got the boys to bed. So that's how we spent our first day of the year! TTFN!

>>> New Year's Eve! <<<

It was such a dismal day today... literally poured all day long and some New Year celebrations had to be cancelled due to gail and the wet weather! At one stage there was even hailstones against the windows! What a day to end the entire year!!!

We stayed in obviously but also the kids are far too young to be brought out so late at nite. MIL came over for dinner.

Gosh, a whole year gone.... just amazing. Wonder how fast next year will fly too! Happy New Year everyone! TTFN!

>>> Shopping! <<<

Went to the Fort's Shopping Centre today as we needed to check on the boys' shoes. Gosh the place was packed out! Didn't help that it was such a dreary, gloomy day too. Anyway, thankfully they didn't need any new pairs for the moment. I took at look at their boots but wasn't enthralled by any. Hubby managed to secure himself a pair though. Then we went to ELC where I bought a magic maze refill for the boys. Zac was given a box of them and they both enjoyed making stuff with it. After that, headed back home... couldn't be bothered to walk around! TTFN!

>>> Friday Again! <<<

Gosh, the last working day of the month! Can't believe this year has gone so quickly.

I had a play with my Imagepac, the stamp making kit but unfortunately, haven't had any success creating stamps that were usable. The image isn't clear and I called Imagepac for help. Was told it could be due to the light so I did try putting it higher but to no avail... tried lower but made no difference! Now wondering if I got some dude packets of gel!!! Frustrating!

Anyway, managed to do a DT LO.

The afternoon was spent at MIL's house where Ollie wanted to stay overnite. Fine by me! TTFN!

>>> Happy Feet! <<<

Brought the boys to watch Happy Feet today. I certainly did enjoy it as there were lots of musical and dancing scenes in there. Just makes you wanna dance! Went to Solihull Touchwood and after the show, went to Lakeland but wasn't inspired to buy anything. Managed to buy the last ever copy of Creative Scrapbooking where I had 2 layouts in there. We were out the whole afternoon. That took care of the boys as it's a struggle trying to keep them occupied! TTFN!

>>> Back To Reality! <<<

Hubby went back to work as there was no reason for him to be off. Postie came with a parcel for me... Fontwerks alpha stamps and 7 Gypsies square stamp. Gosh almost forgot about them! Still no sign of my Homegrown Nov Hybrid kit yet... very frustrating! Just hope it isn't lost as there's tons in there.

SIL came by with her daughter and we had a chat. Later we went to the park where the kiddies amused themselves.

Post Xmas sales started (actually started on Boxing Day). I'm not so bothered really... don't have anything that I particularly want and frankly just can't be bothered to brave the crowds to shop for a sale item. I've not shopped for a while and I really hate crowds! In fact, these days, I much prefer shopping online... hence, gonna give it a miss unless I can think of something I want! TTFN!

>>> Boxing Day! <<<

Boxing Day!

I had a lie in while hubby brought the boys out on their bikes to the park. Then at 12ish, we started to get ready to go to MIL's house. We're having another Xmas meal there.

It seems the entire Tso clan was there, hubby and his 3 sisters together with their families. It was like a mad house! We had a buffet style dinner as the table isn't big enough to handle all of us! His dad made roast pork and it was just plain delicious!

Then later, it was the exchange of pressies and the kids all went wild, as you can see in the photo! I suppose it is nice to see their excitement. But gosh, the whole place was a mess with wrapping papers.

While the adults watched DVD, the kids busied with themselves, playing with each other. They don't get to see their cousins often. Later, hubby's aunt, cousin & family came! It was extremely crowded! After we had tea, hubby decided to go home as it was approaching 8pm. It was a pity we couldn't manage to get a family photo as it was one time where the entire family members are around but it would have been a logitical nitemare to organise it! Unfortunately they are the memory recording kind of people! Pity! TTFN!

>>> Xmas Day! <<<

Merry Xmas everyone!

Thankfully the boys didn't wake up so early. In fact we had to even wake Zac up. Not surprising since we had a hard time getting them to bed early last nite. Both boys squealed with delight and both had a different approach to opening their presents.

Ollie's way was to throw out all the pressies from the sack and literally tore them apart! Zac slowly but surely took each individual pressie out and opened slowly, and even stopped to look at each one. Hence it wasn't surprising that Ollie's excitement soon turn to his brother's and asked if he could open Zac's pressies! Once done, both proceeded to go to the kitchen where Ollie fitted his Star Wars Lego and hubby helped fixed Zac's Playmobil aeroplane! Here's the aftermath after all that hardwork:

Thankfully SIL and boyfriend then left to go to MIL's house as they wanted to sleep longer.... we busied ourselves with the boys, playing with them. Later, hubby prepared the veggies for the Xmas dinner. Turkey is being handled by hubby's dad, who incidentally is a chef and a damn good one too!

About 1ish, hubby's parents, sis & boyfriend came over and the dinner started. His dad did a good job at the turkey... wasn't dry at all and tasted fabulous. Hubby did well with the veggies too. Not mushy at all ... absolutely detest eating overcooked veggie!

The afternoon was filled with more snacks. Gosh, never really pigged out so much before. Didn't go for the Xmas pudding though nor minced pies... don't really like them. At 7ish pm, they eventually left and I got the boys to bed. It was a great day! TTFN!

>>> Xmas Eve! <<<

It's Xmas Eve today! Made some last minute goody bags for my nieces and nephews since we are giving them cash instead of presents.

Wrapped up some last minute presents too, mainly the boys' bikes. We had a hard time hiding them and hubby did a good job of refurbishing Ollie's old bike. Let's hope Zac doesn't realise it.

Hubby's youngest sister and her boyfriend stayed over... personally I'm not so keen as I don't really like her. She's such a snob and ever so fake! For someone raised in a working class family, it's amazing how high she can raise her nose!!! As it was Xmas eve, we were busy trying to sort out the boys' gifts so we didn't sleep till after 1am. SIL's boyfriend had the cheek to come upstairs and ask if we were ready to go to bed, saying all the moving around was waking him up.... flippin heck! What a wimp! Mind you, we placed them in the living room which is slightly away from upstairs. Be interesting to see his sleep patterns once they have kids.... probably gone out of the window! TTFN!

>>> Last Minute Madness! <<<

Hubby and his mom went to Marks & Spencer to collect the turkey that they had ordered. They went pretty early like 8ish and was lucky to get a parking space. By the time they came back, town was chocablock with people. MIL had gotten me a lovely red M&S small carrier bag. It will come in handy for crops!

Later we nipped out as I needed more wrapping papers for the boys' bikes. Then I remembered that I do not have a lamp for my stamp making kit so went searching for one. Can't believe how difficult it is to find one that takes 60watt and with a movable body. Managed to find one in Argo but it was maximum 40w. Well that will do until I find a proper one.

The boys are getting excited now... well, who wouldn't at their age. Oh well, as long as their belief in Santa exist, we will carry on humouring them. TTFN!

>>> Friday Again! <<<

Brought Ollie to the doctor who confirmed he picked up some bug but was told the worst is over. Indeed, he hasn't thrown up and is eating slightly more and felling better too. However she did say it was contagious so now keeping my fingers crossed that Zac doesn't catch it as well. If he does, at least after Xmas please!!!!

Ohhh, postie brought me 'The Look Book' by Autumn Leaves & a photography book. Had ordered it from Idea Books 4 U and didn't expect it to come so early. Glad at least I've got some books to keep me occupied over the Xmas period. Nothing worst than being bored! Still waiting for a pizza box from Homegrown... know it contains loads of goodies and Royal Mail isn't helping by delaying it!

Got all my pressies wrapped up yesterday. Let's hope there isn't any last minute ones... I just had enough of Xmas for the time being! TTFN!

>>> Sick! <<<

Poor Ollie... woke up in the middle of nite and had a puke! We reckoned he ate too much for dinner so was feeling uncomfortable. However, 2 hrs later, he did it again. And again at midday! This time, we suspect he may have picked up a virus instead. May have to bring him to the doctor's tomorrow if he's still unwell.

I had wanted to go to WHSmith to get a magazine but as I was driving towards the Fort's Shopping Centre, realised it was very foggy and decided to turn back home. Instead, went to pick up my Creating Keepsakes magazine from the newsagent. Just can't believe how foggy it was and couldn't resist taking a shot!




















Spent the afternoon with the boys in bed, watching the cartoon channel. Gave Ollie some bread for dinner but he promptly threw what he ate so sent him off to bed again. Poor soul went to sleep early.

Rite, the dreaded task of wrapping pressies.... and making tags to go with it.... TTFN!

>>> Lots Of Mundane Stuff! <<<

It's Ollie's last day in school. There was a carol service and Zac and I attended it. Made a goodie bag for other teachers. Used a french fries template and filled it with choccies! Gosh, those choccies are absolutely lovely. And they are from Lidl... I think I will be buying more snacks from there as I've discovered that they bring in Spanish and German snacks too... my all time favs! (Yeah, I've been to those places and eaten their snacks and luv them... ). Hubby luvs the German gingerbread biscuit covered with plain choccie... well, we both have to fight over the last piece the last time!

Later we went home where I had to finish off some stuff. Then we went to the post office to post of some letters. On my way back, stopped by the newsagent and went in to ask if they could order Creating Keepsakes magazine for me. Guess what! They could and I'll be getting my January issue tomorrow. Gosh, never realised they could and if I had known, would have done so earlier. When my subscription ended in January this year, I didn't bother to renew it and spent the whole year without the magazine. Then at a crop on Sunday, managed to purchase 2nd hand Jan 06 issue and boy did I picked up a lot of inspirational ideas.... Definitely going back to reading the magazine again next year. The other magazine I luv is Scrapbook Etc. It's packed with lots of ideas too but I've a friend who gets that for me in Singapore. Might ask my newsagent if he could get that in too....

Gosh it was absolutely freezing today and the temperature went down to 0 degree celcius. It was also very foggy this morning. Even with the heater on in the house, it's still so cold! Yuks!

Ohhh, more Fontwerks stamps arrived today. I got them from 2peas. They are absolutely fantastic and will have to see if I can squeeze in a bit of scrapping tonite... just dying to scrap a layout! TTFN!

>>> Ollie's Xmas Party! <<<

It's Ollie's Xmas party in school and we were asked to bring in an item of food. Mine was cheese rolls and I had great difficulty finding it in the supermarket as I had no flippin idea what it was! In the end, got hubby to hunt it down and we ended with a bag of cheesy crisps... still not sure what they are really! (Obviously we don't eat them!)

There were lots of activities in school and each class made a fancy hat and Ollie's class did a chicken hat... have to say, it's absolutely gorgeous!

Zac's nursery arranged a church visit and we went in the morning for a history tour of the church. Never knew it was a 500 year old church with loads of historical facts attached. Was very impressed with the visit. The kids later sang Xmas carols in the hall. Well, it's his last day today.

Here's Zac helping out with the story telling by placing Joseph the doll near the scene set.

Later, together with MIL, we headed to Birmingham town centre to get some last minute presents. So annoying, the offers that we saw at Marks & Spencers regarding biscuits were gone. I had to hunt around for some other offers which weren't much!!!

Spent whatever time I had finishing off Ollie's teachers' presents. Altered a clipboard for his main teacher and got Ollie to draw so that I could stick something at the back. Have to say, his drawing is quite impressive but then I'm biased! LOL!




















Now all that is left is Xmas cards which I suspect will be arriving late at recipients! Gosh, I'm so dying to scrap! TTFN!

>>> Zac's Xmas Party! <<<

Zac's nursery had a party today. We were treated to a show by Conk the Clown then later a visit to Santa's grotto for Zac to collect his pressie.

I made him put it under the Xmas tree and he did! Gosh, what patience!

Came back to 2 parcels on my doorstep... my Scrapitude DT kit and a Scribble Scrabble Xmas kit that I bought... intending to do a mini album of this year's Xmas later. The other parcel was my L Plates Xmas swap. I quickly put it under the Xmas tree. I had organised this among my team members on UKScrappers and each of us is Secret Santa to another and we sent them an Xmas gift according to their likes.

Spent some time on the gifts for Ollie's teachers. I've this overwhelming urge to scrap layout instead of doing gifts! Oh well, best get it over with!!!! TTFN!

>>> Crop! <<<

Yah, had 7 glorious hours of peace and quiet... went to Martha's Birmingham crop and managed to complete my altered gifts for friends. Did a clipboard but realised I had left some materials at home so saved it for later. Finished up a DT LO and even managed another one. Best of all, a very nice lady made some pudding and we had it... gosh it was delicious! Something like a trifle and I generally don't eat it but hers was just fabbo!

Later at nite, packed a hamper for Zac's teachers at nursery. There are just far too many teachers to do anything individually so decided to do a hamper of food. Found out that hubby had threw away lots of pizza boxes and after hunting around my craft room, managed to find an empty box. It took me a while to wrap it up and stupidly forgot to take a pciture of it! How dumb! I couldn't find my bag of cellophane wrappers so used cling film instead. Now need to finish off Oliver's teachers' gift! Can't wait for Xmas to be over... already fedup with it and it isn't even here yet! TTFN!

>>> Tagged! <<<

Been 'tagged' by Kimmy so here goes:

A - Available or single: married
B - Best friend: Ellen
C - Cake or pie: cake and preferably chocolate
D - Drink of choice: Water
E - Essential item you use every day: lipstick
F - Favorite color: red
G - Gummy bears or worms: neither
H - Hometown: Birmingham, UK
I - Indulgence: Chocolate
J - January or February: neither as these are the coldest months!
L - Live is incomplete without: hugging and kissing my kiddies
M - Marriage Date: 25th Feb 2000
N - Number of siblings: two brothers
O - Oranges or Apples: neither, prefer 'duku' a fruit found in the Far East
P - Phobias or Fears: Cockroaches, lizards and any creepy crawlies
Q - Fave Quote: "Live to Scrap"
R - Reason to smile: When I see the sun in this country which isn't often!
S - Season: Summer
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: Toni, Marja, and whoever that has read this!
U - Unknown fact about me: I break into cold sweat when I'm in a confined space for too long.
V - Vegetable you don't like: beans, peas and bean sprouts
W - Worst habit: getting easily annoyed behind the wheels
X - X-rays: dental
Y - Your fave food: noodles
Z - Zodiac sign: Taurus

*******************

Brought Oliver to Touchwood, Solihull for a birthday party. He was invited to watch a movie and thereafter to Pizza Hut. While he was enjoying himself, I walked around the town centre to see if I get anything but nada. There was a French market there too. In the end, decided to go home instead of hanging about to wait for Oliver. I picked him up later.

I started reading my book by Jeffrey Archer. Boy was it fascinating and it's so hard to put down. Took a break from any creativity today.

Caught the X-Factor and was glad that Leona won. She deserves it as she has such a good voice.

Rite, need to pack for a crop tomorrow... TTFN!

>>> Busy! <<<

It was Oliver's school Xmas play today. Hubby took a day off and we went to watch it. It was quite good, about a family watching TV and a list of shows coming on and the kids acted out each well-known TV programmes. I was impressed! It has been videoed so I might just get a copy for memory keepsake!

After the show, hubby and I went into B'ham town centre to do some Xmas shopping. We trudged around town for 3 and half hours and did we have anything to show for??? Nada! We couldn't agree what to get for his nieces and nephews and therefore didn't get anything! Well, at least for lunch, I did get to eat at Wagamama. Nice food in there! In the end, we are gonna get them money... I know my nieces and nephews get endless toys from their parents so pointless getting them something they don't want. I told my MIL to give the boys money too. In fact we have cut down on the toys we are buying. Both are getting a bike each instead!

Ohhh, my Xmas gift came today... an Imagepac stamp making kit. Can't wait to have a go at it but need to ensure I've got the lighting first.

Hubby had to go out tonite with his friends for an Xmas celebration. I'm thoroughly knackered with all that walking in town and sporting a splitting headache too so I'm off to bed early... TTFN!

>>> Just Do It! <<<

Made some cards today. It's surprising how fast I could do them when I put my mind to it. Well, they are mainly for friends and relatives. Sorted out the boys' Xmas cards for their friends too.

I've finally got myself a camera tripod after hankering for it for a year. Wanted one last year but at £30, wasn't keen on paying that price for it. Then Lidl had one today for £15 so went and grabbed it. Later found one that Agos was doing one for about £7ish but while comparing the facts, found that the Argos one is far more heavier which means it won't be comfortable carrying it around. Hopefully that will put an end to blurry nite pictures!

Ohhh, I've found my lost ear-ring that went missing a while back. I was putting on Zac's shoes at the bottom of the stairs when I suddenly saw it. However couldn't find the back part of the ear-ring but I'm not too upset as the main one, the one with the tear drop jade is safe and sound. Not tempting fate again, decided not to wear it.

Made this quick LO:

Played with my stamps and a wee bit of patterned papers. As you can see, it's more fun creating LOs than cards! TTFN!

>>> Xmas Cards <<<

Spent the day sorting out the Xmas cards. Finally hit me that it has got to be done so sorted the cards for the boys as these are handmade! As for the rest, I've got 2 boxes of bought cards ready!

I ordered my Xmas pressie (from hubby although he doesn't realise it yet!) last nite as I was alerted to the online store that was offering 50% discount on all its products, including the Imagepac stamp making kit that I wanted. Bloody store had marked up the price though but after discount it's still cheaper than most places! So without hesitation, place an order for the kit plus accesories. And guess what, today received an email that item has been shipped and I could track its progress! Very impressed with the service! Will see if I get them tomorrow!

Here's a LO I did late last nite but put on the finishing touches this morning:

I was trying out a different style, the artsy funky style if you can call it! Played with my Dream Street papers and my Fontwerks stamps. Wow, absolutely 'heart' that Fresh Foilage stamps... they are so darn inspirational! Anyway, this LO was supposed to be about how I see things differently ever since I started scrapbooking. I actually use my eyes more, instead of merely just looking without taking in things. It has kinda heighten my senses and I suddenly see inspiration everywhere around me now!

Rite, off to finish up more Xmas cards... groan.... will be so glad when Xmas is over! TTFN!

>>> Mojo In Overdrive! <<<

Can't stop creating so did another LO with this photo that I've wanted to scrap for a while but couldn't find the right papers for them!

Brought this Fancy Pants paper a while back and had forgotten about it and while looking for a paper for this photo, suddenly it just clicked with the photo! I had bought some musical notes chipboard a while back with the intention of using it with this photo. Then I even managed to find a musical sheet on the net to use it for my journalling strip. Keep it simple so as to focus on the photo! I've no doubt there will be more of such photos in years to come!

Sitting on my butt with regards to Xmas cards.... why do hubby have to leave me to do it??? Best get it sorted out.... TTFN!

>>> On A Roll! <<<

Been a little productive today and created 2 LOs. Decided to spend less time online as time passes far too quickly when you're online... a mere 20 mins can turn to 2 hrs!!! Anyway, here's what I did:

Played with my new Dream Street papers that I acquired recently . Had a slight accident when doing this LO. While stamping the numbers, my inkpad fell direcly onto the journalling stripe thereby leaving the ink pad mark! You can only imagine my frustration as I didn't want to waste the sheet of paper so decided to mimic the mark by adding more inkpad onto it instead.

(Apologies as LO has been accepted for publication)
Recently acquired this particular highly sought-after Fontwerks Fresh Foilage stamps. I'm absolutely in luv with it and decided to dedicate a page to it. Hence the numerous stamps used on this particular LO. And as the title implies, I'm seriously addicted to stamps! I really had fun doing this LO. Made use of my recently acquired Brillance Dew Drop inks too... those are absolutely superb! Luv the sheen from the stamped image!

Went grocery shopping and ended up with a book!!! Now that's a surprise as I hardly read these days but it was a Jeffrey Archer book and I luv his stories. He's a master storyteller and I must have read all the entire books that he wrote. Hence, had to pick up his latest one. I would have picked up more as Michael Cricton (sp?) had a new book out called Prey that sounded interesting. My other fav author is Robert Goddard. A new book came out too and I was so tempted to pick it up as well... however, I was wondering how to manage reading and scrapping as the latter takes up my entire leisure time these days!

Hardly done anything about Xmas cards.... ohhh what a flippin tedious task to do.... moreover it's all hubby's side. Thankfully my family don't do Xmas so we never bother with sending cards! It would be nice in future if cards took the cyber route.... TTFN!

>>> More Xmas Pressies! <<<

Hubby finally got his butt moving and purchase Ollie's Xmas bike. He needs a new one as the current one is a little too small for him. He's gonna fix up the current one for Zac to use. We had wanted to go to the shops to get some stuff but it started to rain and I just couldn't be bothered so we stayed at home instead. I started making the Xmas cards for the boys' classmates. Can I say how tedious it is and what a bore! There I was itching to do a layout instead! I made it quite simple, a tag with stamped images. My boys will add the finishing touches such as adding sequins to the trees and signing their name (well, at least Ollie will).

Now we need to find what to get for Zac... frankly, I don't wanna get any more toys for him as he's such as destroyer... all he does is take them apart and scatter the piece everywhere! So annoying having to hunt them down, put them together only for him to repeat the same scenario! He just doesn't appreciate them! God knows why he does it as Ollie never used to do such things at that age!

Rite, off to finish the cards... let's see if I can squeeze in a LO! TTFN!

>>> Chinese Concert! <<<

Instead of chinese class, the organisation held a concert instead and Ollie was acting in it. Well, he didn't say much but merely mimic animals and pointed to his body parts when the songs were played. Can't say he can speak yet but hopefully one day!!!

Did a LO using the Dream Street papers and boy was it fun:

Created a LO of myself. I hardly scrap myself and to think I buy all these stuff and not use on myself... what a pity so here goes... well, at least my boys will have a page about their mom. I struggle to find themes to do about myself but decided to do one on my freckles! It's pretty unusual for a Chinese girl to have freckles as it's considered ugly and many a times I've been asked to buy lotions/creams to get rid of them. But I luv my freckles and find them unique... I just have to make sure they don't multiply too much and overwhelm my face instead! Played with my Fontwerks and Purple Onion stamps!

That's it for today... TTFN!

>>> The Dreaded Word! <<<

Another Friday has arrived, signalling how close we are to Xmas! Frankly, I really dislike the fuss surrounding Xmas and much prefer to go away from it all. I used to do that when I was younger... my family don't really celebrate Xmas so I would take the opportunity to travel overseas, any country in the Far East, just to get away from the commericalism of Xmas. These days, Xmas is pretty meaningless, just lots of advertising to get you to part your cash unnecessarily. Even the kids get drawn into it! My boys get toys constantly so what difference does Xmas makes? Just more toys again! And then there's the unwanted gifts you get from well-meaning relatives... or you find yourself having to get something for someone despite not knowing what they really want... god! What a hassle! If flights weren't double the price at this time of the year, I guess I would have flown home!!!

Oh well, having said that, went to the PO to post out a Xmas swap that I'm in at the Scrapitude forum. Then had a browse around the shops and picked up some items for Xmas for hubby & the boys. If I don't start now, they will have nothing to unwrap for Xmas. Managed to pick up a few packets of lovely buttons at a charity shop too. I luv getting buttons from there due to the different shapes, textures and colours you can find. I find scrapbooking buttons look the same and just doesn't give the oomp! Picked up some clipboards too... am going to make an altered one for Ollie's teacher as a Xmas gift.

Guess I had better do something instead of lingering online! TTFN!

>>> Ohhh, Stash! <<<

Ohhh, postie brought me a pizza box yesterday and thinking it was my DT kit, ripped open to find an unfamiliar set of patterned papes with cardstocks, blossoms and ribbons. They were Dream Street Papers Daisy Days, which I had been eyeing but refrained from ordering... thankfully I didn't!

Gorgeous aren't they! These were part of the Xmas page swap that I took part on the Scrapitude forum. Hoping my swappee like hers!

Why is it when you have to do the school run, it's tipping down! And why is it when you have completed the errand, the sun comes out!!! Just so annoying as it causes traffic jams on the school road and loads of other hassles! Gosh, looking forward to the holidays when I don't have to get up so early to bring them to school....

My long awaited Fontwerk Fresh Foilage stamps have arrived! Got the last piece at A Million Little Things along with other Fontwerk stamps. Gosh those stamps rawked! Just can't wait to have a play with them! TTFN!

>>> Pride! <<<

Oliver performed in a violin concert today. He has been attending violin lessons held after school, taught by the council under the East Birmingham Strings. Gosh, the pride in me, seeing him sitting down playing the violin in an orchestra. Wow! And he played well. MIL came along too and she was clearly impressed. I'm gonna make sure he pursues music as it does him good. He felt so proud of himself. I took a couple of pictures and some video shots.

Photo's awful as I had to use the zoom and somehow it doesn't take well with zoom. Besides, it was dark in there too. But here's my baby playing the violin in a concert!

Didn't do anything creative today as I was busy sorting out some Xmas pressies. I'm in a couple of Xmas scrapbooking swap and they are due to be sent off soon. It was fun pulling a mini kit together. Just hope my swappee enjoys them.

Here's a DT LO that I did for Scrapitude as it's being revealed today:

LO created using Dec kit apart from the stamps. The next reveal is on the 20th.

Right off to finish up more assignments... TTFN!

>>> Create! <<<

Gosh, I've been naughty and bought some Brillance Dew Drop inkpads over the weekend as well as some goodies for an Xmas swap (but that's excusable). I'm really digging those inkpads. I guess I luv the sheen it produces after stamping. They give such clear image too. Best of all, they don't stain clear stamps. I'm pretty anal about my clear stamps getting dirty... well, since I spent so much on them, might as well look after them!

Did another LO using Scrapitude Dec kit but can't reveal as yet. Let's just say that those papers make it so easy to play. TTFN!

>>> Sunday! <<<

Darn boys woke up mega early this morning, I reckon before 7am.... The only time I can get a lie-in and they have to spoil it! Got hubby to sort them out instead! It was 9ish when I went down for brekkie.

Decided to set the Xmas tree up instead. Boys were excited as they luv putting up the decorations.
Hubby wanted to get new lights for the tree as the current one wasn't safe so we walked to Woolworths and got a set of LED lights. Here's the tree at nite:

Excuse the blurriness as I took it without a tripod but the lights are lovely!

Had to nip into Wing Yip, the Chinese supermarket to stock up on Chinese groceries. Piss me off big time that Chinese foodstuff are so expensive here since it's what we eat daily. There is absolutely no way I can eat Western meal everyday... just not my taste buds. God I really miss my Chinese snacks...it has made me crave even more for it!

I actually had a nap in the afternoon! Gosh, I can't remember the last time I took an afternoon nap but it felt so good! However, it did spoil my sleep at nite! Flu's slightly better. TTFN!

>>> Darn Flu! <<<

I should have gotten a flu jab! Keep coming down with flu in this weather! I had to cancel going to a crop today as I didn't feel up to it with a running nose. Besides, didn't want to pass my flu to anyone.

However, any chance of resting was blown out of the window as hubby wanted to check out the bikes at Halford. We are thinking of getting one for Ollie for Xmas as he's due one. His current bike is a wee bit too small for him. As for Zac, we thought of getting him a motorised car. He certainly enjoyed those motorised rides he had when he was in Singapore. Will see what happens later.

In the afternoon, we headed to the German market after dropping Ollie off at Mandarin class. The only thing I like about it is the roasted sweet nuts that is sold there. Mmmmm absolutely yummy. Then Zac insisted on going on the Slide. So hubby had to accompany him as he's far too young to go on his own.

Here's how the slide looks like... no ordinary one. Went on one last year and it was darn scary especially going down as you really gather speed toward the end and you got no control whatsoever!

Have to say after the slide down, he appeared shell-shocked (probably at the speed he was going down! )

Eventually we got home and I zonked out on the sofa, totally knackered but felt refreshed actually. I guess the fresh air must have done me some good. However, would have preferred to be at a crop! TTFN!

>>> Mere Ramblings! <<<

Whee! Just found out I've won the Nov Goal's challenge on Scrapitude. Cool! December's challenge will be very interesting as it doesn't include any photos! Thankfully my last goal don't need any photos! :)

On the sad side, I've lost my fav earring. It's a cute jade dangling earring and somehow it must have come out from my right ear without me knowing. Looking for it in the house but to no avail... The only place I went was to the PO to collect a parcel, and to the boys' school. Not sure if I dropped it there. So annoying as I had it repaired once when it dropped the first time. Luckily I managed to find it but not before it was squashed by my car tyres. This time, can't even see it anywhere! Sigh! Don't think my mom will be too pleased as she gave it to me.

Did 2 LOs today, one of which is for Scrapitude kit. Gotta check out the kits.... lovely papers and she has them for both male and female versions. I've got the male version, blues and greens. The female consisted of orangy hues. I had fun doing the first LO. The other LO was done using Fancy Pants papers. Had some of them in my collection and thought I had better used it.

This is from the Wildheart collection. I so luv their papers! Oh and made use of Hambly Prints overlay too... totally 'heart' their products! And yup, played with my stamps too.

Ahhh, I'm A Celebrity has ended today. Matt was crowned King of the Jungle although I wish Myleene was the winner instead! Gosh, that programme has kept me truly entertained and it's gonna leave a gaping hole now at 9pm. Never laughed so much at David Gest antics! Oh well, back to CSI I guess! TTFN!

>>> Tsukineko Inks! <<<

Just discovered that a local sponsor has them in stock and added half a dozen to my collection. I bought my first half a dozen from the States a few weeks back. These inkpads are brillant! I luv the moonligh white inkpad as it stamps crystal clear on not just paper but also wood and metal! It's even better than Stazon White which I find is an absolute crap! Dunno how those who use it say it's great as the image is so dull and faint! Waste of money!!!

Finished an Advent Calendar for Homegrown Hybrid Dec kit featuring Fruitcake papers. Even filled it up with little Santa choccies too. Will reveal when the images are up on Homegrown site! TTFN!

>>> Martha's Crop! <<<

Went for a Crop today and worked on my Explosion box. It's actually a mini album but ever so tedious... no wonder I don't do much mini album!

Noticed Little Silver Hat has put up the DT works so I can reveal what I did using those luscious ribbons!

Got this little tree from Au Natural and decorated it with load of ribbons!

Decorated a Provocraft Band-aid tin and altered it as an ATC tin to keep all my ATCs (well future ones as I've yet to start making any so far!)

It was fun doing the projects and I've literally used up 3/4 of the ribbons! Looking forward to see what's in store for the coming months! TTFN!

>>> Cyber Crop! <<<

Today's is UKScrapper's Cyber Crop. Well it started on Fri evening and will end on Sunday afternoon. I was asked to prepare a class about a month back. Took me by surprise but this was what I came up with:

My class involved using a transparency frame that I created as well as a journalling block. Thankfully the cyber class went well.

Dominique came over from Denmark for a short holiday. She stayed overnite with us and will be going back tomorrow. She's quite happy there, working for a well-known Danish engineering firm. Her problem is picking up the Danish language.... which according to her is very difficult! Sheesh! Don't wanna be in her position. It was hard work learning French, German, Japanese, Arabic & Spanish during Uni days!

Hubby bought some nuts but guess what! NO nutcracker around... so imagine a plateful of nuts with no nutcracker to open them... felt like cracking them with a hammer!!! TTFN!

>>> Last Minute Again! <<<

Eeks, just realised it's the 24th which means I need to submit my Goal's LO tomorrow. As usual, I've not done anything. I'm left with 2 more goals for this year, using my sewing machine and learning to scrap digitally. Hence, I chose the sewing maching goal:

Ever since I saw layouts with stitches on, I wanted a sewing machine and last Xmas, got my wish! Can't say that I've used it extensively but I'm happy with a tool that I can use when creativity strikes! Never mind that I can't sew for nuts but hey, never too late to learn. As usual, I had to follow some requirements and one of which was to include a non-traditional scrapbooking item. Well, did a Mizuhiki flower using Japanese heavily stauch rice paper. Learnt that skill while doing card-making.

Zac's staying overnite at his nan's tonite. We usually go over to MIL's place every Friday and somehow, the little one managed to worm his way into staying overnite... well, I'm not gonna say no! Less one boy to manage! LOL!

Hubby was supposed to cook dinner tonite but as usual didn't get back till almost 7.30pm. By 6.30pm, I had enough of waiting and when I couldn't get him on his mobile, I did the dinner instead. Made beef rendang and cooked a non-curry dish for Ollie. With this cold weather, nothing beats eating a curry!

Talking about cold, I can feel one of my toes swelling! Urghh! And to think that it's not that cold yet!

There's a cyber crop going on tonite and the weekend on UKScrappers. Not sure if I'm up to it as I've got some DT assignments to complete. Might do a class or so! TTFN!

>>> At Last! <<<

Finally, my AL Scribbles stamps arrived today via surface mail. Bought it at a sale last month from A Million Little Things and accidentally selected surface (god knows how!) and have been waiting patiently ever since! Now I can't wait to use it but need to complete a project. I'm making an explosion box and the decorating is taking longer than usual.

Rite, shan't natter too much.... TTFN!

>>> Whayyyy! <<<

Posties brought me much joy today. Firstly the Royal Mail van with my Back Porch Memories Nov kit. Then the walking postie with my TSL DT Fruitcake/Dasher papers to play with and also my precious Technique Tuesday stamps from Lifetime Moments store! Finally, can heave a sigh of relief!

Here's a LO I did in conjunction with my colour article. Article can be read on the Homegrown blog.

Made use of Fancy Pants Vintage Summer papers and loads of stamping!

Better get my butt offline and do some work! TTFN!

>>> Urghh! <<<

Still no sign of any kit! Now that is unusual as this particular kit usually take at most 6 days to arrive from the US. Quite pissed with Royal Mail now... surely they would hire more people to handle the increased load at this time of the year. They are so quick to take money off you when you get a custom charge yet so slow in delivery parcels! Ohhh, which reminds me that I should be expecting my Technique Tuesday stamps anytime soon.... yeah, I live for stamps... luv them to bits, which explains why I'm not into die cut machines yet.

Spent the day writing an article for Homegrown blog. I'm given the task of writing about Scheming with Colour for tomorrow's blog entry. Trying to give a summarized view is more difficult than anticipated as there is so much to talk about.

Hubby's in London tonite at a cocktail party. How posh! Urghh, that means I've to take the rubbish out as it's bin day tomorrow. Absolutely load that task. Have already informed hubby that no way will go up to the end of the garden and drag the sackful of rubbish to the front of my house! God knows what flippin creatures I might encounter. I don't mind taking those already in the kitchen but not those tucked up near the garden shed. (I do have a very long garden!)

Rite, off to finish up my article... TTFN!

>>> Brrrrr! <<<

Man, the cold has really set in. I'm beginning to really feel it now and I guess I had better start hunting for my gloves and scarf! I know it has affected me in that I go out less and only if I have to, otherwise, I rather stay at home. Nope, I'm really not looking forward to winter at all!

I was expecting my Back Porch Memories kit to arrive but no sign of it! Not to mention some DT BG Fruitcake papers too from Singapore! Now that has taken more than a week since it's departure. Urghhh! Gosh I think I'm gonna be so sick of Basic Grey Xmassy papers as I will be designing for Homegrown Dec Hybrid kit that feature Fruitcake. Not to mention that Trilogy has Blush papers too. There is only so much you can do with Xmassy papers as it's such a specific theme. Might indulge in some altered projects... best way of using up papers! TTFN!

>>> Sunday Lie-in! <<<

Hubby was nice enough to let me have a lie-in! Zac woke up about 7am and both he and daddy had breakfast and went over to hubby's mom's place. Anyway, I heard the key's in the door at about 11ish and reluctantly woke up. Gosh! The new mattress cover was fantastic. It literally molded to your body and I had the best sleep of my life! No wonder I didn't feel like getting out of bed! I guess I will be looking forward to sleeping every nite.

We had guests in for dinner, mainly MIL, SIL and her boyfriend. Hubby made Sunday Roast without the yorkshire pudding. It was nice but I think I have had enough of it as we had it last Sunday too, but with lamb. Hubby cooked beef today but as he was cutting the meat, I felt sick seeing the juice dripping out as he had cooked it medium rare. Somehow I managed to eat it though but I'm sick of potatoes now! Think I'm gonna cook curry tomorrow! Been yearning for it the past couple of days. Somehow in this cold weather, curry makes a good meal!

Have to say it was good of MIL to have the boys for the good part of the morning. Much as I luv them, they can drive me up the wall sometimes... not sure if it's b'cos they are boys and are very noisy and constantly at each other's throats (well, not all the time thankfully) but when you have been with them all day during the week, it does get a wee bit exhausting. You just feel like you want to some peace and quiet and have adult time to yourself! So yeah, was glad to be able to relax and watch TV without the kids whinning around me. Thank goodness I've got a crop to go to next Sunday... more ME time! Hubby can't complain really as he has been coming back later and later from work! This week alone he hardly saw the kids as he was back home way past their bedtime. It's no wonder Zac clings on to him when he's at home... probably feels so deprived of his dad! The poor soul is so swarmed with work and he has to go to London every week!

Took a rest from creating. Off to watch TV! TTFN!

>>> Autumn Splendor! <<<

The sun was shining and it was a brillant day! Decided to take some photos of the garden. There are more leaves falling now and the leaves on my cherry tree have gone completely yellow! That's a very special tree to me as it was my dad who bought it when Oliver was born, to commemorate his birth. He also bought an apple tree as well. Those two do fruit but sadly I've never got the chance to eat either the cherries or the apples as 1) they are either eaten by squirrels, 2) the boys go on a picking spree and pluck them off!

The garden in its autumn splendor. Thankfully the sun was out and it was a lovely day!

The leaves in the garden.... guess who won't be sweeping them!

The cherry tree that my dad bought on the birth of Oliver. See my little buddha beside it... my calming rock!

Yup, it's getting much colder now. Have to say though, it's been slightly later this year as compared to last year. I guess global warning is taking its toll. Just wondering how bad will winter be... perhaps not that cold?!!

Oliver spent the day with his nan and even stayed overnite. That freed us of one kid and we went to Ikea to get a mattress cover for our mattress. I'm beginning to free the spring on it and it's very uncomfortable. While we were there, Zac went into the kiddies corner, leaving us free to shop. We picked up a nice comfy mattress cover that was thick enough. Didn't see anything else that was worth buying though!

The nite was spent watching TV, first X Factor then I'm a Celebrity! Gave myself a break from scrapping too. Thankfully all DT assignments have been completed. Now wondering if I should embark on Xmas cards... trouble is it's so tedious! Think I'll just do a few for relatives and buy the rest! Can't stand to do anything so tedious! Now wondering what to do for teachers' gifts too. Not forgetting Xmas gifts for the family too... ohhh, Xmas just comes far too quickly!!!! TTFN!

>>> Thank Goodness For The Internet! <<<

I'm so thankful for IT technology, for the internet, for broadband! It has really open the world up for me and allowed me to communicate to friends overseas. Recently using MSN, I've managed to communicate with the rest of the creative members of The Scrapper's Loft (a scrapping forum in Singapore). It's so good to be able to get together to chat and plan the future outlook of the forum. The forum have undergone a change in management and we are hoping to reach out to more scrappers in the Far East. Scrapbooking has just picked up in Singapore but elsewhere in the Far East, it's very slow. As far as I know, there is a couple of scrapping stores in Hong Kong and Malaysia. All I know there's so much happening back home. Makes me wish I could be back home for good! Gosh, first thing I would do is to give away all my winter clothes.... never ever want to wear it again!

Popped into Au Natural in the afternoon. They just opened a new store near my place and they have such yummy stuff in there. I've even found 12x12 scrapbooking albums too. Gosh! I was more enamoured by their ratten baskets. They had some great storage boxes there! But first, I need to sort my scrapping room out! Just too much crap into there! TTFN!

>>> Eureka! <<<

Brought Zac to the clinic to check up on his nose. Chose today as he's off school due to teachers' training day. Anyway when booking the appointment, I was given a choice of 2 docs, the Quark or an unknown who recently took over a retired doc (the one I wanted to see). So chose the Unknown otherwise I would get the same answer as before. Thank goodness for my choice as he was brillant! Explained to him my problem with Zac's nose constantly dripping throughout the whole year and even when he had spent a month in Singapore, the problem still exist! Well, straightaway, he mentioned allergy! Then went on to explain different causes i.e pets, carpet, dust mites etc. He was really thorough and in the end prescribed antihistamine for him and told me to bring him back in 3-4 mths time. I did ask about an allergy test but was told to hold off that for the moment. Finally, some plausible answer to Zac's problem instead of a stupid viral infection answer that I was given earlier!!!

Popped in MIL in the afternoon. She's so great with the kids... the patience in playing with them and keeping them entertained! The boys absolutely adore her!

On the creative front, altered a tin for ATC. I'm now left with very inky fingers due to alcohol inks! But it was fun! :) TTFN!

>>> Fabbo Customer Service! <<<

Postie brought me a padded envelope from the US! Looked at it and it was from Making Memories. Well, I had requested for a replacement of their paper piercer whose tip had broken off. I like that one especially as the back held needles which I found particular useful. So ripped open the envelope to find 2 packets of replaced paper piercer, 1 epoxy sticker and 1 alpha sticker. OMG! What a fabbo customer service! I just can't believe their generosity and how they truly value their customers! No wonder they are blooming!!!

Gosh I'm hooked to 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here!' David Gest is such an entertainer! He makes me laugh! Have to say that the entire team seem to get on well with each other. They appear pretty helpful. Will be interesting to see how they get along as they spend more time with each other!

TTFN!

>>> Dental Care! <<<

All four of use trooped to the Dental Surgery today for our 6 monthly checkup. As the dental surgery is located in the town centre, we decided that all four of us schedule it at the same time. Our appointment was for 10.30am so I sent the boys off to school first while I went to Staples! Grabbed my A5 folder and also A5 sheet protector (why are they sold more expensively than the A4... just can't understand the logic!)

Picked the boys up from school and headed to town. I'm horrible in recognising directions. Somehow, the route that I've taken so many times, I just went blank and at the roundabout, instead of turning where I was supposed to, decided to go past it and then realized to my horror my mistake! Too late and I was stuck in a horrendous traffic jam at the roundabout, and a big one too! Flippin nitemare just to get back to the turnoff I was supposed to go! I reached the Dental Surgery exactly at 10.30am! Going home was equally a nitemare too, missed a turning and ended up at exactly the same roundabout I wanted to avoid. In the end had to go back to where I had come from and then headed toward the town's small roads to get out of the city centre. God knows why at 11ish am there is a massive jam!!! Finally got the boys back to school and went home to rest.

Did a bit of housework. Folded all the 3 loads of clothings. I don't mind washing them but just loathe folding them. It requires a lot of motivation to fold them! Then I had to clean the dryer's filter as it was beginning not to dry the clothes properly. Made use of the vacuum cleaner to clear out the dust that had collected. Once done, the dryer was perfect. I hardly put the clothes out to dry as the weather's crap for drying clothes.... well, it just feels so damp and cold and I've to put them in the dryer to dry them again. So what's the point of doing double work!!!

In the evening, caught 'I'm a celebrity, get me outta here!' I had a good laugh and there are an interesting mix of participants. Will definitely be catching series. Right, best go off to sleep as I've got an early start tomorrow! TTFN!

>>> Sunday Bloggers! <<<

Today's Sunday Bloggers is based upon inspiration:

Where do you find your inspiration? Especially when going through a dry spell? Do you remember a specific moment when a light bulb went on "click" and you knew you had to get home to scrap!! What common day objects do you now view with a scrappers eye?

Ever since I started scrapping, I've began to look at things around me with a scrapper's eye e.g. when I see colours, I see how they are combined and take note of it and see how they can be applied to my LOs. Sometimes I look at bill board and take note of the graphic designs, same for advertisements in the media. I look at them more closely than before. I've even scrapped a LO based on a paper towel as I was inspired by the mosiac designs on it! I carry a notebook in my hangbag so that when I see something interesting, I will note it down for future use. Yup, these days I use my eyes more than before, really looking instead of merely glancing.

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The day started out lazy! Not surprising the 2 boys woke up mega early. We decided to go to Asda as the boys needed new wellies and I had seen some Spiderman ones there. Rather than hopping to the nearest one, we thought we go to the Mega Store in Minworth. Guess what!!! NO BLOODY WELLIES at all in the boys' section. Loads of them in the girls section but nada, zilch, nothing for boys! Boy was I so pissed!!! In fact the entire boys section of clothing literally paled in comparison to the girls... I was just so annoyed! To come all this way for nothing! Never mind that, felt a desperate urge for a cake but did they have anything interesting? NADA again... couldn't even find any chocolate cake to buy so ended up with profiteroles. They didn't even stock my fav Golden Lights crisps too! Just felt so disgusted!

MIL, SIL and her two boys popped over for a short visit. The boys were excited and rushed out to the garden to play. The boys are about the same age with them so they all played well. Hubby did the dinner tonite. He made roast lamb and we had a western meal with mash and roast potatoes. I didn't mind so much as it's ok to have a Western meal once in a blue moon. The lamb was cooked well.

Finally completed my unmounted red rubber storage. The folder is now a wee bit too big i.e. I've far too much stamps! Think I will pop into Staples tomorrow to get another folder. TTFN!

>>> Whoopee! <<<

More stamps came from me today. I had ordered some unmounted stamps from Purple Onion Designs. Gosh, she has some amazing stamp collection at great prices and reasonable shipping costs too! As usual succumbed to my fetishness for stamps and ordered 3 stamp sets, Great Circus alpha, Vintage labes and ledger stamps. Been eyeing those Great Circus alpha for a while and I know Technique Tuesday does them but separately in upper case and lower case and they are clear ones so obviously more expensive! Here, I got both UC and LC for a fraction of what I would pay for Technique Tuesday stamps. Just can't wait to have a play with them!

Spent the afternoon sorting out my unmounted red rubber stamps. Currently I've them in a plastic bag, tucked in a box and seldom used. So what I did was to laminated the stamped images on A5 sheet, cut up the stamps individually and stuck them onto the laminate. Then each set is individually filed into a folder for easy access! Hopefully, now that they are not out of sight, they can be used more frequently. Majority are Mobe & Leaves Memories stamps with a few from Paper Artsy too. I've been meaning to do that for a while but I guess the arrival of my Purple Onion stamps kinda kicked my butt into action! Thank goodness for my Kai scissors too! It sure as hell came in handy! I do love stamping and find them a great asset in layouts.

Rite off to watch the results of X Factor... TTFN!

>>> Toot! Toot!<<<

Woo Hoo! I was alerted by a friend that my layouts have appeared in Creative Scrapbooking December issue (view the online version here, pages 34 & 50). Kewl! Have to say, seem so surreal seeing them in the magazine!

Just had another email requesting 2 more of my layouts for publication so quite pleased! At this rate, I can stop buying the local magazines as I get a complimentary copy if my LOs appear! But it can be quite a hassle as you then have to pack the LO up carefully and send them off in pizza boxes! Unfortunately hubby threw out a fair number of pizza boxes so I'm now down to less than half a dozen and these have already been used!

Hubby's trip to Poole has been cancelled as he was informed he wasn't needed for help with the extension as BIL isn't doing anything. Seriously, the rate they go, they will be living in a freezing house over winter as currently there isn't any central heating at all! Pity my SIL... no wonder she's coming up over Xmas to stay with her mom.

Gosh, if hubby ever leave me without central heating, he would have had an earful from me!!! He did once, during Xmas 2000. At that time we had the old gas boiler and he had forgotten to order some oil so we ran out during the Xmas period. The day we were supposed to get delivery of the oil, we had a call to say it was cancelled as it was the day of the big freeze and all roads were literally frozen! Never mind that, we had guests too! Ellen and her hubby and hubby's old friend staying with us! So can you imagine.... no central heating and extremely cold as well! I really blew my top and we had a massive quarrel! I swear if I could have left him, I would but I already had Ollie who was a wee baby at that time! Anyway, he never forgot to check the oil level in the tank again and we never ran out. Then last year, we switched to gas as it was getting a hassle to get oil delivered. Our gas tank happens to be in the back garden and the only way through it is via the extended side of the house and we were informed that in future, for health and safety reasons, they couldn't delivery it via the house. So we took the plunge and got it sorted! Thank goodness, no more worrying about oil levels and delivery! You now wondering why we had oil in the first place, well, the previous owner had it and when we inherited the house, we just kept on using it.

Just got my last copy of Scrapbook Answers from the news agent. Pity it's the last as that mag offers great ideas! My next fav is Scrapbook Etc which I get them in Singapore due to massive price difference in the UK! I've not seen Creating Keepsakes for a while but then I tend to borrow them from a friend. I'm trying to limit my ownership of magazines due to lack of space! Off to have a browse... TTFN!