Over and out

No - I'm not leaving blogland - but my voice has left me!!! The Boy picked up a throat infection and it appears he was contagious - next time, he's being quarantined until he's recovered! I'm not very consistent with the whole blogging malarkey, but I didn't want to go for 6 months with no posts. For now though, my time is taken up with study, work and, right now, being ill!

Essay from hell: take 2

My apologies for the recent scilence, I've been battling with the essay from hell... well, another essay from hell. But I'm there, it's submitted and there's no going back now! (Thank god!) 

In the process of this, and after LOAD, I've taken some time out of scrapping for a couple of weeks. But I have plans this week so watch this space!

During my brief holiday, The Boy and I met our nephew, Konnah. He's a proper cutie and we both think he's adorable!

Can't wait to see him again and watch him grow up. Any how, that's me for today. Have fun!

Forecast Friday: The LOAD inititive - installment 2!

So, May is finally over. This means, so is LOAD. At the beginning of the month, I was a girl with a plan (for full details of this master plan, click here.) I wanted create a LO every day. Not play catch up at the weekends, or do only the weekend prompts. I wanted 31 LO's, one for each day in May.

I did it ^_^ and I am, needless to say, mighty proud of myself. It's a huge achievement for me and I've still done the study I need to **cue smug moment** I've included some of my favourites in this post.

 

However, the purpose of this post was not simply for me to brag (although I admit I am, and feel a little bragging at this stage is justified), but to evaluate my grand LOAD plan. I started out with some ground rules, a newly-purged stash of supplies and an untidy desk. These rules were as follows:

• Study and dinner come first. I'm grouchy and unproductive if I don't eat and my degree is more important to me than a scrapbook page.
• 1 hour per LO. That's it.
• Stock up on adhesive BEFORE starting. That way, I'm not checking my supply each day and wasting time.

 

So how did it go? Actually, really smoothly. I watched the video in the morning, went to work, mulled things over, came home, ate, studied, completed chores and scrapped. Even on those days I didn't want to move from the sofa, I created a page. It was even more satisfying knowing I'd earned my scrapping time by completing my study. 

 The 1 hour limit... Lets talk about that for a minute.

Ok, so I was a little flexible. I usually have some idea of where I'm going with the page, if not I just look through my photos or papers until something catches my eye. If, after 10 mins or so I've done nothing constructive or it's not flowing for me, I'd go and do something else. (This only happened three times over the month, I had a shower, got a cuppa and went back to the LO). I don't set an alarm or finish after an hour regardless, just until I'm happy the LO is finished. The longest was 1 hour 30, shortest, 45 minutes.

 

I didn't feel stressed or under pressure at any point. I just scrapped until I was happy with the page. I have to admit that I have gone back to a couple of the LO's to add an extra layer, journalling or embellishment, but that doesn't mean they weren't finished before that, call it artistic prerogative. 

There were other benefits, out of the 200 papers I pulled out, I now have 67 and a similar size pile of scraps to the pile I started with. I had to refill my embellishment box halfway through the month, so I suspect I will need to restock shortly. I've spent half the month cutting up letter stickers to make the one that was missing (take note - WE NEED MORE VOWELS, S's, R's AND T's) and have made a huge dent in my alpha collection. I now have an excuse to shop and best of all, I won't feel guilty!

 Oh, and yes, I did have enough adhesive!!!

If you want to see my full LOAD, they are in my flickr gallery, please excuse the bad photography. English evenings have not been my friend (although photoshop has helped!) 

Thank you for stopping by, and if you are interested in joining in the next LOAD, stop by LOAD on facebook for more information.

The LOAD Inititive

Let's talk LOAD, or as it's known in certain circles Layout a Day. It's a one month challenge to create... *drumroll* a layout a day! (I bet you'd never have guessed it)

I have the motivation of a hungover student when it comes to classes and challenges, the will is there, but movement is lacking. I did a 7 or 8 LO's in May 2012, 1 in October 2012 and non in February 2013.

This time, I wanted to give it a real go, the Boy is away, there are only so many games I can play and I thought it was the ideal time to have a proper stab *snigger* at it.

This is what my desk looks like halfway through, I tend to tidy so I can work, but that's pretty much it. I'm an 'out-of-sight-out-of-mind' person, if I can't see it, it won't get used.

Now, like most people, my house is moderately tidy, cleaned as and when it gets dirty. I work 9-5 (well, 8-5), I study and I need to wash clothes and eat. This means I need to do a little planning when it comes to LOAD.

I set myself a few 'ground rules'

• Study and dinner come first. I'm grouchy and unproductive if I don't eat and my degree is more important to me than a scrapbook page.
• 1 hour per LO. That's it.
• Stock up on adhesive BEFORE starting. That way, I'm not checking my supply each day and wasting time.

Speaking of stocking up, I have quite alot of stash, so I haven't purchased anything new. I do have a monthly kit subscription, but I want to use what I have, so with the exception of the kit, no shiny new papers for me. I also have scraps, like most people, so they sit on my desk to be fished through.
 

I had one other trick up my sleeve before the 1st May 2013 rolled around. I purged (and I do mean PURGED) my stash. Considering I need to get through 31 layouts, you would have thought I needed all the stash I can get... Sounds extreme? Here's my rational:

I scrap at a desk with my stash behind me, but for me, out of sight, out of mind is quite accurate. It's for this reason I keep a box of paper next to my desk and a box of embellishments on my desk. By purging, I sort through everything. I pull out 'new' papers (and my 'use it or loose it' pile), put lack-lustre ones away (they come back out next time round as 'use it or loose it) and get rid of papers I really don't like anymore (I donate these). The same applies to embellishments. I find that this way, I rotate my stash and there is always something new on my desk and I don't get overwhelmed.
It also meant I could have a huge pile of new goodies to work with ^_^ 

As of Thursday, this is my stack of LO's (minus the first 5 days). Looking good so far...

So... This was the theory... How did I get on..? Find out in a couple of days!

Forecast Friday: AKA Hail and Heavy Rain

Seriously, hail... at the end of May. *sigh*

Well, an unproductive weekend on the cards for me. I've picked up a sickness bug which has meant spending the last two days pretty much in bed. However, this afternoon, for a change of scenery, I spent here:

Browsing the interweb for tasty stuff to cook and crafty ideas. This state is expected to continue for the remainder of the bank holiday.

In other news, last Sunday, I handed in the essay from HELL (I have never been so pleased to press the submit button). LOAD is ongoing, I can't believe I've managed a layout every day. 24 so far and counting. I need to put them away this weekend, they're starting to take up a lot of space!

I hope you all have a great bank holiday weekend whatever you have planned.

Forecast Friday: Mopping Up Puddles

So, having gone to leave the house yesterday morning and stuck my foot in a puddle, I have discovered a leak. From the radiator... Having mopped it all up, today, I'm waiting in for the plumber. The joy!

There is one bonus, it's Food Revolution Day. Sadly, I can't make any of the events, but I can have a play in my kitchen. Today's plan is some bulk meal prep. Anyone who has seen my Facebook account recently will probably have noticed my current Food Tube obsession (it's *way* better then Jeremy Kyle!!!) I discovered an old favourite of mine, Steak and Guinness Pie. (I have the book!) So my kitchen currently looks like this:

I'm using Black Sheep Ale rather than Guinness, because that's what I have in

And some gorgeous stewing beef (just over 1kg)

It's been cooked for 10 mins and is currently cooling. I'll be portioning it up and freezing it... When I'm ready to use it, it's going in the slow cooker on low while I'm at work. Then I'll do the pie bit. That's the plan anyway.

And to cheer me on my way, I have FRD live stream on YouTube.

Forecast Friday: Baby talk

Another week down. It's a nice feeling, knowing the weekend is just around the corner. Before I go on, it's announcement time and I'm super excited about this one. My sister in law has just given birth to a beautiful baby boy - well, Tuesday afternoon to be exact. 8lb 10oz, mum, baby and dad are doing well and if mum gives me permission, I'll post a photo mum mum has allowed me to share a photo. Please welcome Konnah Matthew to the world ^_^

I won't be going over until next month, when the Boy is home. But I'm still super happy, he's a beautiful little bundle.

Proud auntie moment over (for now). As you might know (or not) May is LOAD month for me. We're on day 10 and so far, so good.

Here's a couple of my favourites so far... would you believe, I've started journalling!!!

It's been an interesting process, fitting in a full days work, cooking, cleaning and studying. I've limited myself to 1 hour. If I haven't made progress after 15 minutes, I go and do something else and after 1 hour, the LO needs to be finished or right at the end. I like it when something works out. If you want to follow my progress throughout the month, it's looking like flickr is the way forward. Join me here.

I've also been playing along with Shimelle's NSD challenges too, two for the price of one. All in all, a good week.

Anyway, my weekend pans are study and housework... oh, and food shopping. I guess I can't win everything. What are you up to?

Inspired by...

Anyone else a little addicted to Glitter Girl?? Yup, me too. Although I have to admit, I don't tend to join in with the challenges, I find her videos intriguing and inspiring. So, a few weeks ago, I saw Layouts within Limits which got me thinking... I have a mountain of wedding photos I want to scrap. Would this work for me? Then Shimelle put up a post about 'batch' scrapping. 

So who am I to ignore writing on the wall blog!

I chose my photos and papers...

I promise, the yellow paper in the bottom left is the 'B' side of the blue swirly paper in the middle of the top photo. I love the yellow, but it wan't working for me. So rather than return to my stash, I flipped it over.

I worked with my scraps box, well, pile, and the embellishment stash I keep on my desk (I put new stuff in as I empty it and I made sure it was full before I started this)

 I chose two letter stickers, a Jillibean Soup and some thickers, a selection of paints and mists, 3 rolls of washi tape and my favourite embossing powder to go with my 'kit'.

And then, I scrapped! It was an intersting process. The pages come together quite quickly and I'm happy with them. Limiting my supplies meant I made things I had work rather than returning to my stash (I keep everything in RUB boxes) and I tried different things to make them 'work'.

As you may have guessed, this was our first dance 'Stripsearch' by Faith No More. It gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it. 

Next up: All in the details, just to record some of the little things... I'm planning some more of these pages I think

Again, I used scraps from my scrap pile and a little washi tape with some enamel dots.

And finally, one of my favourites: the vintage bus

I cannot tell you how much I love this photo... and the LO.

So there you have it: my bash at batch scrapbooking. Has anyone else tried this? How did you get on? I'd love to know.

P.S for those of you wondering, here's 'Stripsearch'

Forecast Friday: Bank Holiday Heatwave?

I know it's warming up at long last, but there are some times a lie in is on the cards. So, I intend to make the most of the weekend.. Well, Sunday onwards. I'm off to Scarborough tomorrow to visit my sister in law, her partner and bump. Bump is about a week overdue, so there may be a swift change of plans if he arrives in the next 12 hours! 

In other news: I'm taking part in LOAD this month, Layout a Day for those who don't know what I'm on about. So I'm aiming to make pages like crazy and use up stuff. 

This page was from day one. I have journalled since taking the photo, it's about my determination that my wedding dress wouldn't be white.

I'm hoping to keep up making one a day - we shall see. They'll be on Instagram, it's just easier to share... Titch_TSO if you are interested. The better ones may well make an appearance here over the course of the month.

So, scrapping, chilling out and maybe some baking are on the cards this weekend. How about you? Oh, and if you are joining in with LOAD this month, have fun!

Kittyisms

My furbaby, Metro, has a very definite personality. She isn't particularly vocal, but she's good at letting me know when I'm in the muck. While I was living at home, (well, wherever I live is technically home, I know) back with mum, my sister would vocalise these 'moods' as it were, little witticisms that captured the moment. They became known as 'kittyisms' and were eiter written or spoken.

Now, there is only so much paper I can store, my memory is finate and I want to record them somewhere. So, without further ado, here's a transcript of a kittyism left on my desk that I discovered after work one day...

Dear Upright,

   I wish to complain to the management. The daily allowance of kibbles has dropped. It is not acceptable. Positive adjustment is needed to avoid wastage; wastage of me! Now, feed me!!

4-Paws

Yup, one disgruntled kitty...

I'm sure I'll have some more soon. Have a great day.

Forecast Friday: Sticky patches ahead with a little misting in areas

So, my plans for the weekend involve paper, glue, photos and ink. Yes, I intend to get crafty. I have a mountain of wedding photos I want to scrap and I've spent about 7 months with scrappers block! Mind you, I have settled back into scrapping this last week. I'm very chuffed with the results although I've no idea where the inspiration came from!

Here's one of my creations, it's not totally wedding focused, but it's something I want to remember from the day, the way I felt, well, more the way I was made to feel :) 

I'm also trying to use my stamps so I used a 2 1/2 polkadot stamp (Stampin' Up) to emboss the backround and the cute teal heart badge is from Flair Buttons (how cute are they!)

I'm pretty happy with the way things are working out, and I feel like I'm progressing. 

It's funny, how suddenly your mojo runs away at the prospect of something special to you. I've never been phazed before, by any event. I don't know whether it was just the 'special' factor or the amount I want to do, or maybe I just got overwhelmed that I want it to be a 'story'. Whatever it was, it feels great to be back behind the paper. Whatever you get up to, have a great weekend.

Best laid plans...

Well, for all my grand theories, blogging regularly seems to have gone down the swanny! So what's new..?

Well, I have a new job, I live with my husband, we moved to Leeds, we have a nephew due next week, I'm back to my studies and my cousin got married so we had a holiday to San Fracisco! That's the last 6 months in a nutshell.

So, here's a few snippetts of San Francisco.

Me and The Boy

The Cable Cars

Murals in the Mission District

 Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl... This was AMAZING

Evil jellyfish at the aquarium... *shudders*

 

And of course, the Golden Gate Bridge

 

I have been scrapping, but not alot until this last month, my mojo took a sabbatical. It's warming up, but more on that at a later date. However, if you really want a peek, Instagram or Two Peas are the way forward - check the 'My gallaries' page. And now for the bit I find difficult... signing off. But it's bedtime and I need to sleep! Off to rediscover the online world of paper in the morning.

10 things

Time really does fly! I've moved house and waited 3 months for a transfer. The world has been a little mental and now it's settling. I hope!

I've had 10 things on my to do list for months, I figured it was time to join in so it was off the 'to do' list and give me a reason to continue.

With it being Christmas, I was thinking I should go with, well, Christmas. Then it was pointed out that I haven't shared wedding or honeymoon pics. But I'm afraid you'll have to live with Christmas for this month!

So, my top 10 of Christmas!

Pepperkokar - A Scandinavian spiced biscuit. We've made these pretty much every year since I can remember. They are delicious. and they are NOT a gingerbread! Far more delicate and need to be wafer thin. Add them to your 'to bake' list

Candles on the tree - not fairy lights, proper candles. The Boy and I have a HUGE standoff about this. He is very against real trees and candles, being the Fire Safety Officer. Having said that, my dad was against it originally...

Fenwicks Christmas Window - Every year, Fenwicks have their Christmas window. Instead of showing off their latest products, it's all about Christmas. I remember queuing every year as a child to see it. If you're in Newcastle take a look.

JYC - Well, it had to be in there somewhere. I've done one every other year since 2008. This year, it's a Smash book. I have started, but I'm working on it at weekends due to my current commute. If you haven't heard about it, click the link. Here's mine from 2010... Well the cover at any rate. If you want to see the inside pages, let me know and I'll link them up.

Nisse - These little guys will always be part of my childhood Christmas memories, a bit like the pepperkokar. They are like a household spirit, I'd hesitate to liken them to an English gnome, but it's the best comparison I can manage.

Mulled drinks - Not just wine, but apple juice, cranberry juice. I love the spices that go into mulling and will mull pretty much anything, I'm considering Ribena this year (will let you know how that works out!) You can have it alcoholic (add spirits or use wine) or non alcohlic. And best of all, it's warm!

There are lots of recipies, so have a play.

Christmas Cards - I have a love/hate relationship. I love the idea, hate the doing (making or writing!) I did manage to do digi ones a few years ago, but I've not found a reasonable printing price! Suggestions are welcome.

Nearly there, 10 things is trickier than first expected.

Lights - I've not found a good photo of Newcastle's street lights yet, but I'll keep trying. Instead, here's the one of the tree's in York, I love it when they have no decorations, just lights. They are soo pretty.

Random decorations - Not trees, but statues, this year I'm seeing raindeer, polar bears and penguins - all in GLITTER! If The Boy hadn't put a ban on glitter...

Annnd Finally...

Christmas trees - Yes, this is mose definitly a separate love to the candles on the trees. This year, I've no space for a tree, well, not a big one. So after many points of "We've no room for a tree" from The Boy, I've come up with this compremise. It's 1ft 1/2 and I got some mini baubles from Paperchase. I spent Saturday tying these on. My space with 'no room for a tree' looks like this

So, that's my 10 things on the 10th. Pop over to Shimelle's blog and join in!!!

Another long break

Yes, it's been a while, I know. Weddings totally take over your life. However, the big day has been and gone and I am now a happily married woman.

 
Having DIY'd so many elements I have some tutorials... Yup, you read that right. Just need to put them together! Here's a hint at one

Yes, I made my bouquet. And I've had alot of requests as to how, so I'm putting together a tutorial for this and several other pieces from the day.

 Also, I now have a small mountin of photos from the day itself and our honeymoon in Cuba.
(for those of you on Facebook, you may well have seen some of these). The wedding ones are due to arrive and once I've been through Cuba, I'll be ordering another batch... This means... Scrapping ^_^

So, once I've tidied up the craft room, I will be indulging in some serious stash busting. Watch this space!