DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY TWO - 1st June

 

Good morning and white rabbit white rabbit, white rabbit.  Not only is it the first of June but it is a Bank Holiday today whilst we are on our holibobs.  Everywhere with the exception of beach bars and cafes will be closed.   Today is the Festival of the Flood which is a unique ad vibrant holiday observed 50 days after Orthodox Easter. It commemorates both the biblical story of Noah's Ark and the Ancient Greek myth of Deucalion, blending religious tradition with age-old celebrations of water, renewal, cleansing and new beginnings. So it will be a quiet day with visits to the little ones at some stage.

Who knows what dramas will unfold around the complex today? There is always something going on, and life here is rarely dull!

One of our biggest ongoing sagas involves the local cats. Now, before anyone worries, I absolutely love cats and would never harm them, but they do have a talent for creating a little chaos. As holidaymakers and residents alike leave food out for them, the cats decide that our complex is the perfect place to settle down and call home. Unfortunately, that means flowerbeds become litter trays, gardens become hunting grounds and the occasional "gift" of a dead (or sometimes very much alive) creature appears where you least expect it. Add to that the fact that many haven't received any veterinary care, and it can become quite a challenge.

There has, however, been a major breakthrough in our ongoing cat chronicles. We have finally managed to persuade both owners and residents to feed the cats in the garden and park adjacent to the complex rather than within the grounds themselves. This may sound like a small thing, but it is actually a huge milestone and one that many of us are delighted about. The cats are still cared for, but hopefully the complex itself will be a little less attractive as a permanent residence.

Of course, where there's cat food, the pigeons soon arrive. They happily help themselves to the food and water, then repay the favour by building nests in every nook and cranny imaginable. The result? Let's just say the housekeeping department has its work cut out.

The latest discovery is that the pigeons have become rather creative interior designers. Dead leaves are apparently no longer sufficient for nest building. They are now helping themselves to pieces of the wooden umbrellas from around the pool, bits of plants, and pretty much anything else they can carry off. Resourceful? Absolutely. Appreciated? Not so much.  And the noise.   When the entire feathered committee gathers for a meeting, it sounds as though they're holding a very heated debate. Whatever they're discussing, they certainly all have an opinion on it.  So, as I enjoy my peaceful Bank Holiday, I'll be keeping one eye on the latest chapter of The Cats, The Pigeons and The Complex to see what today's episode brings. With this cast of characters, there is never a shortage of entertainment.  

Here are a few cards that recently made it into my box.  My box of cards is becoming quite full so I have plenty to choose from when an occasion arrises.   It also means that there are lots for sale too.  

Thank you so much for having a read today, hope you have a wonderful start to your week and the month of June.  Tracey x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

Here is the May - August 2026 Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own. 

There are 5 brand new design (magnetic close) 2026-2028 In Colors.  

JUNE PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

Here’s a little sprinkle of crafty magic.  When you place your own qualifying order of £70, you’ll unlock the chance to grab the Product of the Month for just £5, how lovely is that? A special option will magically appear, inviting you to pop it straight into your basket. Do note that this treat is only available whilst supplies last and can  only be added once per person, so dont dawdle too long. 

The Last Chance List has lots of beautifully colour co-ordinated favourites, all with that signature Stampin' Up! quality we know and love, but only whilst stock lasts.  If you click on the image below, a new page will open up and your can have a browse.

Paper Pumpkin is now available in the UK, I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the June kit.   To find out a little more, click on the image below and a new window will open.  But please, do get in touch if I can help in anyway, I am always happy to help.

 

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

 

 

You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the WHOLE shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to receive my newsletter and be added to my email list of friends do let me know.  I would hate you to miss out on all our get togethers and socials.  Always lots of new friends waiting to be met. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.  

DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOUR - Birthday card and Strawberry Festival

 Good morning and it's another early one.  As the windows are open, the man coughing sitting on his verandah, the dogs barking as someone ran past and the pesky birds all added together make an amazing alarm clock.  That is before the neighbours alarm clock goes off at 5.45am.  Oh well, at least I can sit in the sunshine as I write this.

There was another friend that celebrated a birthday recently and this is the card I sent.  

It is a right combination of elements from the die cuts to the ephemera of a wonderful designer series papers, sadly retired, to sentiments and banners.  I had great fun in making this.  

We went off to a local Strawberry Festival, just up the coast slightly and what an afternoon we had.  Not only was the weather just perfect but the venue was amazing.  It was all set out at a local football stadium,  There were hundreds of tables and chairs that were empty for the majority of the time but we soon realised that all the seats would be filled with family who came along for a picnic.  There was entertainment, a pottery class, a strawberry cocktail class, strawberry pavlova demonstrations, traditional dancing,  puppet shows, the strawberry ladies entertaining children and singers galore.  

We arrived at the festival around 4pm and I had to have a strawberry milkshake.  We wandered around the various stalls selling strawberry products and I got fresh strawberries and strawberry jam for us and the girls.  We then had more drinks, watched the baking demonstration, saw the local band which consisted of two men playing a flute and bouzuki  which gave the music to the traditional dancers to dance to.  We then had a traditional souvlaki and sheftelia, which was cooked to perfection.  However, we do think we left far too early because the photos show, the place was packed.  There were live singers and dancers well into the late night so we must return next year, to stay a lot longer.  

Today is the very last day that you can grab the starter kit and join Stampin' Up! with this amazing offer

I would love you to join my team and should you need any further information, do let me know. 

So today's job at the complex is to sort out an issue of noisy neighbours which is proving rather difficult as they are not home.  It seems that there was a standoff in the middle of the road last night with headlights facing each other and a slanging match.  I am so pleased I didnt hear it.  I shall let you know how we get on.

I am slowly having a bit of a sort out, discarding things that I have no use of whatsoever, advertising a few household items and moving things around.  I am not one for sitting doing nothing. 

Well, I had best get breakfast sorted, we shall eat out on the verandah this morning before our early morning meeting at 9am with the gardener.  Thanks for having a read.  Tracey x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

Here is the May - August 2026 Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own. 

There are 5 brand new design (magnetic close) 2026-2028 In Colors.  

The Last Chance List has lots of beautifully colour co-ordinated favourites, all with that signature Stampin' Up! quality we know and love, but only whilst stock lasts.  If you click on the image below, a new page will open up and your can have a browse.

Paper Pumpkin is now available in the UK  I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the June kit.   To find out a little more, click on the image below and a new window will open.  But please, do get in touch if I can help in anyway, I am always happy to help.

 

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

 

 

You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the WHOLE shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to receive my newsletter and be added to my email list of friends do let me know.  I would hate you to miss out on all our get togethers and socials.  Always lots of new friends waiting to be met. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.  

DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE - Fun fold birthday card

 

Good morning.  Up before sunrise this morning but then the dustbin men arrived around 4am and what a racket.  We only get them twice a week now but they are extremely noisy.  It doesnt help that I sleep with the bedroom windows open as we get a lovely through breeze.  Nanny naps will be needed later.

Had a lovely few days flitting here there and everywhere.  Lots of cuddles and lots of time spent with the girls which is lovely and just what is needed.  Today is fairly relaxed day, as it should be.  We are off to a strawberry festival today, which is certainly different.  

I have had another few birthdays this week and here is a card that was sent out to a friend.  I do love this style of card with such a fun fold.  Its a great way of showing off the pretty designer series paper from Stampin' Up!

 

I have quite a few cards to put the finishes touches too here on my holibobs and I am hoping to be able to sit and do that later today.  Thank you so much for having a read.  Tracey x 

Stampin' Up! Promotions

Here is the May - August 2026 Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own. 

There are 5 brand new design (magnetic close) 2026-2028 In Colors.  

The Last Chance List has lots of beautifully colour co-ordinated favourites, all with that signature Stampin' Up! quality we know and love, but only whilst stock lasts.  If you click on the image below, a new page will open up and your can have a browse.

Paper Pumpkin is now available in the UK  I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the June kit.   To find out a little more, click on the image below and a new window will open.  But please, do get in touch if I can help in anyway, I am always happy to help.

 

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

 

 

You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the WHOLE shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to receive my newsletter and be added to my email list of friends do let me know.  I would hate you to miss out on all our get togethers and socials.  Always lots of new friends waiting to be met. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.  

 

DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY FOR - Retired Garden Meadow Birthday Card

Good morning. Well yesterday's plans went all to pot, all because of a message ' mum are you coming for coffee?'  I didnt need asking twice so off I went to spend time with both daughters, the grandchildren and my sister in law.  We had a lovely morning in the sunshine.  

It was pure fluke that the boys were wearing the same tops but so cute.  They needed hats on outside as the sun was quite strong, they really are such cuties.  Growing far to fast but the apple of my eye.  Its photographs like this that make me want to get back into scrapbooking again so, thats what I shall do, once a week, a whole day to loose myself in memories.  

The afternoon was a totally different story, it rained and it rained, a little hail and dark clouds where we were but it wasn't too cold, which is always a blessing.  Todays weather is going to be very similar for us, warm but storms and showers, which I dont mind.  

It was another friends birthday yesterday and here is the card that I passed on to her. 

This card has quite a few lovely elements coming together, starting with the retired Garden Meadow Bundle. The wheelbarrow overflowing with flowers, along with the watering can and little garden trowel, were stamped in Memento Ink and coloured using a selection of Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers to bring them to life.

Once coloured, they were run through the Cut & Emboss Machine and die cut ready for layering. A square panel of Designer Series Paper was added to the card base to create a lovely backdrop and the garden elements were popped up on Dimensionals to add a little extra depth and interest.

The Happy Birthday sentiment was stamped and die cut, and the same die was used again to create a co-ordinating layer underneath to help it stand out beautifully. To finish, three little embellishments were added for that final touch, because it’s always the little details that complete a card.

Thank you for having a read today,  Tracey x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

Here is the May - August 2026 Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own. 

There are 5 brand new design (magnetic close) 2026-2028 In Colors.  

The Last Chance List has lots of beautifully colour co-ordinated favourites, all with that signature Stampin' Up! quality we know and love, but only whilst stock lasts.  If you click on the image below, a new page will open up and your can have a browse.

Paper Pumpkin is now available in the UK  I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the June kit.   To find out a little more, click on the image below and a new window will open.  But please, do get in touch if I can help in anyway, I am always happy to help.

 

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

 

 

You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the WHOLE shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to receive my newsletter and be added to my email list of friends do let me know.  I would hate you to miss out on all our get togethers and socials.  Always lots of new friends waiting to be met. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.  

DAY - ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY THREE - Stampin' Up! Birthday Fancy Kit

 

 

Good morning, an early start again but I have had lots of sleep so feeling refreshed.  

It really does seem as though it’s been one mishap after another lately.  Yesterday’s little saga started off perfectly normally with a visit to Katerina, who was taking me to a couple of new shops. And let’s be honest… who doesn’t love a bit of shopping? Better still, going with one of the girls makes it feel rather special for me as we dont often get the chance. .

Off hubby and I went, parked the car outside her house, wandered into the house, and there to greet me was Marcy,  their soft, soppy golden retriever, crying with excitement as she always does. Those who know golden retrievers usually grab a toy when they’re overexcited, apparently it helps channel all that enthusiasm. But yesterday? No toy in sight.

Instead, in her excitement, she grabbed my arm and… ouch!

She absolutely didn’t bite me, Marcy is the gentlest soul. But somehow her teeth caught my skin and gave me a very nasty puncture. Suddenly there was blood, quite a lot of it, and I instantly had that horrible feeling that I might pass out or be sick. Typical me.

Cue the mad dash to the sink with cold water running over it, and goodness me, did it sting.  Of course, the water made it look as though I was losing gallons, which only added to the drama. Eventually things calmed down, some lint was put over the rather impressive gash, then a bandage. The last thing we need in this climate is a fly or insect deciding to investigate.

The trouble was, the stinging and pain weren’t easing up, so the cavalry was called in. Alexandros’ godfather came to the rescue, thankfully he’s an A&E nurse. He had a look, a prod, another look and then very casually announced, “Ahhh, it’s okay.” Apparently plenty of antiseptic, changing the dressing often, and keeping an eye on it should do the trick. Of course, as we don’t know quite how deep it is, I’ve been told to keep watch over it, moving on.  

It was a friends birthday yesterday and this is the card that I left with her.

The card was created using one of the Stampin' Up! kits and its just amazing.  You can do so much with this  kit. It is called Birthday Fancy and comes with a stamp set and a little ink spot  as well as sticky stuff and embellishments too.  It says you can create 12 cards with it but to be totally honest, you can create tons more with a few additional base cards and elements.  The lovely stamp set is brilliant and can be used for many more years. 

Well I had best get my skates on, thank you so much for having a read.  Tracey x

Stampin' Up! Promotions

Here is the May - August 2026 Catalogue that you can click on and have a browse but better still, why not pop into the Craft Room, Derby and grab a copy of your own. 

There are 5 brand new design (magnetic close) 2026-2028 In Colors.  

The Last Chance List has lots of beautifully colour co-ordinated favourites, all with that signature Stampin' Up! quality we know and love, but only whilst stock lasts.  If you click on the image below, a new page will open up and your can have a browse.

Paper Pumpkin is now available in the UK  I did write a whole post on all I know about this and we can subscribe in the UK.  Subcriptions are now for the June kit.   To find out a little more, click on the image below and a new window will open.  But please, do get in touch if I can help in anyway, I am always happy to help.

 

For Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping products please click on the image below and a new page will open up for the Memory Keeping section of the online store

 

 

You can click on the image below and a new window will open up where you can have a browse through the WHOLE shop. Please do get in touch with me if you would like any help.  My contact details are at the end of the post and I really am happy to help as much as I can.

If you would like to receive my newsletter and be added to my email list of friends do let me know.  I would hate you to miss out on all our get togethers and socials.  Always lots of new friends waiting to be met. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, here is where I can be found.