Remember, remember the fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot

Brrrr good morning.  It is very nippy out there today at just 4 degrees.  The forecast is for rain so wrap up very well and take a brolly if you have to venture out.  I shall have my fingers crossed that it is dry tonight for all those having a firework party.   Do you remember the 5th November poem?  I dont recall it all but I do remember saying it.

Katerina arrived in Derby on Sunday evening after an uneventful trip from London by train.  She went to see the Man United game in London on the Saturday and did a little shopping on Sunday however, she was not too impressed by the number of people in the shops.  She said that they were very busy and she couldnt see things so she is taking her dad shopping in Manchester this weekend when he goes to stay with her in Preston.

Yesterday was the day of my mum in laws funeral, such a sad day. Everything went without a hitch, we saw people that we hadnt seen for a long time and everyone shared such wonderful memories of a wonderful lady.  She is being missed by so many and will be remembered in our hearts.  We shall be going back to the chapel today to look at all the wonderful floral tributes she received.  The limbo land "bubble" that I have been in seems to have been lifted and I have got up today with a lighter heart, which has to be good.

So today, as I am still off work, I will spend it with Katerina who is such a help.  She lightens up everyones mood by her little comments and her jokes.  She will be with us for a few more days so I am going to make the most of her (she also brought lots of washing with her too).

Here is the thank you card for November.  I usually send one of these out in with the bag of goodies that people order.  I saw something similar on pintrest 

Well if you are having fireworks tonight, stay safe.  Have a lovely day and thanks for having a read.

A muggy and damp Sunday Morning

A rather damp Sunday but that doesnt matter, no snow yet.  It is rather mild outside though which is good.

Yesterday was a finishing off kind of day, finishing off a card or two, finishing off a bit of ironing, finishing off a bit of filing so by the end of the day, I felt that I had achieved something, which is a nice feeling.

Here is the card that I finished off.

I went on a class last year and made this card but never got round to finishing it but a touch of glitter, some crystal effects and it all looks lovely.  Another one for the box.

We had a bit of a wander into town, just to change the four walls really.  Paul needed a bit of fresh air and to stretch his legs and it was nice to see some of the Christmas decorations going up in the shops, it wont be long will it.  The grandchildren came round in the afternoon, so that kept us busy. I love their excited chatter.  Then it was feet up, tea and a night with x factor.

Here are the cakes that I made for dabblers on Friday night.  The larger one doesn't have any butter nor flour in it and it was scrummy.  A few people have asked for the recipe so I shall get that sent out today.

An URGENT ORDER has been requested from Stampin' Up! so, if you would like to add to this, please let me know before this evening at 6pm.   A stamp set is needed now and all us crafters out there know exactly what that feels like.

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

November 1st 2013 already

White Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit, as it's the 1st November, this is what we are supposed to say, so I have said it.  I had quite a bit of a lie in this morning which must do me good.

Friday, the end of the week.  My youngest daughter, Katerina, is coming to stay for a few days on Sunday.  Today she is off to London to meet up with family and friends for the weekend.  It seems that her uni have had a few problems with the teachers going on strike.  We pay how much per year and they strike!!! terrible.

So, who is going to start getting ready for Christmas and who is ahead of the game?  My other two daughters are coming over from Cyprus so I will have all  3 girls with me this year plus their friends, another 7 of them.  What fun we will have.  I am already trying to think of things to do, places to go, meals they will eat etc. etc.  I do need to be organised.

Paul is still not a well man at all.   He has had a cold, that has turned into flu that is now on his chest.  I am hoping he will stay in for a few days, wrap up warm and get as well as he can.

Here is a Christmas card that was started this time last year, just not finished off.  It is now finished and in the Christmas card box.

Look what is new from Stampin' Up!

 It creates totally customisable envelopes in up to 66 different sizes (not to mention a million different colour and pattern options depending on the paper you want to use). Even tried and true envelope sizes will only take you moments to create! 
It even has a clever scoring tool as well as a punch that lets you create rounded corners on your envelopes.  
It’s super easy to use
It’s small and lightweight.
It’s easy to keep it all together; the stylus storage compartment and two punches are designed into the tool so you don’t have a bunch of little pieces to keep track of (even the instructions are printed right on the tool so you won’t lose them!)
I can see that this is going to become the "November must have" and the cost is £17.95.  If you fancy having a go using one then please, do let me know.

Right, off to start my Friday and look for my Friday feeling

Happy Halloween

What wonderful weather we had yesterday, a bit of a frost first thing in the morning and then the sun was shining and it was quite warm.  I was hoping to get outside for an hour or two but when I went out at around 3pm it was freezing cold, maybe I can get out there today.

Not a lot planned for the rest of the day but I do feel a little more human.  Do you remember this awful fabric softner

Well, I decided to use it up so I put it in my sink with hot water and used it as an air freshner.  It makes the house smell lovely, just a pity that the clothes dont smell the same.

Paul will stay off work today as he really is so very ill, coughing and spluttering and a really bad case of man flu.  Hopefully he will rest up, take the tablets and get him self fit again.

Are you ready for Halloween?  Will you get lots of little visitors?? 

I am really pleased to report that at my 'fatclass' yesterday I lost 5 1/2 lbs wow.  I have been so good in the last week that I was hoping to lose all that weight that I put on during my days and nights at the hospital, fingers crossed that I can do a bit more this week too.

Here is another one of the cards that we made at our SS weekend away, not sure if you can see all the glitter that I added, Christmas cards need glitter in my opinion although I know a few ladies that wont agree

Something new from Stampin' Up!

Create oodles of cards quickly and easily with the Holly Jolly Greetings Simply Sent kit. Materials for 12 holiday photo cards: printed cards with die-cut photo notches, note card for handwritten or printed message, closure stickers. Finished card size: 5" x 7". Acid free, lignin free.  Holly Jolly Greetings Simply Sent  Price is £13.50 Stampin' Up! really are bringing us lots and lots of new things and as soon as one offer finishes, there is another one to tempt us.  If you are short of time I am sure that this Kit will be perfect for those personal Christmas Cards.  Have a wonderful Halloween and thanks for visiting today.

Wicked Wednesday

I usually put the title of "midweek musing" for a post on a Wednesday but I thought I would be a bit different today, as it is getting closing to Halloween and I am sure a lot of people are starting to feel a little wicked.  Plus, further down the page today, there are some really wicked offers that you would feel wicked about, if you missed out....okay, enough of that word.

Yesterday I went and sorted out some flowers and got a few for the house too, they look nice.  Also sorted out the Christmas card box, goodness, I have lots and lots and lots all ready to go, far more than I thought so, I shall start to update my blog with a few of these cards, some made by me and some made by my friends for demonstrations.  I also found a lot of Christmas things to make with the Grandchildren so, when I am feeling a little more myself, we can do these.

Here is a card I made a few years ago. I loved doing this and I hope that when I feel a little better, I can try to do a few more similar.

 Do you like this little doorstop?  I purchased it a while ago at a charity stall on the way into the hospital.  It will be perfect for future Derby Dabblers get togethers to keep doors ajar.

Stampin' Up! have two new Christmas bundles that are available today and end on 30th November! These bundles are excellent for packaging treats and small gifts this Christmas season and long after Christmas is done..

The Holiday Tag It Decorative Box Bundle (item 135811) includes

• Stamp a Tag Kit
• Cherry Cobbler 1" (2.5 cm) Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon (9.1 m)
• Decorative Window Gift Boxes (6 boxes)

The Holiday Tag It Extra-Large Box Bundle (item 135812) includes

• Stamp a Tag Kit
• Cherry Cobbler 1" (2.5 cm) Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon (9.1 m)
• Extra-Large Gift Boxes (3 boxes)

Whether you're designing Christmas cards, gifts for friends and family, or decorations for your home—we've got what you need with 30% off a variety of downloads.....

And finally, an offer from me FREE P+P on all order of £45 or more, delivered directly to your door.  If you place an order online - I will reiemburse your p+p charges.  All orders placed through me for a value of £45 or more, I will pay your p+p and get the items delivered directly to you.  This offer is available today until 30 November.

Thanks for having a read today and have a lovely Wednesday.

Tuesdays Twitter

Although yesterday started out as a blank canvas, it soon got filled up.  A big thank you to everyone for all your support, I cant tell you how much it is appreciated. Spent some time with my parents, that helped too. Mum is taking me to the florist today and that will be the last of all the arrangements that need doing for next Monday.  If anyone is free later and you fancy a cuppa and a chat, please do pop round.

We were fortunate enough in Derby to miss out on the storms yesterday, which was a blessing.  I do feel for all those that got caught up in it though. My daughter, Katerina who is in Preston, wanted to put wood all across her windows in the flat as she thought that is was a hurricane that was coming.  Maybe sometimes the news does say a little too much.

I have been looking at cards that I made a few years ago and I came across this.  I am sure that quite a few ladies have the same card.  We made it in a group with Gina....but when was this? 
 
I am hoping that someone can give me a clue as to how long ago it was that we made these cards and, what have you done with yours?

Thank you for nipping by for a read today.  Have a lovely Tuesday.

A blank Monday

Good morning and another start to another week.  Paul has returned to work, which is hard for us both but fortunately, I shall be off this week.  Umm where are the storms?  We had a little rain but nothing else.  I guess I have to go and listen to the news to see what is happening.

Over the weekend I decided to tackle the craft room, again.  At this rate there wont be a craft room left.  I have been really cruel and disposed of 14 bags (carrier bags) of items.  I have a box of things I shall take to Derby Dabblers to give away and quite a few other bits and bobs to sell.  I wont use them anymore and they really need to be used.  It is so hard to concentrate on anything at the moment, feeling a little in limbo land so sorting the craft room was very theraputic.  Because it all got clean and tidy, Paul came around with the hammer and nails and put up all my wonderful things, here are a couple of photos

Most of the things have been given to me by friends and family as presents.  The wooden heart shelf came back from Holland and is full of the ribbon reels that I keep finding (something else that I hoard).  The little blue sea scene is on a piece of drift wood and I found this during our honeymoon.  Everything has a memory.

Here is another little card that we made during our SS visit.  This was on the Friday evening (we made 4 cards that night), not sure if you can see all the dazzling diamonds on it.  I think it is really cute.

Dont forget today is the LAST DAY OF SALE for the 25th Birthday Celebration from Stampin' Up!  There is an order going in today so if you want anything, you really do need to get in touch with me by 10.00am.

Thank you for having a read and I hope that you have a wonderful start to the week.

Stormy Sunday

 We shall be having a Sunday lunch for just the two of us and watch Downton Abbey tonight, the rest of the day, who knows.  No plans so far for today, which is good.

Paul has surprised me by getting me this

It is a wizz machine to clean my floors and spruce up the carpets.  It has taken the floor cleaning down to just a few minutes meaning that I have more time to craft.  He really does help me no end and, its another gadget which is what all the men like.

I am so pleased that I managed to sort out another 6 shelves in my study yesterday and clear a little more desk space.  I know it sounds quite trivial but to me, its a great achievement and I now know where all the paperwork is that we may need, I am sure I shredded a lot that I shouldnt have, never mind.

The craft room is getting a bit of a revamp too.  I have saved (okay hoarded might be the right word), far too many things for far too long.  A friend of mine recently put on her blog that she is using the cards she made in class, to give as birthday/anniversary cards etc. OH WOW, how brave is she thought I.  Actually, she is right.  Why do I want to save 100s of cards that I have made as they go out of date, they take up space, become unstuck.   I have had great pleasure in making these items and I have a photograph to remind me of how to make them.   So they are now in my birthday card box (boxes) ready to send out, all I have to do now is remember birthdays, which I am terrible at.

Tomorrow I shall be placing an order for the Stamperettes (if any of you are reading this, please get in touch).  As it is the LAST DAY OF THE SALE, dont miss out on 25% discount off 25 stamps.   If you would like to place an order I would be happy to arrange this for you or, you can just click on the "shop now" banner and do an on line order.

This is another lovely little box, full of smarties, that was waiting for us at SS during our weekend away.  Louise made this and it really is a work of art.  As soon as it is empty, I will be having a look at how to make one.

I wonder who will fill it up when it is empty?  Janice filled it up whilst we were there, maybe I have to take it back to SS, now there is a thought.

I hope everyone stays safe from this awful storm that is due, have a lovely Sunday and thank you for taking the time to read my blog today.

Saturdays Post

There is still a lot of tea pouring going on in the Anthony household but the difference is, I am on canderel and skimmed milk, good for the diet.

How many books do you have, to get through your everyday life?  Well I like pretty books and pretty writing pads and I am not very practical when it comes to cutting back but, I have been harsh.  I sorted out a shelf in the study and discovered that I had books galore on one shelf, which I thought I needed to survive every day.  I have reduced this to

• Car documents folder
• Receipts folder
• Recipe folder
• Address book - plus one old address book, just in case
• Birthday Card book
• Cash book for the girls (3 girls, lots of bills and allowances etc)
• Computer notes - my scribbles at the computer 

I have actually removed another 6 books that I haven't looked at in years.  One shelf done and another 20 to go.

For those that didnt know, I suffered from scorisos for many many years, often too embaressed by my hands as they were split, dry, cracking and awful.  Since my mini stroke this has all gone away so I am really pleased to be able to use hand creams, shower gels with perfume and a fabric softner with a smell.  However, I did try this

 Paul asked if the clothes were put away damp?  Did I notice a funny smell?  Had something gone musty? well, we discovered it was the fabric softner, I wont be getting that one again.  I shall stick to this instead.



I thought you may like to see something else that I was given during my recent SS weekend away.

 I am not sure who made it, possibly Louise?  I am sure one of the other ladies will put me right if I am wrong.  I know its another little book but this is in my craft room.... 

Well thank you for having a read and *hello - says me waving* to my newest follower.  Have a lovely day and, if you need any crafting help at all, give me a ring, call for a cuppa or come for a chat.                                                                                                                               

Friday - Autumn arrived

Have you experienced all the leaves falling off the trees in the wind?  It has been lovely watching the leaves change colour from green, to red, to deep red and now, they are on the floor everywhere.  Autumn really has arrived.

Its Friday and only 3 DAYS LEFT to grab yourself a bargain on the birthday special discount.  Just click HERE to find out more details.  I do not yet have that Friday feeling but I fingers crossed, I will do soon. 

Happy Birthday Paul.  It is my Brother-in-Laws birthday today and here is the card I made him.  I know that he has got a new camera so thought that this was apt.

 and here is a bit of a close up

Do you remember the wrapping paper I got for Christiana's present in the Summer, here is a reminder,

well I also found this paper to wrap up presents for the men in our lives, cute uh?

I had my weigh in this week (every Wednesday I go to Slimmer's World) unfortunately I have put on 4 1/2 pounds so this week I am determined to get rid of it.  Hopefully I will be active enough to shed a little and my portions are going to be a lot smaller.  I blame it on all the hospital food I ate over the previous 10 days but as I shall be eating healthier, it should come off.....fingers crossed.

I hope you have a lovely day today, thank you for reading my blog.

A little lost

Feeling a little lost at the moment, which I guess is to be expected. Looking out with a cuppa in my hand is where I have found myself quite often the last couple of days as my heart is just not in whatever I have to do.  I am sure that this feeling will change and in the meantime, I will just keep pottering.

With a big smile on my face I would like to thank the 18 friends for telling me that Aldi had THE IRON.  Well my mum went and got me one for me last Sunday and  I have been ironing.  It is lovely and good and quick and saves time and....and...and.

News from Stampin' Up!  25 discounted stamp sets....oh yes, 25% off these items. If you want to have a look at them, all the details can be found by clicking "order now" / products /  25% off 25 stamps.  If you want to have a very quick look at them, here they are:

Just click HERE and it will take you to more details of this offer, show you the discounted prices and, lots more. I am placing an order at 1pm this afternoon so, if you would like anything, get it while you can. THIS OFFER IS ONLY VALID UNTIL MONDAY so get your skates on.

I didnt manage a  Tuesdays at Traceys this week due to our loss but there will be a get together  next week and I will give you a bit more information about that, at the weekend.

I shall be catching up with emails, blogs and all other computer news today, with a cuppa or two.

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