Wednesdays Post that should have gone out on Tuesday

Mr Blogger has been playing up as I was hoping that this post would have appeared yesterday, never mind, better late than never.
I had a few minutes of fame on Monday.  I was on the radio.  It was really frightening but hay, I did it.If you want to have a listen, its on i player and this link may just work  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0192jyz

I was telling everyone about Derby Dabblers, the craft club in Derby and a bit of scrapbooking.  It wasnt exactly as I thought it would be but it was a lovely experience meeting more new people and who knows, I may just get asked back again and, be more prepared for it.  Well that was Monday but what about the rest of the weekend?

Well I can tell you on Friday I sweated blood and tears to get the downstairs de cluttered, sorted, straight and put to rights and boy, did I do it.  Everywhere was lovely and I was so proud of myself, new nets, clean windows, all glass cabinets shining etc. etc.  I went to bed very content and happy.

Saturday I went back to Leeds, getting into a bit of a habbit.  I went along with a couple of friends to a class. Yes it was all cut out, all ready and waiting for us and it was a smashing day.  We made quite a lot of cards and here is the first.



Again, more lovely ladies were met and now I have to try and figure out how to add them as facebook friends?  Even Paul doesnt know how to do it but I am sure I will get there in the end.  Saturday night it was feet up, in front of the telly phew.  I did come home to a wonderful steak, bless Paul, he looks after me so well.

Sunday was mad panic.  Oh yes I had to get everything ready for my radio station visit.  I was up and down the stairs all day, puttting this together, packing that.  Sorting out stash for a scrapbook page, sorting out items we made at dabblers and it took the WHOLE day.  We nipped out for lunch, cook? who had time to cook when I was getting everything ready?  At half past 11 Sunday night I was done.  It wouldnt have happened if Paul hadnt have been here taking care of things but hang on, what happened to my lovely clean downstairs with shiney windows, plumped up settee cushions, sparkling floor etc. etc.?  Mustn't complain though, Paul had been gardening, shopping and washing pots.

So then it was Monday, at work for 7 and off to radio visit, yesterday it was try and sort out a few little chores and chat with with the girls.  As well as try and keep on top of the garden and wow, that sunshine has done it the world of good.  I hope I dont bore you with these photos but I am so proud of how everything is turning out.
 
 



And here are my table and chairs, just ready for the sunshine, a coffee and a friend to share it with.

Now just where did the days go?  Rushed by in a flurry so this week, its time to take things easy for a change and just catch up.

Today I am hoping to get a few samples done for my open house on 29th June.  It would be lovely if you could come along and join me in a cuppa and some home made cake.  There is no charge, it is a FREE event.  Right, best get a wiggle on as mum in law is coming for tea and there is nothing ready and then, play time in the craft room.

Thanks for having a read and I hope all is well in your world

Sunny Saturday

Up bright and early again today as off for a day out.

I think I beat the heron again this morning as it came down and went off again more or less at the same time, which is good but, he did leave his calling card, dirty bird.

Yesterday I caught these little doves sitting on the fence, sunbathing, honestly.  If you click on the photo to make it bigger you can see for yourself.  They were there for nearly an hour, bless

 I have been very brave with my out with the old regime and just to prove it, here is a tin that has to go.  Yes, my tins and boxes are making an exit because I have too many, I dont use them and, if I want a tin in the future, I will buy one full of biscuits.  The more empty tins and boxes I have, the more I am filling them so, if you need any tins or boxes, let me know.

 Another few things that are going are, this card stand.  Not a good photo but its a twirly card stand and fits lots of cards £30.  It is in 2 pieces and you should get it into your car.

My Craft Room kit, over £60 worth for £15

 The Crafters Companion Ultimate, £10

Arent I good?  There are another 4 boxes all piled up ready for my crafty day on 29th June, I am getting all excited about it.  Lots of samples being made.

Well thanks for having a look, I hope you have a great day.

Out with the old day - but keeping hubby

Good morning from a very sunny Derby.  It is supposed to be the hottest day of the year so far today
 and the sun is already starting to make an appearance.  A bit like the heron.  Oh yes I got up early to discover the heron on the garden shed roof.  Thankfully we still have the net over the pond so we won today, the heron lost.

Well I am starting to get things ready for my open house on Friday 29th June and having fun doing it.  Paul isnt too sure about all the boxes that are starting to appear but when I told him that they are boxes of retired items that have to go, he breathed a sigh of relief. He thought I was trying to get more stuff into my crafty space lol.

We dont have a Derby Dabblers get together tonight which is very sad.  The caretaker called to say that the parisheners have a cream tea tomorrow so they have to get the room ready today and there wouldnt be tables for us to use.  I am rather frustrated by this as we have had the hall on the first Friday of every month for a few years now so they could have told us earlier or, asked us to bring tables.....grrrrrrr.  moan over.

There are a few ladies calling in to my house around 6.30 this evening to collect their SU goodies so if you fancy a coffee (sorry no cake), you are welcome to pop in.  Hopefully we can sit outside.

I received this from a friend at a recent training event, isnt it lovely.  Jacqui has made this from the SU designer series paper pads and attached it to a peg with magnet.  I think its stunning, thanks Jacqui I am using this in my craft room. 

Off to start my out with the old day today.  Thanks for having a read and have a lovely day

A little bit of me time

A few days off has done me the world of good.  Not only a few days away from blogging but cleaning, washing and ironing, arent I the lucky one.  I just thought a little me time would do me good, and it has.  But today I do have to do some cleaning and some chores but never mind.

Here is a little chore I loved, my little door stops which I use to hold the kitchen door open have seen better days but I love them, they are very special to me so, a lick of paint and they are more or less as good as new.

Before

 After

 With all this wonderful sunshine I have been sitting outside quite a bit with lots and lots of visitors, which is lovely.  I have been really looking after this little lupin as it didnt do so well last year but you can just see a tad of colour on it.  I shall show you another photo in a few days when it has had some more sun.

 Here is a card I made at the weekend.  A few of us went for a day out up leeds way. 

It was a wonderful day, lots of sunshine, brilliant company and I think we may just be doing something similar this weekend....I will keep you posted.

Stampin' Up! orders are going in left right and centre.  Lots of offers, lots of new stuff and lots of things for me to make.  If there is something that you are after, give me a ring on 01332 721877.

Lots of Stampin' Up! items have been delivered too.  If you are waiting for a little parcel with some bits in, it may just have arrived.  I have lots and lots of goodies here, just about to sort them out now.  More are due later today too.....lucky me getting to open the boxes.

SAVE THE DATE - 29th June.  The old catalogue is having a party.  Last chance to buy some stamp sets, certain inks and other little bits and pieces and of course, the new catalogue will be making an appearance.    Lots more information in the days to come.

Right, must get on now with those dreaded chores.  Thanks for having a read and have a lovely day.

Sunny Sunday

Some sunny news for a sunny Sunday morning.  As part of  the 25-year anniversary celebration of Stampin' Up!, yes they have been around for 25 years, they are bringing back some of our favourite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into five sets, which will release-one set per month- until October 2013. Even better, along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image! Obviously, we havent seen some of these stamps before but this months is wonderful and I cant wait to have a play.

If that wasnt enough, how about some single stamps from S.U.  goodness lots of things to choose from this weekend.

I shall be placing my next order on Tuesday evening.  If you would like this set, plus anything that is left on the retirement list please let me know by 7pm Tuesday night.  Again, if the order reaches the minimum value then 5 lucky ladies will all receive an ink pad in their choice of colour.  If you need help with an order then why not come for a cuppa on Tuesday at my house.  Dont know where I live, just give me a call on 01332 721877 or drop me a line at  tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com   I will give you my address.  Kettle will be on around half 1 ish and then again around half 6 ish.  It really would be lovely to see you, even if we havent met before.

Off for a day with hubby but back tomorrow with news on what's been happening in my world and a card or two to show you.  Have a great day

When they are gone, they are gone

The weekend is just about here but today is quite a big day in the Stampin' Up! world.  Lots and lots of items go on offer and  a list of everything that will be leaving the current Annual Catalogue is published.

For a full list of 100s of stamps and accessories that will be leaving  click HERE for the stamps and HERE for the accessories.  When they are gone, they are gone and I can tell you, they soon get snapped up.

If you would like to order any items that are retiring, please give me a call on 01332 721877 or email me tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com.  The first order will be going in tomorrow night and if it reaches the £150 minimum to get £25 hostess gifts, 5 lucky ladies will get a free ink pad, colour of their choice, from the colours that are available currently.  If the order total reaches the next level, than the number of ladies that get a FREE inkpad increases etc. etc. 

It is also exciting because as a demonstrator, you get to choose a few items from a list of new products that are going to be in the 2013-2014 catalogue AND, oh yes, there is an and, if you reached targets earlier in the year, you get to pick your FREE goodies too.  So if joining the Stampin' Up! team is something you are interest in why not let me know and I can tell you more about it.
Today is also the day that we get to order the new 2013 - 2014 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue.  I am taking orders for these already so, if you would like to get your hands on a copy as soon as they are available, get in touch soon.

Must get a wiggle on and get ready for work.  Have a great start to the weekend.

Thursdays update and a Bug Me card

Oh Oh, there have been a few problems with the on line ordering that I told you all about.

As soon as the little gliches have been sorted out, I will let you know.

Although it was raining yesterday, I thought I would brave the weather to show you the flowers that are out, I have to look up how to spell them.  Rhododendrons, that is what they are.

They are only out for a short time but what a stunning display.  Also Paul gets to see what he is missing.

At the front of the house, usually hidden by Paul's car we have the acer which is stunning and these little white flowers that love the sunshine




And of course my rose, which is just outside the front door.  This has started to get lots of buds and is just starting to flower. Fingers crossed that this will last the whole of summer

Enough of the garden photos, even in the rain.  We have been told that sunshine is on its way which is great news.

Here is a card that we made at another recent class using the Bug Me Stampin' Up! stamp set.

I made little tags to go with it but can I find them?  no.  They are in my nice tidy craft room where everything has been put away....it just needs a hoover later.

Best get my skates on for another busy morning at work and then its off to visit mum this afternoon.

Have a wonderful day and thank you for visiting.

Midweek Musing

The weather had been wonderful over the Bank Holiday weekend but what a difference it has been the last couple of days.  At least I dont have to water the garden. I did manage to get it all tidy, a bit more dead heading done but the flowers are looking lovely, even in the rain.

It was crafty week last week and I made cards with some wonderful ladies *sending you all a little wave*.    Here is one that we did

 I saw this on the big wide web and I cant find it again but I loved the look of it so thought we would all have a go.

Supplies - all Stampin' Up! of course
Create a Cupcake Stamp set
Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Pink Piroutte card
Marina Mist Ribbon
Marina Mist, Crumb Cake and Chocolate Chip Ink
Subtles designer series 12 x 12 pad 
Create a Cupcake Punch
White Gel Pen
Pricking tool and Mat

After a crafty Saturday morning Paul and I took our eldest grandaughter into town.  We went to a few shops and then had a coffee at Patisserie Valerie in the Westfield Centre.  It is a lovely place to go for a treat and here is a photo of the pair. 

 
I am sure that Beth enjoyed herself and I think we may have started a new tradition for the grand children.  Beth managed to purchase a few little things with her birthday money too.

We then nipped in to see Mum who has just had an operation on her shoulder.  She is in a lot of pain but putting on a very brave face.  Sunday was a day of sorting, packing (Paul, not me) and getting a few odd jobs done.    I have managed to get quite a lot of ironing done, stamps for sale sorted out as well as lots of crafty bits given away.  The charity shop has had another couple of bags and the rubbish man will be having some more.  I dont know where I keep finding it all from but, I do feel a lot better and, I am starting to wonder if I am enjoying the sorting, cleaning and putting away rather than sitting down and creating?

It is that work/home balance thing again isnt it.  Its such a fine thing to keep balanced and sometimes we have to do a bit of tuning to make it work.  So I have had a few days off from the blog whilst I catch my breath.  Getting everything ready for crafty week really does take up a lot of time as does putting it all away again, phew.

Thanks for having a read today and I hope that you have managed to stay dry.

The weekend is just a few hours away

It's arrived and how happy am I.  Friday that is.

I have crafty classes today at 2pm, tonight at 7.30pm and tomorrow at 10am.  If you would like to join us, just let me know.

Yesterday I nearly got run over whilst walking by the local shops.  I was so frightened, two young girls helped me and a crowd gathered round, I was really embarassed.  A man in his very late 70's early 80's maybe, just missed me as he was travelling around 15 mph on an electric scooter and as he passed me he shouted "move out the eff ing way" WHAT. The pavements were so crowded, he actually caught my shopping bag and that is what the shock was, I thought someone was trying to grab it.  People shouted at him and told him to slow down, to which two fingers went up in the air.  It is funny now and how lovely for all the support I got from everyone but what can we expect of our youngsters when they see this behaviour.  Moan over

I baked last night, bero book is brilliant (as is Ruth for making these originally), I think I may have an addiction to them

And here is another card that we made last Saturday,

Sorry this is short and sweet but got to go and get ready for work now.  Have a lovely day and please, do get in touch if you would like to make a couple of cards later today.  01332 721877 and leave a message on the answerphone or email me at tracey.rossos2@hotmail.com

By the tide

Just one more day to go and then its the weekend phew.  Not that I am wishing my life away.

The sun is out, even so early this morning and the forecast is rain, again.  We keep being told that its going to rain but it hasnt done over my house.  I had to water all the plants again last night and wow, they are really growing very quickly.

Today is mum in law and grandaughters birthday and I didnt photograph the cards, how could I not?  Silly me but I do have this card to share with you.

We made this at our training event last weekend using Comfort Cafe papers, Soft Suade card and ink as well as By the Tide stamp set.  Lovely Neutral button sat there too. 

Well I had best get a wiggle on and get myself sorted for work.  I hope you have a great day today and thank you for having a read.

Midweek Musings

 Well we didnt get the rain we were promised so that means that my plants will need a water today.  Ohh I know that spring is here because look what has started to bud.  This is two weeks later than normal and it is a lovely sight when all the flowers are out.




Unfortunately the camellia has finished flowering, the majority of the flowers have now died and it will just get watered for another year, until it starts all over again.

It was a friends birthday earlier this week and here is the card that I made for her using Stampin' Up! card, buttons, linen thread and pieces of paper.  The writing I did on the computer.  If you would like to make a couple of these next week please give me a shout as I have a few more to make to take to the girls in Cyprus. 



Sophia has her first exam today.  She has done a lot of studying for it and I wish her well for today.  I am sure she will do just fine but she does suffer with the stress of it all, which is hard for such a young person.  Soon be the summer holidays for her though.  Katerina has a job, oh yes.  She has only been home a couple of days and she is starting work in a lawyers office for the Summer.  Unfortunately she wont be getting paid for this but it is all experience.  Christiana is doing well, not putting on much weight but starting to be a happier a person so at the moment, all is well in my world.

Paul came home, YEAH, so I have some company again, although having said then I havent seen much of him.....music studio tut tut.

I have been using 2 of these for a while now


but now that the drawers are in and the room is getting tidy, I no longer need 2.  So I am selling one of them.  This is what I call my craft storer and it turns around.  I dont know what I would have done without it.  The rrp is £18 but as this is used and still in perfect condition, if someone would like it for £7.50 please let me know.  I did have two lamps as well, lovely pink ones from Ikea but Paul has said he can use them in his study

Have you heard the latest Stampin' Up! news?  Well, you can now order on line, from the comfort of your own home any and all items from Stampin' Up! 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Oh yes, if you are a midnight crafter or want something NOW and I am not ashamed to admit it, there have been times when I wanted something yesterday.  All you have to do is click a button which hopefully, I shall have on my blog tonight.  Exciting and scary all at once lol.  Of course, this doesnt mean that I am not placing orders or that I am not here to help you in anyway, it is just in addition to everything I do.  Fingers crossed that I can understand all the technology to get it sorted.

CRAFTY WEEK UPDATE - there is just one place left on the 2pm crafting session on Friday, 2 places on Friday evening starting at 7.30 and 4 spaces on Saturday morning starting at 10.  Please do get in touch if you would like to join us on any of these events as it would be lovely to see you.

Have a lovely day and thanks for having a visit.

SHOPPING LINK UPDATE - I have managed to get the shopping link added on the right.  If you have any problems, please let me know and I shall try and sort them when I get home this afternoon. 

Tuesdays Twitter

Good morning.  Wasnt the weather strange yesterday.  The sun just never got through the clouds but it wasnt cold, thankfully.  I think we are in for a bit of a storm today.  No Tuesday at Traceys because I am off to Little Eaton Garden center for a quick coffee, quick catch up and a quick nose around.  If you fancy coffee I will be there about 1 ish for an hour.

Isnt this wonderful?  Well I think so too.  It is a "to do" book and I got it for my birthday. I am using it constantly.  It is too big for my handbag which is a good job really although, I could buy another handbag??? thinking about that one.  Well it is a very posh "to do" list.  I write in it on a Sunday and update it most evenings.  It really does help me and it is better than the wilkos one I usually have out on the side in the kitchen.

Katerina left on Sunday night, boo hoo.  We spoke every day sometimes two or three times and she is such a happy child that she made me happy when I put the phone down to her.  I just hope that she gets time to face book me now and again as I shall miss her lots.  She has done so well living another year in Preston and we are now waiting for her exam results, fingers crossed.

FANCY MAKING A COUPLE OF CARDS TOMORROW? - I shall provide everything to make two cards, refreshments, cakes etc. etc.  You just need to bring £7, some sticky tape (I can provide this if you are a beginner and dont have any) and lots of enthusiasm.  We start at half 7 but you are most welcome to arrive at 7 to meet your fellow crafters.  Lots of items on the SALE TABLE.

Speaking of sale tables, I have these to give away to a good home

not a very good photo is it lol.  Basically there are quite a few magazines, some stamps and a couple of folders.  Just let me know if you want them.

At our get together on Saturday we all made a card using SU crepe paper.  I havent used this before but it will be on my next order that's for sure.  We made a card very similar to this one (this is Helen's) and I just love it, hope you do too.  

If you fancy having a play with some crepe paper and make a couple of cards, let me know and I will organise a get together in a couple of weeks, it could be fun.

Thanks for having a read today, hope you are well and as usual, have a lovely day x