we'll be decorating the office on MOnday - probably

And I made these for the girls to stick to the tops of their computers - hope they like them.

Helens

Lyn's

Charlottes

Anitas

Michelles

close up made it look like the bauble was actually hanging on the tree.

Another Layout

certainly not doing as many as I was when I was 'off sick' with my poorly leg/knee - but I am glad that I am still wanting to do Layouts - this one my DD - two fingers to the world - she's been let down badly by her 'ex' - he truned out to be a real shit - and in life my poor little girl has been a real good friend to all her mates but they never reciprocate - I hope one day she finds someone to love who will love her back as much as she loves them. One day.

bad throat again and headachey

and cough cough coughing - awful - this is probably around 10th week that we have all been bad in this household - and being back at work, I am wacked, tired, wornout and now with nasty cough and cold again - awful.

& so he does it again

he finished with my DD - the shit - keeps saying he loves her but doesn;t know how he really feels - stupid twat - immature bastard................sorry, just listening to my DD crying herself to sleep over that pile of shit.

Real hectic at work

came home with a bad head two days running and I cannot shake it off - plus had to sleep yesterday and today for an hour after taking my tramadol to ease the pain in my knee - what a nightmare.

Heres one I made earlier

Another LO from me - last night and finished off tonight with the 'runes' - had a need to put them onto something - threw them and then found out their definition.

And today at Birmingham Christmas Market

Absolutely wacked by the time we got home and we were only there for 2.5 hours ! Too much food - feel sick tonight.

we went here tonight

Ate far far too much, feel really ill and stomache bloated and guilty after being upset at only losing half a pound this week - but it was a nice night out - keeping up with our 'must get out more' - must find more things to do together than just going out for a meal though.

Birmingham German Christmas Market tomorrow.

Happy Saturday (not)

half pound off at SW Sitting doing accounts for accountant - hating it - knowing it's gonna cost us £150 each to have them done - another £300 before Christmas (shit). And not feeling the rush to go get ready for our meal out tonight - just hope the meal is nice. DD at work - her BF messing her about AGAIN and she's real low and tired and fed up and I hurt when she hurts. Leg not so good either. Can't take dog out as it's raining hard and he hates rain. Can't think, at the moment, of any positives !

Bitterly disappointed

Key got 2lb's off on SW and I only lost half a pound................after being exceptional it makes me really annoyed with such a small loss - I really thought it was going to be 'at least' 2lb's was hoping for more and praying it would be a good 3.5 pounds this week - but rubbish half a pound - I know I know it's half a pound off but it just doesn't seem worth the effort when you've tried so hard and not been rewarded. Never mind eh. Need to be good after meal tonight to hopefully have another loss next week - my weight loss is so so slow.

why's for Christmas

THE CHRISTMAS TREE The evergreen tree was an ancient symbol of life in the midst of winter. Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year, and ancient inhabitants of northern Europe cut evergreen trees and planted them in boxes inside their houses in wintertime.

THE MINCE PIE Mince Pies, like Christmas Pudding, were originally filled with meat, such as lamb, rather than a dried fruit mix as they are today. They were also first made in an oval shape to represent the manger that Jesus slept in as a baby, with the top representing his swaddling clothes.

CAROL SINGING Although all of us know that carols are sung on Christmas, not many know the tradition behind caroling. Caroling is one of the oldest Christmas customs. The word 'carol' comes from the French word 'carole' which means a song that accompanies a dance. In medieval times, carolers would form a circle and dance, singing songs, which is why the term 'carole' was adopted. Every Christmas, in homes across the world, families get together and sing Christmas carols, which are songs about the birth of Christ, the Christmas season and the associated celebrations. We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year. Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Saviour is born Christ, the Saviour is born Silent night, holy night Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

FATHER CHRISTMAS / SANTA CLAUS Did you know that Father Christmas is sometimes known as Saint Nicholas? Well, that’s because he was named after a real saint. And here’s why … Saint Nicholas was a priest who lived the 4th century in Myra, which is in the country we now call Turkey. Nicholas’ parents died when he was young and left him lots of money. He wanted to give this money to poor people, but he didn’t want anybody to know how kind he had been. There’s a well known story that one night he climbed onto the roof of a poor family’s house and dropped small bags of gold down the chimney. They fell into stockings that were hanging by the fireplace. So this is why lots of people hang up their stockings for Father Christmas? When he got a bit older, Nicholas became a bishop. After he died he was made a Saint, as he had become famous for being so kind and generous, especially to children. In some European countries, people give presents on 6th December, as this is St Nicholas’ Day.

As the telly-tubbies used to say .....

Again again - yet another LO tonight......

pictures not good as it's mega reflective having all silver embellishments

Hospital eye appointment today

I took annual leave - as I am still only doing a phased return to work - I didn't feel the Visual Fields test went well last week - and had to have an eye scan today - he now wants me to have a 'brain scan' - just to make sure what is happening to the optical nerve - I am pretty worried about it - but at least he seems thorough. I hope everything is OK. What with my leg and being back at work, already feeling low and tired - it just seems a bit much.

and, yet another !

my beautiful kitty-girl

They arrived

my Die-namics alphabet die - 'by the letter' - scrumptious little alphabet around an inch high - cuts beautifully - really love it

Well I've had a flurry

of making and making and making layouts - after losing my mojo for around 2.5 years or more maybe - and today (although I feel guilty not getting my accounts done for my accountant) I decided to make a star book to 'teach' to Linda when we get together on 16th December - thought I ought to practice it first and I will have to have all the elements cut out ready to stick on the day as it took me around 2.5 hours to prepare and make up and we shall only be together for around 2 hours total - with chatting and cuppas and cake - well I don't think we'll get it done in time as she isn't a crafter she needs to have it finished when we finish. Anyhoo - the other worry I have is that the thought of doing another LO made me feel quite queezy - HOPE I haven't lost my mojo again because I just did so many in the last fortnight - probably 14 LO - at least one each day ! We shall see.

When closed

When open. I have been thinking about Journal Your Christmas which I have done about 4 years out of 5 - I could make a star book but it would need to have 'at least' double the amount of pages and wouldn't look much like a star book, so I thought that IF I made ever other page smaller - and made the whole thing in white cardstock then it would look like a snowflake - will have a go with ordinary copy paper first to see how it comes out.

And Another

mom and dad around 1960 on holiday probably great yarmouth - we went every year for years and years.

Slimming World whoop whoop

I had lost a half pound - so I was well chuffed ! Going to give it a real good go this week and hope to lose - at least - 4lb's. Could be a stone lighter for Christmas Day - HOPE

Saturday and returning again to SW

was poorly last week and didn't stick to plan - although haven't really stuck to plan again this week - just hope I haven't gained much ! 5 weeks to Christmas and I COULD lose around half a stone to 10lb's, that's what I'm aiming for. Have booked a meal with my brother and sister so want to be back to around 11.5 stone in 3 weeks anyway. German Market in Birmingham NEXT Sunday, meeting with my mate on 16th December to do crafting at our shop as it's quiet on a Sunday - and the meal with family at 5 pm that day. Works meal at lunch-time on 21st don't REALLY know IF I fancy going on this but as it will only be me that doesn't go they'll think I'm being funny now that we have the new works regime. Want to source a couple of carol concerts to go to - love the atmosphere at Christmas-time.

And Another - blimey there is no stopping me at the moment

A mini picture tutorial on DIY chipboard alphas.....

This is a first for me, but I've really gotten into alphas recently and they can be very pricey - so making my own has been a real cost cutter - and very enjoyable to.

firstly cut your chipboard letters, I've used a cuttlebug alpha and just some card from the back of an A4 notepad - then cut the same again in your choice of patterned paper.

then stick the patterned letters onto the chipboard letters making sure you go right up into the corners and edges.

like this.

turn the letters over when dry and stick just one small foam sticky tab to each letter, this is to help keep the letters in place when you are varnishing them and they scratch off easily enough when you have finished making them.

And stick the letters into an old pizza box, you are now going to spray the letters with a varnish or you can paint the letters with varnish (I've used spray & shine), I must admit that I find you have to spray and let them dry, at least 5 times to get a good result (with this product anyway).

You can speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer (I didn't use my heat tool as I find it rather harsh and may have the opposite effect on the varnish). Always remember when using varnish to do so in a well ventilated area too.

my camera skills haven't picked up how lovely and shiney these letters are

I don't know if this DIY process is much cheaper but it's good fun to do. Hope you enjoy my little tutorial.......have a great crafting day.

And another one !

Enjoyed doing this LO - love the pictures of my DD when she was about 14 months old.

Harry Potter Tour finished - well only the LO that is !

Open the gates to reveal the photo's - at last they gave me copies !

So many photo's - could only scrap a small selection.

Brilliant night

went to see this play tonight at the local 'small' theatre, what GREAT actors considering they're ametuer (sp) actors - it was really excellent. must check out the Garrick Lichfield too : http://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/Shows/Bedroom-Farce/

A poem from UKS

This is a very special gift That you can never see The reason that it's special It's just for you from me Whenever you are lonely Or when you're feeling blue You only have to hold this gift and know I think of you You never can unwrap it Please leave the ribbon tied Just hold this box close to your heart It's filled with love inside So curiosity got the better of you! You had to look inside Wondering what surprises This little box may hide. There is Aventurine to bring you luck Rose Quartz to surround you with love A guardian angel to watch over you And to bring peace, a tiny dove. All these things have been included With love and blessings too To wish you a Happy Birthday And joy the whole year through.

Another 2 Layouts - WHAT !

I'm not a fantastic scrapbooker - certainly not in the leagues of those who submit their stuff to magazines etc. AND I lost my mojo for Scrapbooking around 3 years ago and have ONLY just got it back - and I am going mad. BUT I have to say, I am kinda liking what I'm doing again. Maybe I went off Layouts because I was trying too hard and couldn't do what others were doing and now that I've gone back completely to my own style, that is WHY I am enjoying scrapbooking again.

Bought some cork and decided to stick it to a 12x12 cardstock - used the clip at the top as I thought it looked more like a 'notice board'.

Busy Day !

work til 9.30 am (from 8 am) bet they are well p'd off with me ! BUT had to go to physiotherapy and ONLY just made my 10 am appointment. Home, lunch bit of a tidy. Went to the Range and bought new curtains, my old curtains were 'OLD' - well 8 years old and well washed and very faded. So tidy for Christmas now in the lounge. Got to get hubby to paint the one wall in the lounge and up the stairs 'under' the banister where we have caught everything that has been taken up and down the stairs. I need to defrost my freezer in the next couple of weeks and then apart from a few christmas pressies and the Christmas food - the jobs a good-un.

Hubby was off work today - not next week

So a nice surprise we decided to go to Stratford - upon - Avon today instead. The sun was shining, it was chilly - so an extra layer of a tee-shirt under my top, gloves and socks for walking around - brilliant. Haven't been there for a long time. Didn't buy much, but it was nice to browse. Making sure we do things now - not stuck in doing nothing wasting our lives away - (my leg didn't fair very well, but I'm so trying to just get on with my life now) don't think hubby is as 'into' this going out as I am, but he said he felt better than sitting at home watching TV all day whilst I crafted. He would normally go fishing but he's a fair weather fisherman - and today would have been too cold. A good day was had by all (DS and his GF came with us).

it was nice to see all the shops with decorated Christmas Trees and all the Christmas goodies - can't believe Christmas is only 6 weeks way - this year has flashed by. Better get my butt into gear and start thinking about what I need to do - but really Christmas just doesn't seem like Christmas these days.

A couple of weeks ago we were treated to a meal out - a very expensive meal out on a couple of lovely people, whom I now call 'friends' - hopefully will be invited over for Christmas-time too............. We went here:

Having been stuck at home nursing this bad leg for 4 months it was extra-specially nice to go out and enjoy a lovely meal with these people - but it also made me realise that we 'hubby and I' do NOTHING all year - he goes fishing when the weather is nice enough and I scrap/papercraft or whatever - we sit and watch a film together maybe once a week and we have a take-away maybe once a week - but other than that we don't do anything. So I took the law into my own hands and last Tuesday we went to see Skyfall - IT WAS BRILLIANT and just as brilliant going out with my hubby - just the two of us !

And then I have booked up to go to a small 'am-dram' play next Tuesday night and this is it - hope it's good......

Next Sunday hubby is off and we are planning a day out in Stratford Upon Avon - just hope the weather is OK.

AND a girl at work is a member of a private club (she's actually one of the directors) it's a club that has meals and dances and a regular DJ - you can pop in for one drink or stay the night and enjoy the entertainment - she said she will sign us in, so in a couple of weeks time - we might just take her up on it. I'm enjoying my life more - I didn't realise we were in so much of a rut.