Goodbye 2012

A very windy night last night.  I always sleep with a window open and last night was no different but wow, the wind was quite bad and it still is.  I dont believe any damage has been done but as it is still dark outside, I wont know until later.

So today is the last day of 2012 and what a year it has been.  I am looking forward to starting 2013 and having anothe wonderful year.  We already have holidays planned, places we want to visit and of course, more crafting, more stampin up and more new friends to meet.

The postman gave me this on Saturday. An apology bag, something I havent seen before and inside this bag there were two envelopes, a couple of people will recognise their handwriting.
 

 


 
It seems that these two envelopes got damaged on their way to us.  Fortunately the cards were fine phew.
How about some sweet treats?  I was lucky enough to receive these and they were scrummy.  I shall be asking for some receipes in the near future.

 Thank you for having a visit today. I hope you stay warm and dry where ever you are and I would like to thank you for your support during the last year. 
Have a wonderful New Year's Eve

Last Sunday of 2012

Another wet and soggy day today, it looks as though the end of 2012 will be a damp one but rather the rain than the snow.

Did I show you the card that I made for Paul?  I dont think so


We had a lovely evening last night with my family.  We all ate, drank (tea) and was merry (laughing at Ollie).  The time just flew by and before I knew it, time to go to bed.  Here is the trifle that I made and everyone liked. 


Unfortunately I dont eat trifle so cant comment but Brother in Law and Dad asked for a second helping so it must have passed the test.

Today we have taken the decorations down, I know its early but if we didnt do it today, it could be the end of January or even February before I could get them put away.  I cant tell you how spacious the house looks.  Just a little more hoovering and then that will be that. 

Its a few hours in the craft room for me now and I just love being in there.  I have a few new things to have a play with and as there are a lot of birthdays just around the corner, it would be rude not to use a new stamp or two. 

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a lovely afternoon and evening.

Happy Birthday Leah

Good afternoon from an extremely wet Derby, I cant believe how much rain we have had and the wind...... goodness.

At least I am at home (AGAIN) all dry and preparing for a family get together tonight. 

It's Leah's birthday today and here is the card that I have made for her.

 

 I must admit that I have made quite a few of these cards as I have quite a few family birthdays in January as well as a lot of friends birthdays.  Speaking of birthdays, the updated birthday list will be sent out later (either this afternoon or tomorrow).  If you would like to be included on this, just let me know.

I love making Tiramisu, the Cypriot way of course but I felt like a change so I made them in individual glasses.  They didnt really turn out the way I wanted them too though.

I can tell you, they are scrummy but next time, I shall be making these in the large dish again.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you manage to stay dry xx

For information only

Some previous mini catalogues, annual catalogues and sale a bration brochures.  If  you think you could use a few of these for ideas, colours etc. etc. please let me know.  These are all looking for new homes.  You can still get some of the stamp sets in these but its best if I say, for information only.

Katerinas Chocolate Advent

Do you know I have had to look at the calendar to see what day it is?  I really am a bit lost with the days.

I do know that today is an organisational day for me, yep.  Its time for me to organise the Study to be a bit more user friendly.  I have lots of pretty things in there and because I cant get to anything, I shall organise it so that everything is at hand, if you know what I mean.

It is also time to organise the next Stamperettes order so if you havent been in touch yet, please give me a ring later today.  I shall be placing another SU order tomorrow so the New Year will bring some new goodies to play with, naughty but nice.

Yesterday we went to mums for tea.  All my side of the family went so it was a lovely evening especially watching Ollie who had us all laughing.  He is going to be such a character.

I have lots of birthdays in January so a few cards needs to be finalised and put into the post.

This is the smashing advent calendar that Katerina got for me.  It was a scrummy month in December as I looked forward to a chocolate everyday after dinner.  Sadly, I have eaten them all now.

I hope to be catching up with quite a few friends later this morning, thanking everyone for the super presents we have had so my phone will be a hot line.

Its raining at the moment so a day at home will be lovely, the heating on, tea all day and lots of new toys to play with. 

Thanks for having a read and hope you have a great day

Boxing Day

Did you get a visit from Santa?  Were you a good girl? (presuming that only girlies read this)  I must have been very good cause I got spoilt, again.

I was lucky enough to get lots of home made goodies which are scrummy, here they are




And, to help me make a few tasty treats,  Santa left this at my house.  All I need now are some wonderful recipes.

The day started off rather late but I deserved a lie in.  After opening some pressies and making a mess I finished off the rest of the veg, got the turkeys (yes plural) in the oven and cleaned up.  We had Rob, Natalie, the four grand girls and Ma in law with us for the day.  Where did the day go?  Before I knew it, I had to get pjs on and go to bed - I missed the end of Downton Abbey too.

Today its been a clean up day and an investigation of all the wonderful things I had from Santa.  Thank you to everyone for everything I received.  I looked at all the homemade boxes and investigated all the contents, what fun.

Thanks for having a read today and I hope you are having a lovely festive time.

Happy Christmas

Wishing everyone who reads the blog today a 

very Happy Christmas

I hope that you all have a wonderful day

Tracey xx

Just one more sleep till Santa

Thank you Mr. Sainsbury.  Yes, he paid for our food shopping for the week, all the Christmas dinner, a little booze and a few little treats.  We always fill up with petrol at Sainsburys, usually do our weekly shop there too so, its nice to have a weeks shopping paid for but why is there always a but?  Sainsburys had ran out of turkeys.  Oh yes, I had left it too late to get a nice big turkey.  Never mind, I found a couple of turkey breasts which will do us fine along with beef and all the trimmings of course.

Here is one of the cards that I made for one of the grandchildren.


Today it is off into town for a few last minute little bits, a wander round and just enjoy the day.  We will be preparing the veg tonight and perhaps having a game of cards or two.  I didnt make it into the craft room yesterday, perhaps later.

I hope you have a lovely day and thank you for having a read.

Mr. Sainsbury is paying for my shopping today

*waving* to everyone that made it yesterday, I can see you smiling now.  We had a wonderful turn out for our coffee get together and thanks to Lesley for organising it.  I did a little craft shopping before coffee and then sat for a couple of hours listening to everyones converstaion which was great.  I may have eaten a cake as well as have a coffee or two as well.  Despite the wet weather, the closeness of Christmas and all the other 1001 things that everyone has to do at this time of year, it was lovely.  Thanks for making the morning special.  A lot of people who couldnt make it were missed and I hope to catch up with you over Christmas.

The day then went on more as less as planned, more presents were wrapped, visitors came round, more things put under the tree and by 9pm I was fast asleep on the sofa, naughty me.  Because I slept so early, I was up early again today and thats okay cause its food shopping YEAH.  Todays shopping will be paid for by Mr. Sainsbury.  We have been saving our points (for what they are worth) for a whole year so I am hopping for a free shop today.  I know the shops are only closed for one day but we have to get the lovely bits and pieces in that we look forward to.  I think the day will be our own after that so I may just be nipping in the craft room for a couple of hours, bliss.

Here is another card that I have made.  Love this little nelly.




There is a lot of glitter and sparkle on there, not sure if you can see it though.

I am trying to get the Derby Dabblers (local craft club in Derby) Birthday List up to date so, if you are a dabbler, please get in touch if you fancy being a part of this.

Thanks for having a read and I hope that you have a lovely Sunday

3 sleeps to go

Good morning from a very wet Derby. We have rain for a change so its brollys, rain coats and sensible shoes.

Today I am off to meet a group of fantastic ladies for a coffee and a natter. There may be a little craft shopping involved too, I did say maybe.  If you are around Little Eaton Garden center at about 10 today, please join us, the more the merrier, I guess we will be the loud table of ladies.

This afternoon is lots of friends and family and tea.  I havent baked oops. 

Here is a card I made for some friends that we meet up with when we go on holiday.


I loved this card when I first made it a couple of years ago and I got the reflection from the Stampin Up stamp a ma jig.  I just inked up the little clear sheet, turned it upside down and hay presto.

I am getting ready to place another SU order in between Christmas and the New Year so, if there is anything that you need, have ran out of or just fancy, give me a call on 01332 721877 and I shall get it ordered for you.

Have a lovely day and I hope you manage to stay dry.

Friday and another Christmas card

Good morning from a very soggy Derby.  Oh umm Christiana may not know what soggy means as its not a description I use a lot. Soggy is where everything is wet and damp.  Well we have had so much rain that it feels soggy.  I got drenched yesterday (wet through) and came home very late looking like a drowned rat, mascara all down my face, goodness knows how long that had been there.  My feet sqelched as I had water in my shoes and the bottom of my trousers was mopping the floor as I walked.  I had to have a shower, put pjs on and sit in front of the telly for a while to get warm.  I was in bed by half past 8 and fast asleep before I knew it. 

So because of all that sleep, I am up early today which is a good job as I have a few chores to do before leaving the house.  Paul is due home today so keep your fingers crossed for me. 

Here is another stunning card that I was lucky enough to make during the last SS weekend.

And here is a little more detail.






 

 

Now I know its a Christmas card and I know I should give it out but I cant.  It is going to be one of those that sits in a box for me to look at and, one day replicate.

The forecast is for a pleasant day in Derby, no rain and not too cold.  I hope that you manage to stay warm and dry where you are (they have a lot of rain in Cyprus too).  Thanks for having a read and the countdown is now on 4 sleep till Santa visits YEAH

Christmas cards and presents

I just knew that Thursday would be here so very very quickly.  I had a lovely afternoon and evening yesterday and a big thank you to everyone who made it wonderful.
Today after work its a visit out to relatives and some present shopping, perhaps the last of all the presents?  I did say perhaps.

Speaking of presents, here are some all wrapped up with the brown paper and stamping.



 Do you know how great it is to sit there stamping away, it doesnt matter if you dont get all the image, or if you are a bit wonky or even upside down, it is just good to do.

I hope you like this card

I made it at SS weekend a few weeks ago with Chris.  It has so many little bits to it that I had to show you some of the detail.

Little cards on a shelf



flowers and swirls and curls

This button has been dipped into


We had a great time making this.  Plans are being made for another weekend in March, cant wait as we get spoilt.

It's forecast for rain, rain and a bit more rain today so I do hope that you manage to stay dry.  Thanks for visiting.

Colouring in

Just today and tomorrow and then that is it, I am breaking up for my Christmas holidays, how nice is that?  I am so looking forward to a few days at home, maybe a lie in or two, some baking, a little sewing and some card making.  Not to mention all the get togethers and catching up with everyone.

Here is another of the Christmas cards I rustled up this week, to add to my very empty box.

=

And here is a close up so you can see a bit of that glitter.

I have busy day ahead of me starting with work, then its out for lunch, dropping off a few SU parcels, some shopping and then a night out to visit some friends and before I know it, Thursday will have arrived.

I hope you have a wonderful day and thanks for dropping in for a read.

Tuesday at Traceys....again

The weekend flew by, as usual.  Are you nearly ready for Santa?  I am just about there although I think I am looking forward to Paul coming home rather than Santas visit at the moment.  Paul is still away for a few more days though.

Another Tuesday at Traceys again today but, I must admit, I havent baked.  I do have some cakes though, Mr. Kipling baked for me this time.  There are not enough hours in the day and to be honest,
I had a little more fun going out rather than baking.  So if you are free later, please call in for a cuppa, (close your eyes to the dust, to the floor that may need a little sweep and the kitchen tops that havent got their usual shine). 

I found these wonderful boxes



So I have put all those wonderful SU Christmas presents inside them.  Yes, lots of hubbies and family have purchased SU goodies for some friends.



I shall be going back to the shop to see if I can find more boxes, such a great purchase.

Here is one of the cards that I have made recently.  Can you believe that I ran out of Christmas cards, still with a week to go so, that is what I am doing.  I have made a few more and will finish a few more off tonight.


Thanks for having a read and hope you have a fantastic day.

More hedgehogs, plans and chatter

Yesterday was a really productive day for me.  I sorted out my wardrobe and my shoes.  That was a mamouth task but its done now.  No, it isnt in preperation for new clothes nor new shoes.  Its ready for the New Year.  I have put on quite a lot of weight this last year and next year I am taking two journeys to lose the weight, get fit and hopefully, try to reduce the number of tablets I take each day.  My first journey starts on 2nd January and will last for 6 months so wish me luck.  I shall be putting all those beautiful clothes back into the wardrobe as soon as they fit me.  We are off to a very special wedding in June and I would love to wear the outfit that I wore for Roberts wedding 18 months ago.

Paul is still working away so that I am able to have a good old sort out, making a mess before clearing it up.  I really dont know why I make such a mess when I am cleaning?  It doesnt make sense.

As promised yesterday, here is the second card that I made the Nephews twin daughters birthday

And here is a close up to see all the sparkle.

I am off to Ikea this morning for a couple of hours, I dont need anything but just want a wander round.  I am taking mum with me, she has become an Ikea addict she says. Then this afternoon I shall be out and about visiting, what a lovely way to spend a Sunday.

Thanks for dropping by for a read and have a lovely day

Saturdays Flying Hedgehog

 We are all busy at this time of the year getting ready for Santas visit and with only 10 sleeps to go, a lot of people are in panic mode.  Why does Christmas always surprise us?  Anyway, along with Christmas it was our Nephews twin daughters birthday earlier this week and here is one of the cards that I made



And here is a close up so you can see that glitter.

I had a wonderful time making this card and quite a few others, that I will share with you over the next few days

For those that I havent been able to talk to yet, all SU orders are here.  I am happy to drop them off this week if you cant collect and it would be great if you could get in touch so that we can arrange a time and day.  I will be having Tuesday at Traceys and next Saturday morning a few of us are meeting at CC at 10a.m. too.

I went to CC yesterday and it was lovely to meet up with people I hadnt seen for a while, I am just so sorry that I couldnt stay longer, next time.

Off to do a little more in preperation for Santa. Thanks for having a read and have a lovely afternoon

Tuesday at Traceys and snow

Tuesdays at Traceys again today and I have already been baking.  Everything is ready for the biscuits to go into the oven when I get home from work, mmm maybe I am getting too organised?  Can you be too organised?

The weather forecast says snow, I really really dont want any of the white stuff, it causes such chaos. Fingers crossed that it stays away for a little longer.

Here is a card that I have made for a friend who has just had a bereavement in the family.  I didnt want to do anything too glittery and sparkly as a Christmas card nor did I want it to be too dull as a sympathy card.  As she is a card maker herself,  I do hope that she will like this.

I havent left a lot of space from writing inside, which is just what I wanted.

I had an extremly early night last night, always tired on a Monday but I did have an extremly busy day.

Well thanks for having a read and I hope you have a lovely snow free day 

Monday morning again

I have left the car running for a few minutes as it is all frozen over brrr.

Here is a photograph that Katerina took last week when we went into Derby to do a little shop.  I think its lovely with all the decorations














Well today is sizzling.  The washer has been on since 5 this morning and the last load is in. I have made a big indent in the sorting out of the Craft room which is what I love doing. I really do wonder if I prefer to sort it out, move things around and change things more than sitting in there and making cards, scrapbook pages etc, etc. 

I have a busy morning at work and then it will be time to come home and bake for tomorrow, Tuesday and Traceys.  I just have to decide what to make.

Thanks for having a read and have a lovely day

Struggle on a Saturday

Blogger is really playing up.  I had over 80 comments to read through and they were all spam?  I am not too sure what is going on but at least, for now, I am back in blog land and can post some photos for you to have a look at.

Well it was my neices birthday earlier in the week and, I had to delete more photos before I could post these two.

This is a variation on a card we made during crafty week, do you like the stitching *wink*

This is a little money envelope I made for her using the new silhouttes stamp set, I think it is wonderful.  I shall have to make up  a few more of these, just to have them around.

I have received one part of my SU order which is brilliant as I have received some free stamp sets, YES totally free.  One of the benefits of being a demonstrator.  I know I wont get chance to play this weekend but who know what I can come up with next week.  First of all I have to clean my craft room. I am really ashamed to say that it is the pits, a dump.  I have so many lovely and wonderful things that are just DUMPED in there, shame on me. 

Today I managed to get into town for 8am and got a few bits.  With my knee not being too good I cant wander far so I was pleased with my purchases.  These are all wrapped up and on there way to Santa.

Now a few little chores to do and then, its the night.  Oh yes, its X factor final and I am so looking forward to putting my feet up and chilling in front of the square box, it will make a lovely change for me.

Have a wonderful evening and thank you for having a read.

Very strange in blog land

Just a very quick post to let you know that Mr. Blogger is playing up again.  I dont seem to be able to access my blog from my main computer so I am currently on my notebook.  I shall get some photos transfered later today and make another post later, giving you all the news of what I have been up.

I have had a wonderful SU order but am waiting for a few bits.  If Mel reads this ITS ARRIVED well yours has and mine hasnt.

Back later

Midweek Musing

Midweek Musing and how nice to come home and find the house clean, no pots to wash and the ironing under control....something has to go wrong at sometime, doesnt it?

Its the last day today that I am placing orders for Stampin Up, until 28th December.  If there is anything that you would like, last minute, just give me a shout and I am happy to add it to the order I am submitting, with just a 50p p+p charge, with collection or local delivery.  Obviously, if you would like an order delivering direct to your door, I am happy to do that right up to Christmas.  The cost of the p+p for this is £4.95, no matter what the cost of your order, which is great for large orders.

I have started to add some dates on the events section of my blog for next year.  January is starting to get booked which is great.  I have decided that I really must ask for a deposit from everyone, just to cover the costs of my initial outlay.  These days most places expect you to pay up front so I dont think anyone will mind.  Luckily I am keeping the prices the same for next year as everyone brings their own sticky stuff which helps to keep the price down.

Here are a couple of the tie cards that we recently made,

 

If you fancy having a go at one of these, just let me know and we can arrange a one to one session to make this and any other card you would like to have a go at.  Yes, one to one is something else that I am doing in 2013 or a class for two people if this is what you fancy.  Its a great birthday present too, so if you have a friend who fancies a go at card making book them onto a class and they can try it out, see what they think.

Watch this space for details about scrapbooking.....

I hope you have managed to stay dry (something Katerina is struggling with) and warm (Katerina is very cold),  Thanks for having a read today and if you want to get in touch, just give me a call on 01332 721877 or send me an email tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

Another Monday Morning

Another start to another week.  I am now on a countdown to a chilled Christmas.  Crafty week was wonderful, I had a lot of lovely evenings with a lot of lovely people.  The next crafty week is in January and I shall be putting details on the events section of my blog very soon.


The girls came over for the weekend and it was fantastic to catch up with Katerina who seems to be very grown up all of a sudden.  Friday night was a catch up night, Saturday they had a lie in (till half past 12), then we had a little wander in town, came home for Katerina to listen to Cypriot football, she is football mad and supports her team from the UK.  Then it was time for pizza and Skyfall, the new James Bond Movie.  Home, tea and more talking until very late.  I am going to miss her when she goes home in a couple of week and my house seems to be so quiet now that she has been and gone, it sure was a whirl wind visit.  It was good fun though.

We got the Christmas decorations up yesterday, here is the Advent Calendar that I made last year and its going to be coming out year after year now.

And here are the new additions to the Christmas family

I can say that Katerina helped herself to quite a few of my decorations for her own flat, even though she wont be here at Christmas she will make it a bit Christmassy.

If there is anything that you want (notice that I didnt put need), I shall be putting in a Stampin Up order this evening and I am happy to add the odd bit or two for you. Just give me a call on 01332 721877

Thanks for having a read today and I hope you have a lovely one.