We’ve been spending lots of time with our daughters and their little ones, and they really are just a pleasure to be around. The eldest is now two years and three months and has just started nursery school. At the moment, he is going in for an hour or so in the morning, with the hours gradually increasing as he gets used to it. He seems to be really happy and is enjoying himself, which is lovely to see. Of course, Mum and Dad both have to work, so we’ve been stepping in where we can to help out and have some Nanny and Grandad time with him. It can be hard work, but it is also so rewarding and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
His little cousin is a complete whirlwind. So funny, so energetic and always on the go. The two boys absolutely adore being together, and it really is lovely watching them play and interact. They certainly keep us on our toes though.
All of this does mean that there hasn't been quite as much time for crafting lately. But hey, we can’t have it all, can we? Family time has to come first and the craft room will still be waiting for me when life eventually slows down a little.
I did manage to make this card using some pieces I had left over from a get-together we had. We all made cards using the Stampin’ Up! Balloon Festoon stamps and dies, and as it was my nephew’s birthday, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to use some of those leftover pieces.
This is such a great set for masculine cards. Once you’ve got the design sorted, the hardest part is probably deciding which colours to use. I really enjoyed putting this one together and I do hope I get the opportunity to make some more cards along the same lines when I have a little more crafting time.
On the health front, I think I am finally and well and truly over my cold/flu/cough… whatever it was. The tests confirmed that it wasn’t Covid or anything similar, so thankfully it seems to have just been a good old-fashioned common cold. It has, however, left me rather “congested”, so I’m now on the hunt for some sort of decongestant. Finding the time to actually go and look for one is proving to be the tricky bit. Hopefully we’ll get the opportunity to nip into a chemist later today and see what we can find.
Do you ever have one of those days when absolutely everything you do, touch or say seems to go wrong? Well, yesterday was definitely one of those days.
Sometimes a difficult situation, or even a moment of tension, can really affect the way you think and react. It has made me stop and wonder whether it is always the situation itself that is the problem, or whether perhaps it is also about how I choose to deal with it. Maybe there are times when I could step back, take a breath and look at things a little differently before reacting. Something for me to think about, anyway. We’re all a work in progress, aren’t we?
I’m off out early this morning to meet a few folk who, I hope, may be able to help me with a little quest I have on the go. After that, I think a Nanny nap will definitely be required. I really can’t seem to manage without one at the moment.
And finally, have you spotted the Stampin’ Up! Kits this month?
This is called the Floral Promenade Kit. A watercolour-style florals, printed card bases, and pre-cut sentiments come together for cards that feel warm, thoughtful, and truly heartfelt. It’s an easy, meaningful way to send comfort, care, and love when it really counts. It creates 8 cards but once you get going, I reckon you create a few more. As well as a stamp set you get a clear stamping block, a Barely Blush Premium Stampin' Spot of ink, step by step instructions and everything you need to create the cards.
Get into the Christmas spirit with the Merry Manor Kit, a nostalgic project that brings a festive home together piece by piece. From garland-trimmed windows to charming trees and storybook details, every element helps create a cozy scene full of seasonal warmth. Follow the included instructions, then add your own creative touches to make it feel merry and bright. It’s a project to enjoy with loved ones as you count down to Christmas.
The kit enables you to make one house and a glue gun is required to complete the project, which is not included. There are step by step instructions and the finished size is 8" x 9-1/2" (20.3 x 24.1 cm)
I thought I’d give you a slightly closer look at them, as there are two lovely new kits available. They are perfect for those days when you want to make something pretty but perhaps don’t have the time (or the brain power) to start from scratch. Of course, these are just the new ones. There are plenty more in the kit section to have a browse through.
Right, that’s enough from me for now. Life may be flying by at the moment, but there’s certainly plenty going on to make it interesting. Thanks for having a read, Tracey x
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