Argghhhh-i hate putting the Refill in my Herma!!

Ok, ok, relax yourself Gina i say to myself, but one of my pet hates is putting the herma refill in my herma. So much so that in the past i've resulted to buying another dispenser as it already has a herma roll in it LOL (honestly i kid you not!!). I've been trying on and off to put the refill in, but to no avail. Is it only me that has this problem????? I have a layout i started last week that i want to finish but i need my herma argghhhhhhhh. looks like i need to buy another herma dispenser LOL

I'm hoping that my mother in law will look after my little one for a little bit this morning so i can get some of my thank you cards done, as i'm hoping to get them to my aunty this weekend. I also need to get my quote finished to send to my friend for her wedding invitations. i've been meaning to do that for ages, but recent events have prevented me from doing so. i really need to make it my priority now, as if i secure the order, it should hopefully pay for my DSLR that i want to get LOL.

In terms of the DSLR, i started off learning towards the Canon 350D and 400D, but i'm starting to really like the Nikon D40 and the D40X. went to Jessops yesterday and handled but the latest models of these brands, and though i prefer the look of the Canon 400D more, the Nikon D40X really felt good in my hands.

Over the weekend i hope to undertake a few papercrafting projects (family commitments allowing of course). wanna make a completed wedding invitation sample to show my friend, finish off the 20 odd thank you cards i've started, finish my layouts i've started, and make a mini album as a gift.......something tells me i'll be lucky if i get one of these projects done LOL. You'd think the fact that i'm home 24/7 i'd get more done wouldnt you??? the joys of being a housewife and mother LOL

Looking for the perfect DSLR

Well i've been putting it off in my mind, but i can put it off no longer. I cant deny it anymore, i'm turning 30 in October-argghhhhh!!! How can i be turning 30??? (in my mind i'd still 12 LOL) Oh well, in order to mark this milestone and to make the transition a little more easier, i have decided to treat myself to a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera. I've always wanted one, and actually got one many years ago, when i was young, free and single. However i didnt have much to photograph at the time, so it spent most of its time in its case. I did take some nice quality photos with it though, so i think its a perfect time and opportunity to get another one. I'm currently looking at the Canon EOS range, in particular the 350D and the more recent 400D, however, i'm also liking the Olympus E-400 and the Nikon D40X. decisions, decisions LOL!!

I also met my future sister in law (if all works out God willing). Shes a lovely girl, and my brother has done very well. Eventhough she is only 17, and he is turning 27 in the next few months, they seem very compatible, so i'm really hoping the age gap wont be too much of a problem. I'm actually really looking forward to us all becoming family, as we all had such a great laugh yesterday. I really get on with the eldest sister, and she has a little boy whose around my little girls age so fingers crossed it all works out well. The engagement ring saga continues. I discovered that Kristal (future sis in law), likes princess cut rings, and my brother told me to concentrate more on round cut. So much so i printed off a whole load of them for him to mull over. I did tell him she may prefer the princess cut, but would he listen.........no!! Oh well, not to worry, gives me more opportunity to drool over more rings LOL

Finally, made a start on some of my aunties thank you cards, so did manage to get some crafting done. will try to take and upload a few piccies later.....in the meantime i'll leave a few piccies of the DSLR cameras i'm researching, and a piccy of my brother and Kristal (i think they look cute together bless!!)

Meeting the sister in law today for the first time!!

Well after a long bumpy road with my brothers relationships, he has finally found the girl he wants to marry. He has always wanted to settle down, but was quite unfortunate with the girls he used to date. He is 27 this year and had always hoped that he would have settled by now. He met this new girl in Cyprus. We've known her parents for years, as they are family friends of my parents, but for some reason, we never met their daughters. The eldest, Suzy, is 28 (my age-ish) and we get along really well, but the girl that my brother is gonna get engaged to is 17. There is a 10 year gap between her and my brother, which at first was a little worrying. However, i'm told that they get on really well and have the same outlook on life, so i wish them every happiness. I'm a little nervous about meeting her but also really looking forward to it. Hope it all goes well. I've told my mum in law to come round this afternoon for tea too, so she can occupy the kids, whilst me and Suzy discuss the engagement ring (she was gonna get the ring size for me as well as find out what diamond cut Kristal (my soon to be sis in law LOL that sounds funny!!!) prefers. Those of you who read my blog will know that i've been put on 'Operation Engagement Ring' from my brother, as he is trying to seek out the 'perfect' ring!!

On a papercrafting note, i received a gorgeous kit from Scrummy Stash Cafe yesterday. I'm really into these kits at the moment, and i couldnt resist when i saw that they were reduced from £25 to £18.74. I went for the Phoebe Deluxe kit, and its absolutely gorgeous!! Loads of embellies and paper and bazzill. Take a look-isnt it lush!!!

I also have to make 20 thank you cards for my aunty. She called me yesterday to ask if i could make her a few to send to people to thank them for all their support throughout the last year or so, as my uncle battled against cancer. I cant believe its been 12 days since he passed away-we all really miss him!

Costco's latest scrapping treat!!

When i'm not blogging, online stash shopping, surfing the world wide web, or reading papercrafting magazines, i can often be found searching the fantastic online scrapbooking forum that is 'UKScrappers'. Sometimes though i wish i wasnt so hooked on this forum, as its been responsible for alot of scrapping purchases LOL. I tend to be easily influenced by the lovely peeps there, and often give in to the temptation LOL. Yesterday was no exception. As i was innocently browsing the shopping section (as you do!), i noticed a 'Costco' post, so of course i opened it to see what Costco were offering, and boy oh boy, i wish i hadnt seen it, as I NEED it now.

The value of this 'kit' if phenomenal, and i really want it! The thing is though i dont have a Costco card. my mum does but she wont be back in the UK for another 2 weeks........and i'm pretty sure this kit would've sold out by then (perhaps that for the best though lol). Isnt it gorgeous?

Thanks to Leigh11 on UKScrappers for the piccy.

Stalking the postie paid off!!

Those of you who read my blog will know that i have been waiting anxiously for my QVC SEI album for the last week (i get very impatient when waiting for stash deliveries LOL). The scrapagogo charity kits were also despatched on Friday too, so i was doubly excited at the prospect of receiving both. However I was a little nervous though of the post arriving today, as hubby is off as he is still poorly, and he would obviously see my eagerly awaited parcels. What a dilemma LOL!!

Anyway, i began stalking the postie from very early this morning. If i had to wait for our regular postie i would've started stalking from midday as thats when we get our post! Anyone would think we live in the dessert and not London-RM are such a pain at times. Thankfully though i knew that the scrapagogo kits come with the RM van, and our regular RM delivery guy is always prompt. Well the stalking paid off as I managed to catch him before he knocked on the door-phew!!! Hubby was none the wiser lol!!

I was so happy as both my SEI kit and scrapagogo kit arrived-yay!! Gorgeous they are too, check them out. Fingers crossed i can do some much awaited scrapping later. Plus i loved it when i read on the SEI kit that you can complete the album in 1 hour-result!!

Check this out-its pretty cool!!

Saw this yesterday on peechys (http://sweetpeechy.blogspot.com/) blog, and thought it was really cool!! Unfortunately they didnt have a papercrafting section so the nearest thing i could get to showing you how i spend most of my days is on a messy desk on my laptop LOL. Also i think my meez looks a little like me too LOL.

Ok, i really must finish off the layout i started a few days ago. Not sure i'll be able to today though, as hubby was feeling a little poorly last nite, with dizziness and vertigo symptoms. I'm letting him have a much deserved lie in today, as personally i think he is run down. The poor guy has been running the busiest depot in his company singlehandedly over the last week or so, so he needs his rest. Really hoping he wakes up alot better.

Engagement ring search is still on-going. I asked my new friend Suzy (who coincidentally is my future sister-in-laws sister), to do some research too for me. i asked her to try to find our Kristal's (my sister-in-law to be's) ring size, as well as find out what diamond cut she likes. I think shes got some news for me, as i just received a text to call her in the afternoon. fingers crossed we can finally go ahead and order it. Cant wait to see it!! May even push hubby to get me a new engagement ring too LOL. At the prices i saw on www.diamond-heaven.co.uk, you can afford to LOL. My brother was looking at .33ct diamond rings set in 18k white gold, for approx £850 Cypriot pounds (approx £1000 English pounds). he can get a gorgeous 1/2 ct marquise cut solitaire ring set in platinum for £750 approx, so it certainly worth it LOL.

What has happened to our summer by the way. Both my daughter and I woke up early this morning feeling cold. we came down with our dressing gowns LOL. really not what you'd expect for end of June. Apparently in Cyprus its approx 40 degrees where my parents are based. However, they dont feel hot at all, as they've just had their air-con installed.....that is until they leave the house LOL!!!

Quick Wedding Card. the challenge is on!!

Being the card maker in the family, i often get asked to make cards for the family. At about 1 o'clock this afternoon, my nephew phoned me to say that he was going to a wedding this evening, and he needed a card desperately. as hubby was at work, and with a young child to look after this wasnt gonna be too easy. luckily hubby was coming home soon, so i had half an hour to complete the task. Could I achieve it???? I like a challenge so i said yes. I quickly printed off the happy couples names on the pc, and punched out a few flowers and hearts and hey presto, i had a quick card LOL. Managed to glue them down literally 2 secs before he arrived to get it.....hows that for timing LOL!!

Was planning on completing my 'scrapagogo' layout too, but i had to go to Tesco's to get some shopping in, and alas i could postpone it no longer. What should've been an hour errand became a 2 1/2 hour chore. It felt like everyone was in there at once. it was like an obstacle course and the fact that they are having a re-fit (again!!), really didnt help matters. I was so relieved when i had finally finished and packed up all the shopping that all i could think about was going home and having a cuppa!! Instead as i reached the doors to leave i was greeted by a torrential downpour. Ok i thought, its gonna stop soon, i'll wait here. 5 mins, 10 mins, 15 mins passed and instead of easing up, its getting worse! Summer time pfffff, yeah right. finally after 20 mins of rain, it stopped and i quickly ran to the car, loaded up the shopping, and came home.

Anyway, i really cant be bothered now to do any crafting as my mojo has gone, so i thought i'd update my blog instead LOL, and upload my quick card.

Still no QVC SEI kit-arghhhhhh

Ok, i know that it still may come, but its been a week since i ordered it!! I've had things come from America faster LOL. Dont Royal Mail, couriers etc, know how impatient we crafters are??? I'm keeping my fingers crossed it arrives today (though i'm very doubtful that it will). I started a layout the other nite using my first official 'scrapagogo' kit. These kits are so gorgeous! Hoping to get some scrapping time later to finish it off. Looking forward to early next week too now, as the scrapagogo charity kit should arrive...cant wait!!

Off the papercrafting topic for a moment, my uncle's funeral yesterday was very emotional. My poor auntie was inconsolable throughout, which was very hard for me to see. She has not only lost her husband, but her best friend. They were such a great couple-the best!! I came up with an idea yesterday to make a scrapbook for her later on in the year when its her birthday highlighting them as a couple. Papercrafting touches people in many ways.

More engagement rings!!!

Ok, i've decided i am gonna scrapbook my search for the perfect 'engagement' ring. Its occupied my mind this week (which i needed!), and i've drooled over many a lovely diamond LOL!! I'm gonna upload a few more gorgeous options and hope to scrap them some time soon. The marquise cut is really growing on me. Its definetly unusual. Theres so many options to choose from, gone are the days of the classic round cut solitaire. theres now: marquise, pear cut, princess cut, heart shaped cuts, emerald, the list is endless.

Anyway, i have to get ready for the funeral today! cant believe its here. its 5 weeks to the day since we were told he only had days to live. He fought this horrible illness as much as he could. He certainly was a fighter. I'm really gonna miss him, he always made me laugh. Rest in peace uncle-i'll always remember you with a smile

A Little something to lighten the mood!

Ok, after a difficult day, and an even more difficult day ahead tomorrow, i want to lighten the mood a little. Noticed this on someone elses blog, and i love it!! Its quite true too. Amazing how accurate these things are LOL

Your Birthdate: October 2

You're so intuitive, it's like you have a sixth, seventh, and eighth sense. You connect with others freely and easily - and you tend to have many best friends. Warm and caring, it's hard for you to close your heart to anyone. Affection is like air for you - you need to give and receive it to survive. Your strength: Your universal compassion Your weakness: Your unpredictable mood swings Your power color: Mauve Your power symbol: Butterfly Your power month: February

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

What a distressing afternoon i've just had!

Just literally got in from seeing my uncle for the last time at the funeral home. Eventhough i've seen him deteriorate over the last few months, it was still a shock to see him lying there. He looks so small and frail. My uncle was never a big guy, but he looked tiny. I had gone to see him today, along with my auntie, and two cousins (his wife and two kids). I went in first, as they unloaded their cars with floral tributes. I want to give them time alone so i thought i'd say bye first. My auntie hasnt seen him since Sunday, and as soon as she went in the room after me, she started to hysterically cry. I didnt find that too unusual (though it was heartbreaking to hear), as it was the last time she was seeing her husband of 35+ years. However, 5 mins later she ran out crying. As i hugged her, she told me that he was bruised on the face and that she had not left him like that. i was shocked to hear that, as i had noticed the bruises but thought it was normal. The funeral home have now launched an investigation into the matter, which is devastating. Certainly not looking forward to tomorrow.

I know that this has nothing to do with crafting, but i had to write and jot these feelings down. I feel devastated for my poor auntie, as she now has this to bear too.

On the crafting front, i received some gorgeous goodies from HeidiHiCrafts, which costs just over a fiver, but are very lush! Still waiting on my SEI scrap in a box kit from QVC.

Another quick summary....busy day today!

I have a busy day planned today, so i thought i'd post a quick summary again. The search for the engagement ring is hotting up. Gotta say i love looking at jewellery, so this has really fun for me. He started off quite sure he wanted to stick with a round cut ring, but i sent him some emails showing the marquise cut ring styles, and they are really starting to grow on us.

Tomorrow is my uncles funeral, so today is my last day to go and see him. My family dont think its a good idea for me to go, but i need to as its something i will regret. I will also be helping my auntie with some funeral preparations so i have to get a move on. Really, really not looking forward to tomorrow.

Crafting wise, havent had the time or energy this week to do much crafting. i did make a sympathy card (really hated doing that), but other than than, nothing else. i am waiting for my SEI album in a box kit from QVC, as well as a small order from HeidiHiCrafts.

Hope to post another blog entry later on today when i've more time. wanting to upload some more engagement rings LOL-cant get enough of them!

The search is on.........for an engagement ring!!

Anyone that knows me will testify that i love jewellery. I love diamonds...but cant afford it (as a result of my 'stash' addiction LOL). the next best thing for me is QVC's 'zirconia' range.....diamonique (another addiction of mine LOL). Well my brother obviously knows this and called me yesterday to ask for my advice. He, along with my parents, recently emmigrated to Cyprus. Since emmigrating, he has found himself a lovely girl, and they've really hit it off. They are gonna make it official soon of their intentions to get married, but my brother wants to surprise her with an engagement ring (she really isnt expecting a ring bless). He went shopping yesterday in Cyprus to find a ring, but he couldnt find anything he likes. Hes also used to UK prices, and in comparison, the rings over there are really expensive. So he has asked me to get her a ring. he trusts my judgement so i'm now searching for 'the' ring. Its alot of responsibility for me, especially as i've never met the girl. mind you, she and her mum are over in the UK for a couple of weeks, so i will be meeting her soon. I've been told its got to be white gold, and a little unusual without being to 'out there'. hhmmmmm, this may be harder than i thought. i've included a few possibilites above.

Retail therapy.....boy i need it!!

After a terrible week, full of emotional rollercoasters, and with another horrible week ahead (my uncles funeral), i'm in desperate need some of cheering up. One way that always helps cheer me up is retail therapy, so i ordered an 'SEI scrapbook in a box' kit. I've always admired these kits, but never actually got round to getting one-until today that is LOL!! I've ordered the 'Garden' kit which will be perfect for my little girl.....cant wait til it arrives!

Yesterday 'Fathers Day', was very emotional too. I'm so glad hubby had a lovely day, he got spoilt rotten but he thoroughly deserves it. My aunty and cousins were constantly on my mind too. In terms of my own dad, its been my first 'Fathers Day' since they emmigrated too, so that was hard. We always spend the day together. My lovely mother in law invited us in the evening to dinner, so most of the family were there. My niece Christina in particular, always cracks me up, so she managed to put many smiles on my face! So all in all, it was a bitter sweet day

Happy Fathers Day!!

We paper crafters love days like today, where we can make cards, gifts, scrapbooks etc, for our loved one. My little girl and I spent a day last week trying to find my hubby some little gifts to fill a big cupboard box (the box incidentally housed the last QVC TSV lol!!). As I've been busy recently, we really took advantage of the day, and got Daddy some nice little gifts. Amongst them were a keyring and pen set with 'Daddy' engraved on it, a 'Super Dad' mug, an Elvis DVD (an idol of my hubbys), some mint chocolates, a couple of tops, and a dog tag 'Dad' pendant. My little girl and I had so much fun wrapping them (as you can see, she helped wrap them LOL_. Hubby has been spoilt rotten today.....he had a long lie in, had breakfast in bed, loads of pressies, and is now watching the Stella Artois tennis final. He deserves it though bless. He has really helped me over the last few days, following the death of my beloved uncle. My cousins are also heavily on my mind today as its not only been two days since they lost their dad, its the first fathers day without him, and that is so difficult to come to terms with.

I've uploaded some photos of hubbys Fathers day, including a photo of a card i made him. I was inspired by a gorgeous card i saw in the recent copy of Complete Cardmaking. I think the designers name was Christine.

Happy Fathers Day to all dads!!

In Loving Memory of My Uncle,May he rest in eternal peace

It is with a very, very heavy heart that i write that my favourite uncle Andy passed away yesterday morning. Apparently he passed away peacefully, and is now at rest. He suffered immensely, especially in his last months. Eventhough we knew his passing was imminent, its still shocking and heartbreaking. I went to see my auntie and cousins last night, and they are in shock at the moment. The next few months will be very, very hard for them. This Sunday is also Fathers Day, which is gonna be terrible for them. I pray for God to give them strength.

I need to do some crafting.....i'm going crazy!!!

Papercrafting has become a huge part of my life since i discovered it 2 years ago. It went from a hobby to an obsession. How I thank God for helping me to find this fantastic hobby, as its become my saviour in many ways. Apart from creating handmade gifts/cards for people, papercrafting has helped keep me sane, and in times of stress, i find it the perfect way to unwind.

Also after a hectic few weeks, i'm finally able to take some time out to do some blogging. Eventhough i've only been blogging for a few weeks, i've missed it immensely. As a stay at home mum, i obviously spend loads of time with my little girl. As much as i love her to bits, i do crave some 'me' time and an outlet for my thoughts and emotions on not only papercrafting but life, so this too has helped keep me sane. So in a nut shell, papercrafting (and now blogging) is my saviour.....and i plan to do some this weekend.

My poor uncle is still suffering. I went the other night to see them at the hospice, and its heartbreaking. A month ago today, we were all told that he had just days to live. He's hanged on for much longer than we thought, which is obviously comforting to us, but for him, he is really suffering. I cant even really begin to imagine how my auntie is coping. To see her husband of 35 years, go from a fun loving, active, well loved man, to a bed ridden, stricken with pain, shell of his former self is agonising. Shes been at his bedside 24/7, and in recent days, she has been scared to even have a quick shower, as she wants to spend every last moment with him. We, the family, are trying to ensure they have someone with them all day, as when the horrible time comes, shes gonna need all the love and support she can get. They were such a great, fun-loving couple, so this obviously makes it much harder.

I got my first official scrapagogo kit yesterday, and its gorgeous!! Got a few layouts planned for my husband with this kit. hopefully i'll be able to do a layout over the weekend. fingers crossed!

I promised earlier this week that i would post some photos of the engagement gifts i got for my brother and his girlfriend. got them both pendants with their names on. on my brothers i got his girlfriends name Kristal engraved, and on hers, i got his name engraved. I hope they like them.

So thats pretty much it for now.......gonna go and take the little one out for a bit, but hope to blog more later. fingers crossed, i'd be able to do some crafting too

Another Quick Summary-i hope to be back soon LOL

Well since i've last blogged, a few things have happened. With regards to my uncle, he is still hanging on. He is now, very literally, skin and bone, due to the fact that he hasnt eaten or drank for weeks. the morphine has made him really hallucinate over the last week too. Apparently it can do that, so hes tried a couple of times to get out of bed, forgetting the fact that he has no strength, and hes fallen down. My poor auntie is very drained too, as she is constantly at his side, day and night. its obviously very difficult for her to see him like that, and where she normally tries to hide the emotions, shes started to break down. Its a terrible, terrible time at the moment. I hope to go down later on this morning for an hour.

Other news, my mum went back to Cyprus last nite. she didnt want to go and leave her sister and brother in law (my poorly uncle), but she had some urgent things to sort out. shes comin back next month so its not too bad. i always get depressed when she leaves, especially now under these circumstances, it was harder saying goodbye.

Papercrafting news-Not much to report really. havent had time to make, order, buy or read about stash, over the last few weeks. I had a confirmation email from scrapagogo saying that my first 'official' kit is on its way. so thats something to look forward to. Hope to blog more later on when i have more time. til then, take care.

A quick summary

Since i last blogged, i've not really done much do to the fact that i've been feeling unwell. went to the Dr's last week and was given antibiotics, but they havent worked much, so i'm going to the Dr's again this morning to hopefully sort it out. i've been feeling lethargic, and generally unwell for a week or so. they said it was a urinary infection, but it hasnt cleared. Hopefully i can get a stronger antibiotic today.

My uncles condition continues to deteriorate, but he continues to fight it. He has lost even more weight, and cant speak much now, if at all, due to the fact that the medication is wearing him out. he also hasnt drank or eaten much for days. Will hopefully be popping down later to see him, if all goes well at the Dr's.

On a scrapping front-i'm now gettin really excited about my first 'official' scrapagogo kit as a member. not only that but i'm also expecting their charity kit too........just got to find time and strength to do a layout now. its even harder witht the scrapagogo kit, as the papers are so lush!!!

My brother and his girlfriend in Cyprus have unofficially become engaged, so i did manage to make them a card, and get them both pendants with their names on it. will try to upload a piccy later....the pendats are sooooo cool!!! Very bling!!

Anyway got to go now, gonna get ready for my appt. fingers crossed they can sort it, as there really is nothing more important then health!!