>>>Stash Galore! <<<

More scrapping stash came for me today. Firstly Homegrown DT kit for August! Yup August... what happened was that Steph sent it to Singapore (since I was there the whole month of August) but somehow it never arrived in time and it only got there 1 week after I had left Singapore. Got my dad to sent it to me, instead he chose via surface mail!!! Awhhh! So finally it has arrived! I had already informed Steph about it and she was cool! So now I've 2 DT kits to play.

Then postie (parcels are delivered separately by Royal Mail van as opposed to letters by postie on foot!) brought me my ribbon stash from Shoebox Trims. The theme this month is Christmas and there's a lovely selection of traditional red, green and gold. Mmmm, aren't they lovely?!!!

I'm gonna be a single mom for the next 5 days as hubby has booked himself a walking trip with an old friend in Norfolk! Don't envy him as it's getting cold and certainly don't wanna freeze my butt out walking in this weather! I don't see any problem with the boys as I find that they behave far better when he's not around as they have no one to turn to when I scold them. Usually hubby will give in to their sobs and demands as he's such a softie!!! And when he can't handle them, he usually passes them back to me! Without him around, they are in bed early like 8pm instead of 9 and they sleep off straightaway instead of nattering about.

Yah, saw Grey's Anatomy and each episode gets more and more exciting! Kinda leaves you begging for more. I'm hoping that Ellen is able to lay her hands on the 2nd series DVD. After that, switched to Film 4 to see another Korean movie. This time it's about a man who was imprisoned for 15 years as a kinda experiment and then when he was let out, he was determine to find out who had imprisoned him. It was a little surreal and had no idea what happened in the end as I fell asleep. Let's just say it wasn't as interesting as the supernatural one! TTFN!

>>> More Goodies! <<<

Hooray, my brother has arrived in Manchester. Will be good to see someone from home!

Decided to do a canvas for my parents as an advance Xmas gift. Quite pleased with the result:

Here's a picture of them taken with the boys at the Kelong in Indonesia. Played with Rhonna Farrer swirls v2 stamps and my new Art Warehouse stamps. Tried the new Dew Drops inks too and they are brillant! They don't stain the clear stamps at all!

We left the house at 7.30pm and arrived in Manchester about 9pm. i had printed off a map and all was fine until we were supposed to turn into Blackfrairs Street but somehow it wasn't the street we turned to and we spent the next half hour roaming around Manchester City Centre! In the end had to ask a cab driver for directions! Always happens when we go to Manchester!!! Definintely a satnav is on the wishlist!!!

Eventually got to my brother's hotel room and found my lovely pair of pink Croc sitting on his luggage! They look more gorgeous in real life.

My parents had bought the boys each a superhero outfit, Ollie had a spiderman outfit and Zac, superman. They couldn't wait to wear them.

Left Manchester at 10.30pm and finally got back two hours later. Made a mistake of turing to Film 4 and found a Korean movie on... boy was the storyline absolutely fabulous! It was about a group of army personnels sent to an island call R Point to search for some missing soldiers. Anyway the island is completely haunted and there was supernatural forces at work that eventually killed all 9 but one soldier and he was left insane! And the best part, when another group of personnels were sent to rescue them, they only found the living person but the rest had conveniently disappeared! Wow! That was one super scary movie and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Obviously it came with English subtitles!

Postie brought me my DT goodies from Scrapitude. It consisted of Dream Street papers and boy are they so yummy! There are two versions of it, a female and male version. But I need to get my class for next week's Scrapitude cyber class sorted first before playing with those papers! TTFN!

>>> Great News! <<<

Best pal Ellen called me from China to say she's coming over next Thursday! Whoopee! I'm totally delighted and she will be staying a week with me before meeting her hubby in Prague. Yup, I'm excited to bits but a pity she has to come during the half term. Will have to see if MIL can have the boys on some days. Gosh it will be so fun to hit the shops together! Will definitely arrange for an adult only dinner one evening.

Postie brought me more stash. Got a few new Dew Drops inkpads that is supposedly be able to use on non-porous materials. Will have to play around to see if it works! Also got some Art Warehouse stamps too. Definitely can't wait to play!

Spent the morning filling in application forms... really bore the s**t outta me! (I can think of stuff more interesting to do!) So tedious and wondering if I should bother but am getting progressively bored to tears staying at home.

Zac has got a party invitation! My little boy now has a party to go to... most of the time he sees his brother going to one but hey! he now has one to go to as well!

My dad informed me that my brother has left for England. Somehow persuaded hubby to drive me to Manchester as in my current state, I'm in no position to drive for 2 hrs (to and fro). Probably leave about 7pm to avoid the traffic! Gosh, can't wait to get my Crocs! :) Mom managed to repair my fav jade ear-rings too, a pair of dangling ones with teardrop jade at the end. Somehow I had dropped one of them on the driveway and it got squashed under my car! Pissed the hell of me it did! How on earth I managed to do that!!!

On the creative side, just found out that 2 of my LOs have been selected for publication. Cool! However, sometimes wish they inform earlier as I've gotta rush them out tomorrow!

Rite, it's late and that dreaded flu is playing havoc with my consciousness again! Not to mention having a nose that is completely block! Darn this flu! TTFN!

>>> Shopping! <<<

The best time to go shopping is at 9.30am where there's hardly anyone around and you can browse to your heart's content! After the school run, drove to the Bullring where I had a good nose around which I couldn't on Saturday due to the crowds! I was particularly looking for Crocs shoes and found a store in the Bullring that sold it. Then I called my dad to ask him to get one for me. It costs about £18 to buy in Singapore as opposed to £30 here! Why the difference I just cannot understand! Anyway will be seeing my brother this Thursday in Manchester to collect the stuff from him. I wanted a butter colour but there wasn't any so my dad got me a pink one instead! Oh well, can't wait for it... definitely need wide shoes as my toes tend to swell during the winter period... every year it's like that so I can't do anything about it! I might get a Crocs Aspen, a closedup pair later in the year... pity they only have 4 colours (black, navy, red and white).

Postie brought me my Hambly Studios overlays which I had to purchase in Singapore... kick myself now for not buying when I saw them up close and personal! At that time, didn't think much of them but now regretting dreadfully. Anyway got 4 overlays to play with... gosh they are so gorgeous.... can't understand why no sponsors in the UK have them.

Made some beef rendang tonite and it was delicious.. that dish is so morish! Hubby was stuck in London and wouldn't be in till almost 11pm. Anyway, when he came back, joined him for dinner again! (I had already had dinner with the kids!) I luv my curry.... have no problem eating them everyday if possible!

Check out the new sketch blog called Pencil Line. A few well-known scrappers have shown us what they have done with sketches.

Wanted to do a LO but my flu was affecting my consciousness! In the end, gave in to sleep! TTFN!

>>> Feeling Low! <<<

I can feel a flu coming on. Whole body's aching and literally knackered!!! Didn't help that my SIL and her 2 boys came over to visit including my MIL so had to do a bit of entertaining. By 5ish, I was ready to go to bed but had to resist! Thankfully the boys didn't make such a din but I was only too happy to see them leave at 6pm. Got my boys ready for bed and sent them off early. Hubby was suprised to see me in bed by 8pm.

While turning the channels on TV, happened to see Live Birth on channel 5. Decided to watch it and it brought back memories of my birth experience. I was more interested in seeing the caesarian birth as I had one for my 2nd one (had to due to very bad, complicated experience with natural birth for the first one!) It was very interesting to learn about other women's birth experience.

By 10pm, I had to call it a nite! My eyes just couldn't keep await any longer... TTFN!

>>> Day of Crap! <<<

Woke up with a stinking headache and I was supposed to go to the Moxley Crop! Had to pm Lisa that I might not make it! My fault really as I stayed up till 4ish in the wee morning to finish a LO. Had a striking idea and just had to do it... one of those LO that you just can't wait!

Anyway, spent the morning relaxing, doing a bit of laundry and generally watching TV most of the time. Then we had to send Ollie for his Mandarin class. After that we headed to Birmingham town centre to run an errand! BIG MISTAKE! The traffic was bad and the bloody city was swarming with people and the crowds served only to augment my throbbing head even more! I was getting more and more irritated as the minutes went by. Thankfully we couldn't stay long as we had to pick Ollie up! I think in future we will go somewhere less crowded.

Hooray, The Scrapper's Loft E-zine is out! I can now reveal my LO entries for the magazine:

This LO was based on an inspiration from a bag. I made use of the rectangular designs on the bag and incorporated it in my LO. Luv the effect of it! Papers are from 7 Gypsies and made use of Making Memories philly chipboard letters and Heidi rubons. Also used Daisy D's rubons and Deluxe Design chipboard shapes.

This LO was done based on an article relating to using paint. Hence I tried to create my design around using paints.

Found out from my dad that my brother is coming to Manchester this Wednesday. Hooray! Have already asked him to get me some curry paste, spicy chicken powder (to be used with chicken wings ... my boys luv them) and some superhero outfits (for the boys obviously!). I'm very tempted to ask him to get me a pair of Crocs too as they are so much cheaper there. Hubby doesn't fancy driving up on Wednesday nite so I might have to go on Thursday morning immediately after school run... not sure if it's a good idea as I might hit morning rush hour. It takes about 2 hrish to drive there and I'm hoping to get back before 3pm for the school run. Will see if I can persuade hubby to go on Wed nite instead!

Rite, off to put on my thinking cap as I've got a CJ to make and do! Dun wanna wait till posting day to do .... TTFN!

>>> The Weekend's Here Again! <<<

Friday's upon us again! Gosh where has the days gone?

Spent the morning surfing around and discovered Making Memories Ledger papers! Fell in love with it but unfortunately none of the sponsors on UKScrappers stock them apart from one who has a booklet of 6x6 which I'm not so keen! Then someone pmed me a website whereby you can literally print out those ledger kind of papers (thanx Lianne!) So that's what I did and I'm gonna create a LO from it!

Managed to start on a LO too before I had some errands to run. Would have done it after school run but it drizzled and I didn't fancy going out in the rain. Why on earth does it always rain during school runs??? Sigh! It just causes a lot more headaches and traffic jams!

Got hubby to get some Indian takeaway from Planet Spice. It's a balti shop that serves fabbo Indian dishes. Usually go for my fav... King Prawns Blangadash with augbergines, mushrooms and egg. Ordered the usual stuff like nan bread, popadums and a spinach side dish too. We seldom order takeaways as I find the selection rather pathetic... I'm not into greasy food so majority of the takeaways are out. Don't order Chinese either as I feel they are not up to standard. Maybe b'cos I'm just fussy but when you do eat Chinese food everyday, you certainly expect the best when you order a takeaway otherwise why bother!!! The boys had mash but I'm looking forward to the day when they can share an Indian meal with us!

Right, got ideas churning around my head and eager to put them down on paper! CSI is on but they are all repeats... gosh I'm dying to watch the latest series now showing in the US! Sigh... think I'm living in the wrong country! TTFN!

>>> Free! <<<

Time that is! Today marks the day I have 6 whole hours free to myself in the day, no kids, no noise, no fuss and no mess! Just pure, unadulterated free time to myself to do what I want!!! Yes, finally I can safely say my baby years are over! So what did I do??? Scrap furiously of course! LOL! Yup, did 2 LOs and even then when 3pm was approaching, I couldn't believe how fast it flew! Why is it when you are having fun that time flies so quickly and when you are doing boring mundane stuff that times actually crawls!

Here's my work:

Created using papers by Fontwerks, part of BPM August kit. Just documenting my boys sleeping pattern... they do love sleeping with each other despite having separate beds. I suppose it shows how close those two really are.

Using Basic Grey papers for this LO. I'm trying to use up my stash so turning to a lot of old papers in my possession. Here's my eldest starting his first day at Year 2 in Sept. Gosh can't believe it's his last year at Infant School. Time really flies!

Well, as it's Thursday, Grey's Anatomy is on tonite! I really 'heart' that programme ... never fails to make me laugh! I also watch the Janice Dickingson Modelling Agency too. Just wish that they would bring in Project Runaway...

Postie brought me my luscious papers from Papermaze... Gosh! The new collection from Fancy Pants, Free Spirit and Wildheart are just amazing! Also the LilyKate ones from BG is equally yummy too... very Japanese like papers with images of bamboo and sakura etc. Just need to find some great photos for them! TTFN!

>>> It's Official! <<<

Whee! I can now reveal that I've made it to the Design Team of Little Silver Hat, a company that sell luscious ribbons! Cool! Can't wait to own more ribbons and play with them too!

Felt very inspired this morning and created a simple LO:

Made use of my Urban Lily Extreme papers and tried acid-free corrugated paper too. Quite pleased with the outcome as I was inspired by the scrolls on the paper and decided to incorporate them onto the LO! This is a picture of Zac on his last day at DITF Pre-School. He had a party and later a graduation ceremony. It was sad to see it was his last day as he thoroughly enjoyed his sessions at the school.

In the afternoon, did another LO too although it's not completed yet. It's nice to be able to scrap just myself and not for assignments. I do luv DT work but you have to make special effort to ensure it's THE best whereas scrapping for myself, I can experiment and try out stuff. Here's a few more LOs I've done last week...

This LO was done earlier this year but left uncompleted and as I was sorting out my papers, found it and decided to finish it off. Hence the style is a wee bit off but did the best I could. Paper from KI Memories Holiday Collection, kit by The Scrapbook Stand (under Shirley).

I'm not sure about this one. Followed a sketch that I did but it didn't come out the way I wanted but heck... I'm allowed to experiment and can't achieve perfectness all the time!

Rite, off to finish my LO ... TTFN!

>>> Great News! <<<

Wow! Received 2 great news, all scrapping related. The first will elevate my scrapping profile while the second will allow me to indulge in more scrap stash! Shhh! Can't reveal more until the official announcement but I'm walking around like a cheshire cat tonite!

Enrolled Oliver in a String Ensemble held by the East Birmingham Music group. Thankfully they have their practice in the Junior school so we don't have to travel far. Ollie enjoyed the attention from the gals there (most of them in Junior school). I've now have to find a way to get him from the Infant to the Junior school without having me to be there. Might have to seek the help of the After Club people....

Felt guilty as I indulged in more scrapping paper from Papermaze who's have a 15% off at the moment. Got some lovely Fancy Pants new papers and Basic Grey LilyKate (they are sooooo lush). I shouldn't really as I'm expecting some kits to arrive from Homegrown. Received an email from A Million Little Things who informed me that my goods have been shipped... via surface mail... how the flippin hell did I select that???? Gosh now I've to wait at least 4-6 weeks for my Rhonna Farrer scribbles alpha to arrive ... yup I finally succumbed to temptation but I had my eye on them for a while and since the price was right, just couldn't resist!

Right off to do some scrapping... didn't manage to do any last nite and the urge is getting stronger! TTFN!

>>> Create! <<<

Spent the morning creating a class for the coming Scrapitude cyber crop later this month. Can't reveal what I'm doing but it's an altered item. Can't say it was simple either that's why I'm just trying out... may change to something easier... see what happens.....TTFN!

>>> Sunday Bloggers! <<<

It's time again for Sunday Bloggers and here's the topic:

PET HATES..

if you had to list the top 5 pet hates.. the things that physically make you go "UGH"what would they be? what peeves you? What can make you leave a room!? Have a think and show us all your top five!

Here's my top 5 but I'm sure I can list more!

1) Smelly People

Ohhh, I just can't stand next to smelly people otherwise I'll gag! It's even worst when autumn/winter is approaching as people feel that they don't need to bathe often or wash their clothes but not realising how smelly that makes them. And I don't mean homeless people... I'm talking about those on the street and even pretty lass too... They look so good from a distance but close up to them and they smell horribly! Eeks!

2) Those who take things and don't put them back where they belong

Hubby's the main culprit. I'm by nature an organised person where I've stuff where they are supposed to be. It annoys me to bit when hubby use stuff and merely chucks it around so that when you want to use it, it's not where it's supposed to be... talk about wasting time hunting for it and it's often when you're in a hurry to use the item! Just gets me so mad when he does it!

3) Carpets and net curtains

When I first moved here, I was amazed at how much carpet is used in homes as I come from a country where carpet only exist in hotel rooms! Even while living in France, people don't generally have carpets in their homes. Anyway, while house hunting here, I grew to dislike carpet more and more as I found them to be rather disgusting (the musty smell) and the bold prints that exist! Thankfully in my home, the only carpets in the house is the stairs (no choice due to kids) and the master bedroom (haven't got round to decorating that room yet). The rest of the house is carpet-free! I remember when I was househunting with boyfriend, we went to view this particular house and the chap showing us around was literally boasting about his Axminster carpet... god! they were the most horrid, hideous design I've ever seen. He even wanted to charge us extra if we wanted the carpet! I wish then I could have told him to take the carpet and stuff it! Goes without saying that we didn't put an offer in! As for net curtains, just find them very old fashion and do nothing to enhance the windows! Needless to say, got rid of all of them when I moved into the current home as the previous owner had left them in.

4) Pet Poos!

Especially to those who keeps CATS! My bloody neighbour's cat is constantly coming over to our garden to poo and especially in the sandpit area! Piss the hell outta me as (i) that's the boys' play area & (ii) it bloody stinks the place out! Why can't it poo in its own place! Also it annoys me when you see dog's poo on pavement! Why can't the owner pick it up and throw it away... I'm sure they do it in their own home so why can't they do it in public places??? It's so annoying when you get poo on pram's wheels or worst when the kids accidentally step on it!

5) Rude drivers/people

It's pisses me off when you give way and the other driver fails to acknowlege it. Same goes for people too when you open/hold doors for them and they walk past you as if the door has automatically open for them. What's wrong with saying 'thank you'. I know how it feels when I've to struggle opening a door and getting a pram through and I always make it a point to acknowlege my appreciation when someone helps me.

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

>>> Time Out! <<<

Went to a new crop session today called Junction 7, as it's literally off the M6 J7 route. It was in a church hall with ample space. The organisers are Chris and Andrea and Chris is such a lovely person, making sure everyone is comfortable and introducing people to each other. They even had a challenge kit bought from the funds and everyone was given one to play with. There were a mixture of cardmakers and scrappers. Those cardmakers were already doing Xmas cards... put me to shame as I think I ought to start mine too!

Anyway, managed to get 2 LOs done, one using the challenge kit too. There was also another LO but it wasn't completed on time.

Used my new Junkitz papers Laguna Guy and Delight Designs chipboards, bought from Scrapajacks. The word 'Learning' is from Mobe Jeans stamps which I acquired secondhand at the crop. Of course had to add my new Rhonna Farrer swirls v2 stamps and used the new Sakura Soufle pens (which so happened to come in the post this morning) to colour it in. Those pens rocks! They dry opaque so add a lovely colour to it.

This LO was created using the challenge kit which consisted of 2 Bazzil cardstocks, 2 3Bugs in a Rug Rhapsody papers, 2 ribbon strands and 2 fabric strips from Tatterz. Oh and some brads too. It was based on a sketch that I had created for Scrapitude forum as I'm in charge of coming up with new sketches for 8.5x11" sizes. With this LO, I actually allowed the heart to hang over the torn edges of the cardstock. Thought I tried something different as opposed to the usual rectangular shaped LO! Here's the sketch that I did:

Have fun...

On a positive note, received a cheque from Creating Keepsakes for my LO in their CK Ideas Book #10 due this Nov. I'ts in American dollars and I'm wondering if I can cash it in here ... no doubt by the time I get the cash, it would be minus bank charges here and there!!!! Wish they paypalled me instead.... Will have to go to the bank on Monday to find out about it! TTFN!

>>> Tagged by Toni! <<<

I've been tagged and the rule is to list 5 weird things about yourself or your pets and then tag 5 friends and list them. Since I don't own a pet (heaven's forbid, like I don't have enough with my 2 boys to take on another animal!!!), it has to be me then:

1) I luv peanut butter but can't eat it on its own. I have to either add jam to it to make it peanut butter jelly (like the American way) or add ham! Yup, ham! Hubby thinks it weird but I do luv the taste!

2) My favourite drink is Milo (which I can get them in Asda in the Asian section). Apart from using it as drink, I do put it on bread to eat it too. And when I'm particularly indulgent, will mix it with condensed milk and eat it as it is! The taste of cocoa melting in my mouth with the condensed milk is just undescribable!

3) I don't eat beef in this country... I guess when I first came here, I was warned about BSE, mad cow disease and therefore kept away from beef! Hubby knows better than to buy beef as I don't cook it and find it hard to eat it. Once in a very blue moon I do eat but I get such guilty feelings that it's just not worth it! And you guess it, I don't eat burgers at all too, would opt for fish if I do go to a fast food outlet!

4) I can't get out of bed straightaway. I need to lie about before actually getting up. Hence I always set the alarm half an hour early to allow myself to laze around before pushing my lazy arse out of bed!

5) I'm particularly obsessed with hygiene, not just personally but with objects too i.e utensils in particular... just cannot abide with a dirty cup. Hubby has this knack of not scrubbing out the tea stains in cups and it annoys me to bit when I pick a cup and find it covered with tea stains! Same goes for pots and pans too. I can't cook in a pot or pan that has remnants of previous food stains! Needless to say, if any of my pyrex dishes hasn't been scrubbed clean, I get into a state! Funnily enough, that obsession doesn't extend to the house though... which I term it as housework!

I'll tag the gals at Scrapitude forum and anyone who happens to read my blog... you probably know who!

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

Hubby came back from London and was telling me about his exploits! In his job, he gets entertained a fair bit and always, inevitably, at a lapdancing place! Anyway, he was brought to Spearmint Rhino so I mercilessly teased him and got him to spill the details! I'm not a jealous person and not at all bothered that he went there as I've been to one myself and know what it is all about! Beside, men by nature, will always be attracted to anything sexual! Why do you think the porn industry is such a booming business??? All thanks to the weakness of men! I think sex constantly dominated their brains all the time. I know hubby doesn't stray as he's more worried about the complications i.e. sexually transmitted disease! He says for that few mins of pleasure, you might end up with a lifetime of infection! Quite right as I've read the rate of heterosexual STD is on the increase and not surprisingly, AIDS! I'm surprised this country doesn't teach the young about such matters! I know when my boys hit puberty, I will sit them down and tell them frankly about the birds and bees! Afterall, I used to teach sex education in school before and I don't want my kids finding such stuff from friends and getting wrong info! I think when I done with them, they'll probably take a vow of celibacy! LOL!

Can't say I did anything creative today, instead, just waffle around and ended up doing some online shopping for more inkpads and stamps. Just Let Me Scrapbook is having a 20% sale and I ended up with a Tim Holtz inkpad, new Tsukineko Dew Drop inkpads (heard they stamp on non-porous stuff so that will be good) and some Art Warehouse stamps. I don't really get scraping items as I have enough from kits and don't bother buying papers either as I can get them from the UK. Instead, I tend to buy stamping supplies as I can't find them in the UK or they are far too expensive to be bought in the UK! Can't wait to lay my hands on those stamps as they are ultra cool!!!

Rite, got a crop to go to tomorrow (hooray! and bloody hell need it as hubby has been out for 3 nites this week so it's my turn tomorrow!) and need to pack... TTFN!

>>> As Time Goes On...! <<<

Hubby's in London all day and overnite so I'm left with the kids! Oh well, it's easier managing them without him to be honest as they have no daddy to turn to when I discipline them! And true enough, both went off to bed at the time I wanted and slept off without any hassle!

Decided to sort my patterned papers out and was wondering whether to do by colours. Tried it but gave up halfway as these days, patterned papers are so coloured that it's hard to pick a distinct colour to separate them. Went by brands instead. Can't say I finished sorting them as I ended doing a LO left halfway and managed to complete it as best I could. I do have a few unfinished LOs and I had better get them done!

Spent the nite watching Grey's Anatomy and I tell you that show gets better each time! Absolutely 'heart' that programme! Been told by my brother that the new series for CSI have started! That means for Vegas, it's series 7, Miami - series 5 and NY - series 3! Well, he got them on DVD so I'm hoping my air stewart brother do come over to UK soon! Drew a couple more LO sketches so will be hoping to have a play with them soon. TTFN!

>>> Yuks! <<<

Woke up late this morning, an hour later than usual and with dire consequences! Had to drag my kids off their bed and with only biscuits in their hands, sent them off to school LATE! Hubby's fault! Usually before he leaves for work about 8am, he would wake me up but he didn't! Hence I only opened my eyes at 9am! Anyway serve me right as I was up till 3ish in the wee morning! Moral of story, never sleep past midnite!!! Looks like I've to set the alarm on my mobile (no alarm clock in the house as they have all kinda disfunctioned!)

Spent the morning creating. Did a card and a LO. As both are for DT assignments, will reveal later but it was fun playing with the A2Z new papers. As there are 12 sheets of them, I'm trying my hardest to use as much as I can!

Picked Zac slightly later at 1.3opm. The nursery is trying to increase his stay longer so as to get him used to full time. However, when I went to pick him up, he didn't want to go home! I'm sure he will have NO problem staying till 3pm as it's all play for him over there! It's a great nursery with tons of activities for the kids to enjoy!

I'm shattered so shall call it a nite and go to bed early! TTFN!

>>> Music! <<<

Today saw the start of violin lessons for Ollie. He has it in school FOC. After the lesson, the teacher announced more classes held in various places... every Thursday 4p at the Junior School and certain Fridays at the Birmingham Conservatoire from 5-6pm. I want him to take up music as I feel it's important for him. He does play it well so I don't any reason not to take it up seriously. I only wish that my parents had insisted on me carrying on with piano lessons as they allowed it to slide when I made noise but then when you have to play the same note over and over again, of course you make noise!!! I will encourage Ollie to carry on with his violin. He has expressed interest in guitar but I think one step at a time!

A little toot for me... one of my LOs has been accepted for publication in an UK magazine. Not gonna get overly excited until I've seen it in print!

Right, gonna try and play with my new Autumn Leaves stamps that arrived today. Got my Rhonna Farrer Swirls v2 stamps and Katy Pertiet Journalling stamps. Have to say that these stamps are so popular that they sold out each time they are in stock in Lifetime Moments store, an US online store. Had to get them from the States as they have not arrived in the UK yet. I tend to buy a lot of my stamping supplies from the States as I can't usually find them in UK or if I do, they are ridicuously expensive! Itching to scrap now.

I leave with a LO done using Daisy D's Girlfriends papers. A family LO taken on a recent trip to Kelong Tricola, Tanjong Pinang, Indonesia... TTFN!

>>> Cricut! <<<

Nope, I've not bought that but at the crop yesterday, I saw the Cricut in action as one of the scrappers had bought it. Have to say that I was quite impressed as it could work on its own without any connection to the computer. You need to get a cartridge for it to work but letters can be cut from 1" - 5". Within the cartridge, there are also loads of features, i.e cutting font in a tag shape, a shadow font, numbers, certain phrases & shapes etc. It's definitely better than Quickutz in terms of the dies as QK dies are fixed at one size. Not sure if I do want one yet as I do enjoy playing with my stamps. Might change my mind when Xmas comes...

Zac came back slightly later today at 1pm. He had to carry a lunch bag to school and he was ever so excited about it. However, he was so tired when he came home and had a short nap until it was time to do the school run for Oliver.

On the creative front, spent the morning doing my Goals challenge at the Scrapitude forum. As usual, another last minute work but thankfully knowing what I wanted to do made me complete it faster!

Used Daisy D's Gypsy Harvest papers. The cardstock is actually more yellowish in colour but the scan somehow got it looking like orange! My goal is to plan ahead and have stuff ready beforehand as I'm always doing things last minute. I'm good at keeping to deadlines but somehow, I always wait till the eleventh hour to complete them! This is a double LO as it was one of the requirements, including using an office supply, inks, journalling & a stencil letter.

Rite, off to do more scrapping. Ollie was looking through my albums and said why there were so many of Zac. I felt bad as it's true that I do scrap Zac a fair bit. I think I need to start scraping my eldest more often! TTFN!

>>> Sunday Bloggers! <<<

Sunday Blog 4# (from the Scrapitude forum)

So many of us rush through our days - Not letting the little things that usual mean so much to us get a look in, we fill our time doing things for other people, and putting so many people before us.

If you could spend a day, doing everything for yourself, with no indulgence spared - what would you do.... 24 solid selfcentred beautiful hours!

I think the first thing I do is to have a good lie-in. Lost that ever since I had kids! Somehow kids just don't believe in lie-ins! I do enjoy my sleep a lot but these days, it's hard to sleep soundly when you have kids as your ears automatically listen out for them... just instinct I guess! Hence, it's hard to go into deep sleep.

The next thing I do is to pamper myself thoroughly i.e go to a spa and have a top-to-toe massage including a facial too. Now that would be the ultimate indulgence for me!

Afterward, I would love for hubby and myself to go to a good restaurant to have a meal! I luv my food and I want to be able to indulge in the gastronomic delights of a good chef! As to what type of cuisine, well, definitely Japanese! I would luv to eat raw fish that is extremely fresh, dipped in a wasabe sauce! Mmmmm delicious!

Then it would be time to hit the shops. Since having kids, never really been able to shop properly as kids hate shopping! Yes, I do enjoy shopping, more for hangbags and shoes. I'm not really a clothes person but if I have to get some, I would like the service of a personal shopper. As for handbags, nothing please me more than to be able to browse through the different brands and to feel them and to see if they suit me. I've a penchant for leather bags... as long as it's leather, and soft one too, I'm completely bowled over! Then I will head over to the shoes department and look for one that will capture my attention. I'm very particular about shoes... they have to be comfortable but at the same time, look good too. Oh and I can't wear high heels... nothing kills my feet worst than stilettos! I won't wear flats too nor sneakers. I do luv sandals and especially those with beads and sequins in them. Only wish the UK was sunny throughout to wear sandals all year round!

To end the day, it would be nice to take a nite cruise along the river. (if I'm in Singapore, it would be along the Singapore River. In Birmingham, it would be along the canals.) It would be lovely to have dinner on board too and to hear the sound of water. I luv hearing the sound of water as it's so soothing and makes me feel completely relax. Yup, that would be a great way to end a whole day of indulgence!

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

Attended an all day crop today and managed to get a LO done as well as a page for my A-Z album. Wished I had gotten more done but I think I was nattering a little and was somewhat distracted too by Scrapajack supplies. Bought some Junkitz Laguna Guy papers and a pack of Delight Designs decorative accent chipboards. I shouldn't really but I'm nuts about chipboards! Anyway, here's my works!

Been meaning to scrap Ollie's 6th birthday and used papers by Daisy D's Girlfriends. Ohh, those papers are absolutely delicious! Totally 'heart' my Rhonna Farrer flourishes and swirls stamps. Ever since I bought them, I've used them loads! Just laid my hands on her latest Flourishes v2 stamps and awaiting delivery of her Swirls v2 sometime next week!

This is letter R, part of my A-Z Parenting album. I've got 4 more to complete and I'm done! Used papers by Arctic Frog.

Rite, off to bed early as I'm totally knackered! TTFN!

>>> The Weekend! <<<

Hubby is away today playing golf so I'm alone with the kids. While on my way to send Ollie to his Mandarin class, happened to see a new store, Au Natural, opened quite near my place. Once I got him into class, decided to check the store out!

Gosh, have to say there are a lot of home finishings in there but also stuff for storage and some craft items too. As I had Zac at the side whining his head off, I did a quick glance of the store and will definitely make my way back during the weekdays!

On the scrapping side, complete the ScrapiDare #6 on the Scrapitude forum. The Dare was to including sewing on the LO so I took out my sewing machine and had a play.

Thought I document my kids' latest toy craze! Ever since they discovered the Bionicle from Lego, they've been begging us to get them the entire set (that translates to loads of figurines!). What's worst is that for each size, there is a collection of 5-6 figurines and recently they bought out another set of figurines too. Oliver enjoys building them, mixing them and re-building bigger figurines. Zac prefers to dismantling them! Not surprising as he's more a destroyer where toys are concerned!

Got a crop tomorrow so I had better sort some photos out. Can't wait to get away and have 6 hrs all to myself! Bliss! TTFN!