Happy Birthday Hollie

Sunday and today really is the day of rest for me I didnt get up till 10.00am and here I am, sat having a cuppa catching up on blog land.  I shall be putting my feet up today and just taking it easy.  I am so very lucky.

It is also Hollies 8th birthday, goodness, where do the years go?  Here is the card that I made for her,

I loved making this and I am sorry you cant see all the sparkle on it, oh it shines.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to have chance to grab a cuppa with Robert, Natalie and the girls in the morning which was then followed by a visit to a few friends, dropping off bits and bobs and generally having a drive around, some lovely scenery.  A pity I couldn't stop and take some photographs.  Had quite a few visitors in the afternoon and evening which kept me occupied too. 

The craft room needs to have a tidy up and as its a job I love doing, although I do get so terribly distracted, I may do that over the next few hours.

Have a wonderful day, whatever you are up to and thank you so much for having a read.

Birthday Mice

Good morning and it really is quite mild outside this morning although we have had some rain in the night.

After spending some time with the family over the last couple of days I am starting to perk up a bit, which is always good news.  I have also had a wonderful week crafting with some wonderful ladies, thank you so much, laughter really is the best medicine.

Katerina recently asked me to make a card for her friends 21st birthday, so I made this one.  I havent used this stamp for quite a while.  I think I shall use it again for my nieces twin girls birthday in a week or so's time, that just reminds me to check the date.

Lots of Stampin' Up! colours and a stamp that I have had for a few years.  I printed straight on to the card for the sentiment.

Only a few days left if you wanted to take up the offer of joining Stampin' Up! and get the amazing offer of £130 worth of goods for less than £75.00.  I have a little SU order going in today so if there is anything that you would like adding to this, please do let me know.

I have not got a lot planned for the weekend, as usual.  I shall take it all as it comes and enjoy it while I can.

Thanks for having a read today and have a wonderful Saturday.

Midweek Post

Good morning and this morning its warmer.  Yes I have been out to put some rubbish away and after checking, it is 8 degrees out there.

It was a busy day yesterday but I got to craft with some lovely ladies last night, thank you, I really enjoyed the evening.  Lucky me gets to craft this afternoon too and, if you are in the Derby area and would like to spend a couple of hours crafting, just give me a ring on 01332 721877.  Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced crafter, it would be lovely to see you.

I have been asked a few questions about the new offer from Stampin' Up! and I can confirm

• The starter kit of £74.25 is a 25% cheaper than the usual cost.
• You get £130 of Stamping Up products in your starter kit.
• Your get to pick your own starter kit consisting of everything that you want to order from any of the current catalogues, Clearance Rack, Bundles and Weekly Offers
• This offer is only valid until 2nd December.
• Free shipping of your order to your home address.
• Once you join, you receive a one-time 30% off discount on a product order of £150 or more when it is placed within 45 days.
• You can get a nearly 20% demonstrator discount every day.
• Get an exclusive 5% Bonus cash back on all  purchases in December. This cash back is in addition to your discounts and will be paid in January.

By signing up, December marks your chance as a Demonstrator to see and pre-order products from the NEW Spring / Summer Catalogue and earn Sale-A-Bration gifts.  You' will have until 30 April 2015 to "test drive" the demonstrator discounts and benefits and see if this is right for you.  If you reach £225 in net sales by the end of April, you will renew and remain active for another quarter. If you don't reach £225 in sales, you can "drop" with no penalty.  No catch!  There's no obligation to hold workshops or parties, sell products to others or personally purchase anything beyond the kit.


The weekly deals today are

If you would like some more information or a chat about crafting, Stampin' Up! or joining the team, please do get in touch.


Have a great day and thank you so much for paying a visit to the blog today

Tuesdays Twitter and an offer that is difficult to miss

Good morning my crafty followers, says she tucking into an early breakfast.

It was certainly another cold morning this morning brrrrr.  The back garden was all iced over, it was lovely.  I am sure that there is a name for it, all the ice on the blades of grass and spiders webs etc. The fog is quite thick too, I think I will stay in for a while.

I had to go out and get my exhaust repaired yesterday, it decided to hang underneath my car by just a thread on Sunday. Fortunately, over 2 hours sitting in a cold garage amongst lots of smelly men and it was sorted.  Now I didnt ask Santa for an exhaust for Christmas but that is what I have got, never mind.

I made some more little boxes for some crafting get togethers this week  TAH DAH

 

 

If you would like to do a little crafting this week, please give me a ring on 01332 721877 and I can tell you more about it.

Stampin' Up! have a GREAT offer for JUST ONE WEEK starting today, for anyone who wishes to sign up.  Whether you want to be a hobby demonstrator ordering items just for yourself or if you want to take it on as a career, this could be a great opportunity.  For £74.25  you can get £130 worth of products, which you choose, as a starter kit.  On top of this saving, you also get all the paperwork and office supplies you need to get you started worth an additional £45.  And, as well as the other discounts, you will also get an additional 5% discount on all orders placed during December.  Get in touch to find out more before the week is out.  A lovely Christmas bonus!! Or just click HERE and it will take you straight to the page to sign up with me.  Even as a one off, its a great way to build up your SU supplies and an early Christmas present.

Today I am going to try to do a little baking, which is always relaxing.  Thanks for having a read and have a lovely day

A bit of a moan today

Friday night / Saturday morning at around 3am, someone tried to get in my daughters flat.  She lives in a big block of flats in the center of Preston.  As she is a light sleeper she heard the door handle going a few times and then it went quiet.  She woke up her room mate and they telephoned their male friend who lived a few floors above them who came down to see what was what.  At the end of my daughters floor, there is a security office with all the CCTV cameras so all three of these youngsters went there, on the off chance that some security people would be around.  Fortunatly they saw 2 chaps in the security room and told them what happened, it wasnt right that people could get into a locked building, girls living on their own  shouldnt have to put up with this and can they see the footage of the CCTV.   These chaps seemed to be drunk and the three youngsters couldnt really understand what they were being told, due to the state they were in.  So they all went back to the flat and their friend stayed the night on the sofa.

Katerina and roomie went to the landlords office the following day to complain.  He said he was sorry but nothing he could do, he would get the owner to meet with Katerina.  The owner met with her and they went to the security office to see the CCTV which showed, 2 chaps breaking into the building, 2 chaps wandering round and trying to see if doors were open into apartments and I am sure you have guessed it, yes, it was the same 2 that were in the security office that Katerina and co saw.  So now, she is very concerned as she thought they were security and told them that the 2 girls live alone and they were afraid.  The owner said, ring the police and let them have the CCTV footage.  She rang the police and at 4pm they were due to come to visit her.  Ten minutes to 4 and she gets a phone call, from the police "If you live in the city centre, close to night clubs, then this is the kind of behaviour that you should expect and we wont be coming to visit as there is nothing we can do".  Really, this is what they told her.  She will be going to get advise from uni tomorrow to see if there is any other help she can get grrrr, rant and moan over. 

So yesterday we had a scrapbook day and I created these pages

and a bit more detail

 They are from a family holiday in 2001 and I am really pleased with them.  I would like a few more "fun fair" embellishments so will start looking out for them.  If you fancy making scrapbook pages then do get in touch and come along to our next get together.

There are a couple of places left to make cards, bag and tag on Tuesday evening should you wish to come along.  If you would like a bit more information, give me a call.

Off to start my day, lets see what it brings.  Hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

Money Wallets

I had a lie in today, well it is Saturday. 

What a lot of rain we had yesterday.  Fortunately Paul had repaired the leaks around the windows in the conservatory as the windowsills were getting soaked, which dripped onto the floor making the conservatory a mini swimming pool, okay well perhaps not quite.  But the biggest problem is that the guttering around the side of the house cant cope with lots of rain water and it starts to leak through, into the bathroom.  I have asked 8 companies to come out to have a look to see if they can help.  6 of them said they couldnt and the other two just never turned up so this is a worry.  We dont want more rain today.

TAH DAH

I made these money wallets as I like to give my daughters a little treat at Christmas so that they can go and buy themselves something during the sales.  My dilema is always do I give them Euros to spend in Cyprus or Sterling to save when they come over here.  They are little envelopes and the black belts just slide off, letting you put money inside.  I have been asked to make quite a few so I guess I will take orders for these now.  I do hope you like them.

I have to get a wiggle on as today I am spending the day recording a week in Ingoldmills from 2001.  Hopefully I can do a double scrapbook  page following a layout that a fellow crafting friend has chosen. 

Thanks for having a read and wishing you a wonderful and dry day.

Magical Reindeer Food

This is my motto for the weekend, I think it is lovely.

Very cold outside, yes I have been out already.  I have put the heating on in the craft room as I would like to spend lots of time in there today.

Look what I made yesterday

I am not sure if you can see all the sparkle.  I found making these to be very calming, relaxing and loved the time doing them.  I think I had best make a few more though.  If you would like one or like to know how to make them, please get in touch.

A group of us are scrapbooking tomorrow, please let me know if you would like to join us or if you would like to pop in, have a coffee and a crafty natter.

Thanks for having a read and have a lovely day, whatever you are up to. 

Elsecar Recorded

Good morning from a chilling Derby.  The top temperature for today is 9 degrees, ooohhhhh chilly.  Christiana tells me that in Cyprus it is mostly around 23 degrees boo hoo.  I can say though that I do like it when I close the curtains at night, put on the fire and wrap up in a woolly cardi that I feel  wonderful, not having 'Winter' for so many years makes me enjoy the Winters now but I still dont like the snow and ice to drive on.

As promised earlier this week, here is the second scrapbook page completed.

This was mums birthday day out earlier this year, which was a lovely day and one that I have now recorded.  There is a group of us scrapbooking this Saturday and you are welcome to join us, if its something you fancy doing.  Just let me know in advance though.

Stampin' Up! have some new weekly deals

If you would like to order anything, you can do so directly through 'my shop' or just get in touch and I can get you items ordered for you.  Dont miss out if there is something that you would really like.  If you need any help at all, with regards to crafting or Stampin' Up! please dont hesitate to get in touch with me as I really do like to help when I can.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you wrap up warm and have a great day

Now you see it, now you dont

Another damp start to the day today in Derby but it isnt really too cold out there, which is good as I have to venture out today.

It is my weekly visit to the man in the white coat, no not that man, the dentist YIKES.  I am not very good with these visits, the tears creep down my face and I start to shake and that is just as I walk through the door, never mind about sitting in the chair.  But I can do this.....I have to.

After this visit I am off for a walk, to clear my mind and see if I can see something nice for Santa to leave with my daughters on 25th, which isnt too far away at all.

I received this, isnt it sweet.  It is a hand made envelope.  Thank you so much Alison, its lovely.



On our way out last night (I had to go back to Ikea), we left the garden, with this big bay tree in it. 
 
We came home and it was gone.



The tree has hindered the lawn growing, stopped me from putting large items on the line and generally, blocked our view but now, its gone.  I wish it was a bit dryer and I would go and cut the lawn.  I do have lots of leaves to gather, which I shall do later today.

Yesterday I also had a coffee with a friend and we split up a pack of 12 x 12 papers which are stunning.  I hope to get a few scrapbook pages done with these, now that I have put all my tables together in the crafty space, lots of room to spread out.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a lovely day, whatever you are up to.

It's moved

Antoher Monday and another start to the week.  It's raining here in Derby and very dark outside but that's okay as it is perfect crafting weather.

Paul was very busy over the weekend and managed to dismantle the greenhouse.



Unfortunately he will be away for the next couple of weeks so all the bits that were in the greenhouse have been added to the boxes in the house sigh......  one day I will not have one box to empty, honest.

Whilst Paul was busy in the garden, I was busy creating this with a fantastic group of friends.

 

I am hoping to finish it off later today along with making the second page, I shall show you both of them together later this week.

Do you like scrapbooking?  There are a few of us getting together this Saturday for the day if you wanted to join us.  This will be in Alvaston and there is room for another couple of people to create a page or two.  There is a theme but you dont have to follow it.  Let me know if you would like to come along.

Another little Stampin' Up! order is going to be going in tonight so if there is anything that you would like, please do give me a call on 01332 721877.  Its crafty week next week and I get to craft with lots of lovely ladies, cant wait.

Well I had best get on with the chores (which I do like doing) and then I get to chill for an hour or two before taking a walk in the fresh air and clearing my mind.....so peaceful.

Thanks for visiting today and have a wonderful day.

Friday

It is a very wet and soggy this morning but hay, that wont get me down.  It is still warm and bright inside and, it is Friday.

Here is a view from the side of my conservatory.

Had a lovely evening last night chatting the hours away, its always nice spending time with friends. 
I managed a quick trip to Ikea yesterday, it was lovely to get out on my own, wander round the big store and browse all they had to offer.  I even treated myself to a bit of lunch too.  Then after tea I had a lovely evening chatting the hours away, its always nice spending time with friends.

Today, despite the weather, I am off to do the weekly food shop and then I hope to grab a couple of hours in my crafty space, its good for the soul.  We have a chappy coming to talk about wardrobes in the spare room/study this evening so things are progressing.  Paul has sorted out his workshop and now has to organise getting a base for this put down so people coming tomorrow to give quotes and of course, we still have the roof saga, long story and one for another day.

Here is a little card I had a play with with a stamp that hadnt seen ink, arent I terrible?

I wanted to play with the new "snow stuff" I purchased so I played, well you just have to dont you.

Off to start my chores, rather late for me but hay, it is Friday.

Thanks for having a read and have a wonderful weekend.

All around the world

A lovely Thursday morning, up with the larks and household chores done for the day (until it comes to cooking dinner this evening) and it isnt half past 8 yet.

Had a great day yesterday, I can actually say it was a GOOD day.  I set out to do a few chores and got them done bit by bit throughout the day.  The evening was spent crafty chatting, which is one of the best ways to spend an evening, over a cuppa of course. 

Here is another Christmas card that I made recently.  I was given this stamp in a goody bag (a brilliant goody bag received on a crafty weekend in Peterborough)

I wasnt too sure how the stamp would turn out but, I like it.  I have put this into the box for either this year or next year as I think I have just about finished all my cards for this year. It has certainly been worth going to the Christmas Card and Chatter Club each month here in Derby.  I managed to start a stack of cards on the night of the club but then I would finish them, over the weekend.  All I had to do then was stick them all together and what a variety of cards I have.  I do hope that this club will continue next year as well.

I am working my way around the world today, looking at lots and lots of crafty desks as part of WOYWW (whats on your workdesk Wednesday) which I joined yesterday.  Lots of inspiration, brilliant storage ideas and friendly posts.  Its lovely to see how many of us are all do the same things, even though we are miles apart.

Thanks for spending the time to have a read and I hope that you have a wonderful day, whatever you are up to. 

WOYWW - 284

I decided that along with the couple of challenges this week, I would nip and be nosy at other crafters work desks.  I used to do this most weeks but then stopped as I couldnt keep up but today, I thought lets go back to WOYWD  (whats on your workdesk Wednesday). If you want to join, just click HERE

 Here are two photos of my desk this morning, yes it is normally this tidy as its a new crafting space.  Since my last visit to WOYWW , we have had a couple of holidays, lots of people staying with us and we have moved  home.  My ribbons no longer hang over my desk but are stored above it.  Ohh, I cant wait to go and visit other desks throughout the day.

Yesterday I was very brave, dentist visit over for this week "heaves a great sigh of relief".  I was there less than 15 minutes and I managed very well.  Let us hope that next Tuesday's visit is just as good.  I also managed to get a little shopping done, a visit to the folk and, believe it or believe it not, I got in the crafty space for a while.  I was supposed to clear all my stamps/card/inks away but that didnt happen, I just added to the pile as I made a card.  It was a hard card to make as Paul's cousin lost her battle against the big C and I made a card for Paul's aunt, yikes.

I used Pool Party card, Rich Razzelberry card and some linen card from my stash.
The butterflies are from the SU butterfly emboslits and the stamps Just Believe.

I also prepared the final 20 cards for friends for Christmas, they just want a splash of colour, a red ribbon and some sparkle then that is that all done and dusted.  Family cards next and as I know which ones I am doing, that will be fun.  I do have to make the girls (daughters) cards fairly quickly as I think I am seeing Katerina in Birmingham next week to pass over cards and presents for her to take home.  Now I wasnt going to do any Christmas shopping until December but I will have to.......but what do I get them?

We have some NEW WEEKLY DEALS from Stampin' Up! today and here they are.

My next order will go in on Sunday evening at around 7pm.  If there is anything that you would like either from the weekly deals, clearance, annual catalogue or Winter mini, please please please, do let me know.  You can call me on 01332 721877 or send me an email tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com and I will gladly help as much as I can.

Right, best get them skates on, going to make the best of today prior to friends coming over for a cuppa this evening, oh, if you are local to Derby and fancy a cuppa tonight , get in touch and I will give you the address, the more the merrier

 Thank you so much for visiting and a "big wave" to Sid, my latest follower, thank you Sid

Tuesday's Twitter with Less is More

Good morning and Tuesdays twitter is from a chilly Derby brrrr I guess I will have to do lots of housework to keep warm this morning, or maybe just go and put on a cardi.

I thought that I would have a go at a challenge or two this week and the first one is Less is More which has a theme for Starry Starry Night, I do hope this card meets all the requirements.

I wasnt sure if I should put a sentiment on the front or not so I gave it a go. Which one do you prefer, with or without the sentiment?

I am off to my weekly visit to the dentist today building up that confidence and trust and I must say, I wasn't as ill as I normally am the night before and  I actually managed to get a few hours sleep, which is a great improvement for me.  Going alone again is another major hurdle....those that know this phobia  will understand.

On a nicer note, I got to spend an hour in the craft room and all I did was make more mess so today, it will be a pleasure to clear it all up but I do get distracted when I see things.  I hope to get a few things tided up and make a card or two.

SU order is going in this evening, there are a few bits and pieces needed.  If you would like to add to this order to get items delivered to me and then posted on or, if you would like to place an order for yourself, just let me know.  Its the last chance to get your hands on this weeks weekly deals, which are below.

Thanks for having a read and I hope you have a wonderful day, what ever you are up to, (forecast in the Midlands is rain so I have to go and look for my brolly), now where can that be?

Monday makes

Good morning from a fairly bright Derby.  What weather we have had over the weekend, fingers crossed that it stays bright for a few days.

Christiana got home safe and sound after a wonderful week in Preston and weekend in Manchester.  She called last night to say "phew, its hot".  It was 20 degrees at 8pm last night, lucky girl.  She is shattered though and will rest today.  Lovely break she has had and is already trying to book her flight to return in May.  Here she is with her baby sister, Katerina

On Saturday, during the rain, hail and wind, I managed to complete my re-vamping of the dresser that has been in the family for a few years


This is now installed in the craft room and has lots of items on it, all for sale.

I went out on Thursday with a couple of friends and it really was very theraputic, wandering around looking at crafting items, watching crafting displays and just chatting the day away.  Thank you so much ladies, it did me a world of good.  And then yesterday a few of us had a play in the craft room on a Stamping Sunday.  I managed to finish off a few cards that I started

Today I shall be pottering around the house and enjoying the less hectic day. 

Thanks for nipping on to my blog and having a quick read.  Lots more crafty news tomorrow

Real Red

Good morning from a very chilly Derby.  Goodness, only 3 degrees when I got up this morning and something went wrong with our heating as it was just 11 degrees in the bedroom brrr.  Oh yes, we have thermometers in every room of the house until we sort the heating out.

This weeks weekly deals are below

I shall be putting an order in on Friday so if you would like anything from the weekly deals, or the clearance rack or even from any of the catalogues, do please let me know and the p+p will be 50p when delivered to myself.  Obviously you can place an order anytime through my shop as well  and the postage will be £4.95 delivered direct to your home.

I have discovered that the bigger boxes of cereal are by far the cheapest but the problem I have is storing them...do you have the same problem?

Well I decided to split my box up into a tupperware tub and then cut my box down to fit into the cupboard.  Sometimes a girls got to do what a girls got to do.

I managed to get to play in the craft room, all shiny, clean, tidy etc. until I got in there.  Now it needs a hoover, items putting in their place and a bit of clean.

I am really pleased with the way these turned out.  I used a stamp and card from my stash along with Real Red ribbon, Real Red card and Real Red stamp n write marker.  Its lovely when all the colours are the same, no mater what stamp you use them with.  There is also lots of dazzling diamonds glitter on the cards but I dont think that shows up to well.

Thanks for have a read today and I do hope that you have a lovely day, no matter what you are up to.

Happy Monday

We didnt have any internet yesterday, it was rather strange but goodness, we accomplished so much.
 It was a very quiet day day as the house felt rather empty.  Christiana is now staying with her sister for a few days and I know that they are going to have lots of fun together.  We had a lovely couple of hours with them on Saturday and a pleasant drive there and back. 

 I got to spend time in my crafty space for a while, to put things away and have a little sort out.  I also got lots of fresh air out in the garden There are a lot of odd jobs that need to be done before Winter sets and we got to get a few things done.

Last week a few of us got together over the week and made this card, or variations of it. 

It was lovely to see everyone again after so many months *waving*.  It did me a world of good to catch up with lots of friends and find out what has been happening over Summer.  It also meant that we got time to spend in the new crafty space, which still doesnt have a name.


Next Sunday I am having a stamping Sunday.  I find that sitting stamping and colouring is relaxing and the only thing that can make it even more enjoyable, is having some wonderful company so, if you fancy a Stamping Sunday, let me know and join me.  This will be from 10ish till half 3 ish ( I put ish so that no feels that they early/late and people can leave when they wish).  You will need your own stamps, inks, card etc. and dont forget your packed lunch.  This will be at Alvaston and as soon as you let me know that you plan to come along, I can give you details of the venue.  Places are rather limited and therefore it will be on a first come, first served basis.  Give me a call to find out more.

Thanks for having a visit today and have a wonderful day, whatever you are up to.

White Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit

1st November, how wonderful.  Although it's raining outside, the temperature is just under 14 degrees, I do like this weather.  I love waking up and not having to put on a big thick dressing gown and shivering.  Fingers crossed that it lasts a while.

I have been in the craft room this week with lots of friends, very theraputic. 

This is one of the cards, or something similar that we made.  It has been lovely being around so many happy, friendly wonderful people, thank you all for making it such a great week. 

Today we take Christiana to Preston. She will stay there until next Friday when both her and Katerina meet up with their dad and then Christiana will fly back to Cyprus with him.  It wont be long and she will be back in England again.

Here she is outside one of her favourite little shops. Next time we visit it should be warm.

Best try and get a happy face on and wake everyone up, its always sad saying goodbye. 

Thanks for spending some time reading my blog today and I hope to be back tomorrow, with more crafting news.