A walk with Twinkle Toes

Layout Makeover

2011-08-04T16:40:00.024+01:00

Thanks to my GoGo Fairy Godmother Nicola, I have been shown how to give my "poor" photos of my Layouts a little makeover.... I can't believe the difference xxxxx

And a couple more.... just loving teal at the mo xxxx

I am going to be going away fo a family holiday and on my return I will be starting my first DT kit for ScrapaGoGO, so I am really excited xxxx and I will continue to show this Blog some GOGO love and hopefully bring it up to speed.....

I have been so busy making Wedding bits that I have really missed completing my own Layouts and I want to catch up on the monthly ones for Noah too xxxxx

See you soon xxx

Magic and Sparkle xxxx Lisa xxxx

A few of my little man's Layouts xxx

2011-07-26T16:34:00.015+01:00

(If you click on the photo it will enlarge for you so, you will be able to see a little better)

I have decided to complete a LO each month for Noah to show how he is growing but also keep a record of what he has done and achieved... with his first month I chose Teresa Collins Papers. Which I have used for several LO of our little new born bundle of joy...

I have just taken these pics and the light is not that good... but I hope that you can see what I have done....

Traditional Christmas papers... for December xxx

And I for January I decided on Jade and Grey with White allowing for the snowflake theme...

The Sassafras brooch was given a little bit touch with Blue for the centre

And I could nor resist a little pink and red for February... after all it is the month of love xxx

To reflect the forthcoming Spring, I decided on yellow, red and green for March with the birdie theme.... tweet tweet xxx

And for April I played with the red, white and blue as it was the month of the royal wedding...

Did you go and see the big day.. or have a street party... we played at home and Noah enjoyed a ride in his "wheels"...

So.... I hope your still with me.... photo overload... will place some more real soon, I am busy finishing a Wedding at the moment... but I would rather be playing with my GOGO kits....

Magic and Sparkle xxx Lisa xxxxx

I am Back....

2011-07-24T19:14:00.009+01:00

So where have I been.... well I am a mummy again to Noah who was born in October 2010... it was a very worrying time awaiting for his arrival. But he is a healthy, very content little boy...

and growing very fast....

Do I still make and do.... YES, I am still loving paper and crafting and have completed many pages for both Gabrielle and Noah xxxx

AND.... I am really lucky as I am now a member of the Design Team for Scrapagogo.... (Big Smile)

So once I have re-educated myself and worked out how to post lists etc I will give my Blog the GOGO love it needs xxxxx

Tomorrow I am going to post some of the Layouts I have completed... its fun as I have the best of both worlds... scrapping with both Girl and Boy themed papers now xxxx

And don't get me started on the best kits going with Scrapagogo... why dont you pop over and give them some love xxx http://scrapagogo.co.uk

See you soon xxx

Magic and Sparkle xxxx Lisa xxxx

Shame on me xxxx

2010-03-21T19:51:00.002Z

Hello there, yes i am still around and i am sad to say that it has been so long since i posted on this little blog of mine xxxx blog! what blog!

Well, whats been happening... I was made redudant from my Children's Centre Inclusion Coordinator Post... but I have secured a post as a Senior Social Work Practitioner in a Disabled Children's Team xxx and I am starting my masters in September !!!!! the post is full time and I am working longer hours so I am really tired.....

Sadly i have had 2 miscarriages xxx but hopefully get news this week why, so we can plan to become team Griffin again xxxx

I have been really busy making... and will take an evening to place them on a slide show for you xxx I am going away this Friday on Gogo weekend. I have lots of photos ready and really excited xxxx

Well, thats it for now... will be back with my slide show .... PROMISE xxxx

Happy 6th Birthday Gabrielle xxxx

2009-09-06T10:34:00.015+01:00

I firstly want to apologise for my absence..... August and September are the months that we celebrate Gabrielle's birthday and then September is the anniversary of Gabrielle's death... So things have been a little tough and i have needed a little time out....

So what have i been up to... I have been making loads, i have to get photos for you. I feel that i have taken real steps to get Gabrielle's books started. When i found scrapping, it was to place the photo's of Gabrielle's funeral in.... and i know that sounds morbid, but the book is Pink and Green and holds lots of pictures of the flowers and the celebration after, as we celebrated my daughters life..... so I then became hooked on the techniques and the creativity.... buying stash and then realising that i was totally addicted...

So i have decided to start books for Gabrielle's birth, her birthday's, Christmas and holidays etc..... and i am enjoying it, although realising how much i miss my little twinkle toes xxxx

So for Gabrielle's birthday we decided to go to London for the day, spend some time at Great Ormond Street, light a candle and then see a show...

I manage to get some pictures of London.....

We saw the Lion King at the Lyceun Theatre, we decided on this as we saw the Lion King show with Gabrielle when we took her to Euro Disney.... the show was amazing, very emotional at times, i really enjoyed it......

In Covent Garden we found the most amazing cake shop called candy cakes.... it sold the most wonderful selection of cakes, in so many colours... so we bought a cake to share and then a cake to bring home for Gabrielle, as her little birthday cake...

It reminded me of when Gabrielle was in Intensive care, as a tiny baby we would buy a cake every Thursday to celebrate the week with her, as a thank you to her for being brave and strong... we also gave a selection of the cake to the nurses to say Thank you for looking after her xxxx

At Great Ormond Street we spent some time in the chapel, thinking about our little girl xxx We had Gabrielle christened in the chapel, just after her first birthday, it was a very special day to celebrate our little girl. At times when Gabrielle was in Intensive Care a priest would ask us about baptising Gabrielle, we decided that we would wait until we got Gabrielle home... and we are so pleased we did.

We have a Tinkerbel in the chapel, that we leave there for Gabrielle, we got it out from it's special little corner, and tied a balloon to it. We also lit a candle and wrote in Gabrielle's birthday card
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Below are some photos that i took when i went to Burnham On Crouch with Paul. We had a really rough couple of weeks and decided when we were sorting things out that we needed to spend more time together, getting to know one another again, as we had become quite lost....

It was a lovely day, walking and talking.... it's a lovely place and not far from where we live. I can't believe that there are places just around the corner from where we live that we don't know about. We have decide to start exploring them.

So below is one of the things that I have been making, a little maze book for my cousins friend Andrea. Who will be 30 next week.... I had great fun with the colours, using the black card for the pages, the pink and white really stood out xxxxxx

So i am off to do some more making today. I have loads of layouts t share with you... think i will need to get a little slide show ready.

Thank you for popping by, xxxx

Magic and Sparkle xxxxx

so sorry xxxx

2009-07-12T11:08:00.002+01:00

This little post comes to you with big apologies as i have been a terrible blogger of recent... but with good reason.....

I went away last week on a Makaton Regional tutor course.... and i PASSED....... so the weeks before i was cramming my signing and symbols....... The course was really intense starting lectures at 9am and finishing at 7pm.. with study and preparation required in the evening.

So I now need to run the second part of the course with another tutor and once signed off and licence purchased i will be able to go solo......

Work is really manic too at the moment and i am really feeling that all eyes are on me... so will see what happens as it is not a nice feeling... i have supervision next week and i will discuss this then.

I have also found facebook... i know a little late as i swore that i was not going to bother, but it has helped as i am now in touch with people that i went to school with and we had a reunion a couple of weeks ago.....

So I am going to get all my photos organised of the making that i have completed..... and i still have the Scrapagogo stuff to share with you....ohhhhhhhh i received the famous yellow box from them just before i went away. I was really confused as i do not subscribe... within the box were lots of goodies all wrapped individually with news that i had won the sketch challenge..... but i had not entered.... so i contacted them and the lovely Janice and Lorraine have told me that i can keep it......... HAPPY DAYS....... it had ribbon, brads, stickers, paper, "SLICE" apron and little stress shape, yellow bicycle bag........ so i am so happy.

So i am off now to try and get organised as beack to work next week and the ironing i have calling me upstairs really needs to be attempted.... then hopefully time for some making later.....

Promise i will pop back with some pictures soon ...... MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxxxxxxxxxxxx

ohhh i have chosen to print this in green as it is the Makaton colour xxx

Pics of me

2009-06-25T19:34:00.006+01:00

Life has been really hectic at the moment, both at home and at work. Feeling really demoralised at work.... but I have a weeks leave HIP HIP HOORAY xxxxx

I was really inspired at the getaway and I have been completing lo which will go into Gabrielle's baby book. I have lots of pictures from the getaway of my projects and of the bits I have done at home so I am going to sort them out and post later this weekend.....

So the pictures were taken by CJ, Thank you xxxx I am pleased with them.... will pop back soon with my LO's xxxx

Happy Fathers Day xxxx

2009-06-21T18:24:00.003+01:00

Happy Fathers Day, Daddy

With lots of love and lots of angel kisses and hugs

Gabrielle xxxxx

Scrapagogo has gone gone gone, but not for long long long xxx

2009-06-09T20:40:00.008+01:00

Below is where I was at the weekend..... for the Scrapagogo Retreat and I had the most amazing weekend............ohhhh and i have booked to go back next March hip-hip hooray xx

I celebrated my birthday making, making, making and it was the best!!!!!. I am going to post pictures of what I managed to make soon, but wanted to share pictures of the place first and as you can see it was beautiful. The treehouse below is just stunning and i did have a laugh climbing it with Lisa (Smartipants).

As you can see the rooms were very classy too... not that I spent much time in it as i did not go to bed till 2.30am and was up again at 6!

The classes we attended were amazing, and made some great yummies. Shimmelle's class was busy and I am yet to finish the book... but hope to do so tomorrow night at my crop. I also had my pictures taken by the majician CJ so I am really excited to see them.

Peekaboo!!!! The apron was a gift from Smartiepants and it is covered with yummy little cupcakes.

Being one with nature.... a little tree hugging.

Ching, ching, Shimelle.... but you really should'nt eat that sparkle......

Gabrielle was never far from my thoughts throughout the weekend, i sent her a princess balloon on my birthday, sent with a big kiss and a hug.

Well, life is really manic, I have just caught up after the weekend and I am off tomorrow night after my crop for 2 nights to attend a conference on Social Stories, which you use with children who have social and communication problems. I am back on Friday night and have work first thing Saturday!!!!! PANIC>>>so much to do.... Hope your well?

Magic and Sparkle xxxx

Unofficial Birthday

2009-06-04T06:22:00.009+01:00

I am so excited!!!! I have been awake since 4.30 this morning.....

I am off to the Scrapagogo weekend tomorrow for three days, two sleeps a whole weekend packed full of making, classes from the experts and also I have booked to have my pictures taken.......

The last couple of weeks have just passed by..... so whats been happening?

My weight loss remains at 1 stone 8.5lb and I know that i should be really pleased, but i was hoping to be at 2 stone. I am noticing a change in the way my clothes are fitting, i feel like MC Hammer as my trousers are just hanging off me, which to be honest is not flattering. I also feel that with my jeans on that i look like a bundle of rags all tied up in the middle, as i need my belt tight to keep them up. I have bought a new pair of jeans and some linen trousers to tie my over and i am pleased to announce that they are two sizes smaller than what i would normally buy..... (BIG HAPPY FACE). I don't want to buy too many as hopefully i will be able to go down at least another two sizes... fingers crossed.

My cousin Loise came and stayed with me on the Bank Holiday weekend and we went out so that she could get some bits for her flat. I am really lucky here in Chelmsford as there are several great home/ girlie shops that sell all those "finishing touches" that really make a difference. I am also only a 20 minute drive from Barleylands farm in Billericay that has more home shops and of course the great Sugar and Spice Scrapbook shop xxxxxxxx

I popped back to Louise's last weekend as I have had a hair cut and colour by the best hair dresser in the world.. princess Andrea. My hair is now black with some great dark pink/red slices throughout.

When I arrived at my cousins, I was met with....................

The yummy sweets and cakes below are printed on paper and that was placed at my seat to have my dinner.......and Louise cooked me pasta bake and i had chocolate dessert followed by the marsh mellow cakes. I felt like the queen as my birthday is not until Saturday this week, the 6th......

Thank you, so much Louise and Andrea I had a great time, as always and I am so pleased with my hair...pictures to follow xxxx

Last weekend we managed to get the Bar B Q out and Paul completed the compulsory caveman instinct and cooked up some great chicken, burgers and sausages. We were joined by our dear friends Helen and Lenny with their princess' Amelia and Niamh.

We had a great day as always, catching up and putting the world to rights. They have really stuck by us, since we lost our little girl.. Thank you xxxxx

We hope that we can get to catch up again.

Below is Niamh, pronounced Neeve. We are her proud God parents. It is so scary ti see how she is growing...... As we mentioned at the weekend it will not be long before we are planning her first birthday.

As you can see below, Amelia needed some sun cream.... as the weather was sunny......

So I am now off to get some ironing done and then I have to finish getting packed for the weekend. I also want to pop out and get a balloon to let off for Gabrielle on my birthday as I will not be at home xxxx

I am really nervous about the weekend, as I have never done anything like this before and i have never been away from Paul on my birthday since we have been together.... but i am sure that i will have a great weekend.

I am taking my camera, so watch this space, there may be a photo overload on its way.

I hope that you have a great weekend xxxxxx

Magic and Sparkle x

Little black and white book

2009-05-24T20:22:00.001+01:00

Above is the little blck and white book that I made for Paul for his birthday one week ago.... I have been making this weekend on a secret mission for my cousin's friend.

I am getting ready for Scrapagogo which is just a couple of weekends away.... i hope that your enjoying the bank holiday and the sun has come to play too.....

Happy Birthday Paul xxxx

2009-05-19T10:07:00.010+01:00

No your not seeing double, below is my husband Paul, on the right with his serious looking twin brother Colin.

It was their birthday on Saturday and we went away to Hunstanton in Norfolk, staying in a Caravan. They thought that it would be funny to both bring the same jumper to wear when we went out for dinner. We bought the jumpers in Disney in January... they did look like book ends. When they were little they dressed differently. To be honest I know that there are similarities, but I think that Paul looks more like his older brother Tony (unfortunately) as he is an arse (excuse my french)!!!!

We had a good drive in our new family car, the fiesta and it did not drink much diesel, so hopefully it will work out more financially cheaper. The site was quite nice, lots of friendly ducks as our neighbours, they even joined us in the van.

We went to Kings Lynn on Saturday for a browse and I bought Paul some clothes to add to his present, which was a Negative Scanner... it does something with negatives to convert them to be saved on PC.

The top above was a birthday gift too... Paul also chose some Marvel Comic Pants, don't panic I won't be taking any pictures of them.....

The beach at Hunstanton was beautiful and although it was a bit windy when the sun came out it was lovely. I really enjoyed taking photo's and Paul is now getting better at "posing" for me or should i say tolerating my want to have lots of pictures to scrap.....

I just love the sense of distance in the picture below, which to be honest is more luck than anything as I had my glasses on and could not see what I was taking a picture of.

I am looking forward to scrapping the pictures from the weekend, as they are my first lot of decent pictures.

Yummy chocolate fudge cake, Paul and Colin both had after their meal, with a little candle.... I just had a little taste... honest.

But I was not too good with the cookie that I bought for Paul from our little girl.... as I did share it with Paul. We also got one for Uncle Colin.

I made Paul a Maze book using black and white, which he really enjoyed. I will post this tomorrow, as I want to make a slide show with it.

I have got a busy week, Crop tomorrow, Slimming World Thursday (I think that it won't be good news!) and it's a Bank Holiday.... I spoke with my cousin last night and I think that she will be coming to stay xxxx I have booked for an all day Crop next Sunday and the following weekend I will be away for the great Scrapagogo weekend. I feel that I so much to organise, clothes which are a nightmare as nothing fits, which is good as I have lost weight, but don't want to buy too much as I need to loose so much more. I also need to prepare all my photo's for the classes that I am doing and also the pictures and papers for my LO that I will do in between...... ohhhhh.

Well that's enough for now, will pop back soon xxxxx

MAGIC AND SPARKLE

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LO, Car and a Voodoo Doll!

2009-05-09T19:26:00.005+01:00

Wow, what a week...... time passes so quickly!

I have managed to complete my LO for the challenge on Scrapagogo I am in the Orange team and they set the challenge based on the fab advert out at the moment for the Orange Network. It show's friends that can go to the pictures on free Wednesday's and one of the friends is a witch, as in the Wizard of Oz.

So the challenge was to use the lyrics from Wicked the musical or the script from the Wizard of Oz, oh you also needed to include Orange in your LO.

I chose one of my favourite pictures of Gabrielle, when she was 3 months old, taken at Great Ormond Street, just before we were able to bring her home. The words are taken from, i think what is one of the most famous song's from musical theatre...

Somewhere over the rainbow.....

"Where troubles melt like lemon drops"

The flowers were a little experiment, with the rainbow colours and buttons xxxx I just love buttons and have not used them for ages.

BOO!

Below are my niece, Ruby and nephew Luke. We had such great fun when they came and stayed last weekend. Watching films, shopping with pocket money, walking the dogs, painting and stories. We have promised them that we will take them camping in the summer holidays.

The card below I made for my aunt, who gave me a book all about flowers and paper crafts. She is a member of a book club and had to pick a free gift, so she ordered me the book. How kind? The card was an idea from the book, I will try it on a LO..... So thank you Jackie xxxx

How cute is my little Voodoo doll named Tinkerbelle, which is my user name on UKS and other little sites. I just love it and it now hangs pride and place on my little tote, which in itself is a work of art as I have added little bits to it for decoration. Some of which are really sentimental to me as they were Gabrielle's. So thank you Smartie xxxxx

So 4 weeks until the Scrapagogo weekend, which means 4 weeks till my birthday xxxxx Next weekend is my DH birthday and we are going away for the weekend to Norfolk, Hunstanton, I will be doing my home work and finding the great places to visit. .. I think that there will be lots of great photo opportunities xxxx more to go in my boxes of photo's to scrap up.. when will they ever invent a 48 hour day.

Oh, my little car below has gone to Fords.... I have a new car 09 plate Fiesta Zetec (diesel). I got it yesterday, it will be alot more cheaper to run and hopefully will become a family car... one day. Oh... big sigh... i loved having the roof down even though i would look like i had just been dragged through a hedge backwards!!!!!

So, going to have a little more play with paper this weekend, I have a little idea for a gift for Paul and Colin for their birthday's... THEY WILL BE 37........ i am typing this as he is looking over my shoulder shaking his head, a head that gets more shinier every day as the hair seems to get less by the day... I think that he would blame me for it!!!!... now he is nodding his head!... oh and i have some revision for my Makaton Tutor Course which is fast apporaching xxx AHHHHHHHH!!!!!

So we are going to go and watch A Series of Unfortunate Events now xxxx

Will pop back soon xxxxx

Sending our love xxxx

2009-05-03T22:42:00.013+01:00

Wow were has the time gone, things have been so manic!!!! Working 4 days a week really makes a difference and my Shining Stars Group at work has also started, so I will be working on Saturdays too....

It was the memorial celebration yesterday at Little Haven. Paul attended and was able to let some balloons off from us both. Pauls twin brother went with Paul too....I was at work as we opened our third service. I really wanted to go but there was a mix up and we did not get to know about it until the last minute.....

The roses that Paul took were the same ones as were in the flowers we gave to our little princess at her funeral xxxx

WE MISS YOU SO MUCH GABRIELLE XXXXX

I have made another maze book ths week, for my manager Moira who has left to start work in Thurrock. She has been a real inspiration to me an amazing practitioner. I will miss her, as she really has helped me. Here are a few pictures of the book.....

So we will be going out tomorrow with Luke and Ruby, I hope the weather holds up! Not sure where? maybe the zoo. Mind you would be good to take the dogs out for a good walk. Will bring my camera as I am sure there will be some good photo opportunities xxxx

Off to bed now, as I am shattered xxxxx oh, by the way my total weight loss is now up to 1st 3lb xxx BIG HAPPY FACE xxx but boy i would love to have a big pig out on chocolate xxxxx

Night night xxxx

I hope that your having a great Bank Holiday xxxx

All in a line xxxx

2009-04-26T20:15:00.007+01:00

I have made the most of the good weather and have been washing all of Gabrielle's cuddly toys. Gabrielle had a big basket full of them in her bedroom and we would wash them for her as they are little dust magnets.... We have not done this since she died so decided that it was time to do so and we are pleased that we have..... and we have also taken a big step and have packed them in some storage boxes. The thinking behind this is that we would like to give them to Gabrielle's brother or sister, hopefully one day, should the IVF work xxxxxxx

They looked so cute hanging on the line xxxxxxxx

I have spent the weekend continuing to try and clear "Mount Griffin" of Ironing that grows so quickly in the house. I have also continued with LO's for Karen and John's wedding book, i think that I must have at least 15 completed now, although I am running out of photo's to match to the cards, so I have made my request to Karen

Below are a few pictures of my making area that Paul completed for me... I still have a few little area's to finish off and will post better pictures when the whole room is completed. I am getting the new day bed this Friday.... so things are progressing....

Work tomorrow and i have to go for more blood tests for my treatment, checking my hormone levels.... will pop back soon xxxxxx

Magic and Sparkle

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Time passes when you are surrounded with stash xx

2009-04-25T01:11:00.012+01:00

Life is passing by so fast, I am finding myself saying that our little girl's 2ND anniversary is approaching. But to be honest it really feels like a life time xxxxx

I miss my little angel so much, I am thinking about her a million times a day. I just wish that I could share another cuddle, kiss and giggle with her........

Work continues to be hectic, I have a new manager now as Moira is leaving.... this change brings a little uncertainty for me, i find that i am not able to cope with change as much as i used to....

So what have i been up to..... I visited my aunts last Sunday taking with me my famous 4 booze trifle, containing: Sherry, Disonlarento, Contraeu and Brandy. I had a very small serving... honestly!!!!! I know that i was good as i lost another 1lb this week, so i am at the grand total of 1 stone...Big Smile xxx

Oh, last Saturday i went to Ali Pali for the scrapbooking and stamping fair... I spent lots of money on stash...... and had a real good time. I travelled with Shay, thank you for being such a good shopping buddy. We had lots of oohhh's, lots of ahhhh's and most of all lots of laughs xxx

I have managed to get organised for the Writtle Crop that I am looking after, buying some notebooks and a money tin. We met on Wednesday this week.... although we are small in numbers we will plod on as we all enjoy it. I am hoping to get more people to come and join us (fingers crossed). I am hoping to get some guest visitors to run classes, to bring something new to the group.

I have also welcomed a sewing machine to my family of stash... to be honest I am really scared of it as i did not have a good experience of using one at school. I will need to spend a whole day practising, to overcome my fear, but i know that it will be worth it as I will be able to do so much with it for my LO....

And to top it off i have bought a Bind It All, in the baby blue. I have re homed it from Smartie (lisa), Thank you....

So I am officially on a stash ban till i go away in June to the Scrapagogo Getaway...

(BIG SAD FACE)

Oh, before i go HAPPY BIRTHDAY mum xxxxx 60 TODAY xxxx

See you soon, Magic and Sparkle xxxx

Angels are everywhere?

2009-04-13T20:26:00.006+01:00

So, How was your Easter? I hope that you have enjoyed lots of chocolate!

I have had a real nice little rest, tinkering around at home getting organised. It has been really good to spend time with Paul (DH). He has become obsessed with some items that we have for sale on EBaY. They finish tomorrow evening, thank goodness. 1. It will stop him having to go and have a look if we have any further bids. 2.The money that we get will come in really handy as I have still lots to do to get my Crafting Space finished.

Above are some pictures of my first ever attempt at a Maze book. It was for my team on UKS the Prima Divas. I have had the books packed away to give to Lisa, but have forgotten to bring them as she has started to attend the crop I attend at Writtle College Chelmsford. I felt so sorry for the little books I thought that it would be nice to wrap them up for my teamies... I hope that they like. I have already received from Miss Tiggy (Shelley) and Craft Dee (Dee) and Lisa (Smartiepants) has some alterations to do on hers as they have fallen apart.

I have finished my first ever canvas, that I will be posting to my cousin for her kitchen. I will take pictures in better light tomorrow.

I want to go and start a book for my special friends Karen and John as I said that I would help Scrap Up some pictures taken from their wedding... shamefully they have celebrated their first anniversary already....

Take care, and thank you for popping by xxx Magic and Sparkle xxx

Easter fairies and chocolate xxx

2009-04-08T16:51:00.006+01:00

Happy Easter

xxxxxxxx

I have been looking on my favourite blogs and found some more cute little fairies.... I was at the County Living fair a couple of years ago and stumbled across the best stall. I bought some and they live in my kitchen in a little jar. When my friends pop over they all want to take them home. I returned to the fair at Eatser with loads more money to buy them and was so upset as the stall was not there. The lady that makes them Stephanie, lives in France. I was so upset...

But the good news is that she will be at the Country Living Fair this November... So I have time to save up as I might just have to buy them all.

Well Easter is here.... I am going into hospital tomorrow for a little operation, hopefully I will be home and recovered for the long weekend. I have lined up several projects that I want to complete.

As I am on a diet I will be eating minimal chocolate. I am hoping that I am well enough tomorrow night to go and weigh in, fingers crossed I have lost weight... the pj's may help.

Wishing you a lovely Easter, I hope that the Easter bunny bring's you lots of chocolate...

Magic and Sparkle

xxxxxxxxx

I so want to give all those cuties above a good home xxxx

Oranges and Lemon's and Limes too!

2009-04-05T18:19:00.010+01:00

I am going away in June for my first Scrapagogo Getaway and I am really excited xxxxx

I have been placed in the Orange Fizz team as we a split in the colours of Scrapagogo. In preperation for the weekend we can access the forun and chat to one another. They will set challenges in preperation too and I have completed the first one, which is above.

The challenge is to allow us to get to know one another. We had to list 5 facts that we are willing to share and must stick to the coporate colours Orange, Yellow and Green. I have had such fun......... I just had to sneak in a little pink, and I had a play with my favourite things.

I have included, stickles, punched shapes, die cut and embossing, stitching, rub on's, alphas, stickers, ribbons, buttons, paint, stamping, gems, journaling, pins, and a couple of different embelishments. It is the most busiest layout that I have completed to date and I love it. The picture that I used Paul took last week.

So, Easter is nearly here and all adverts on the tv are of chocolate and hot cross buns and it's driving me crazy. I am being really god on my diet, I lost 6.5lb in the first week and then gained 1lb this week and I am so MAD. I have been a really good girl, so fingers crossed this week I will have made up for it.

I have a couple of days off this week and I am aiming to have a whole making day. I am really enthused at the moment. I was asked informed last week that Sally could not run the crop at Writtle College anymore. So I have stepped into babysit and run the crop on Wednesday and I am pleased that it all went well. I have to book the future dates this week. All good fun..

So I can hear the ironing calling me and I can't ignore it anymore, I hope to pop back soon with more fun and makes... MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxxxx

5K for Little Haven with an EWOK!

2009-03-29T20:00:00.013+01:00

I was having a lazy morning in bed, cathcing ip with e-mails when the phone rings. 25 minutes later I was on my way to Little Haven Hospice as my brother was there with his children to do a walk. And so 10 mintes later Paul and I found ourselves doing a 5k walk..... How spontaneous.....and hopefully it will help with the weightloss. We took the photos of me walking as I want to look back on them in a couple of months (fingers crossed) and there should be less of me!!!!

As you can see above we met some characters on our way, I was really impressed, I think that they can be hired for events. Anyway, we had a really good walk and I found that I pushed myself as we walked quite fast among some beautiful surroundings. Next year we hope to get more people signed up too.....

The top photo Paul took this morning and although a little blury, I really like it. I will be using it for my LO for the Scrapagogo Getaway challenge.

Clocks went back last night, so spring is here xxx Lets hope the good weather is on its way...

Well, thats it for now xxxx

MAGIC AND SPARKLE

XXXXX

Picture Alert, Big Catch up xx

2009-03-27T15:37:00.014Z

At last after 4 attempts I have managed to get this published.......

I have had a really busy week with work I am attending an average of three apppointments a day and so I am feeling really tired....... I am also having to adapt to 4 days a week, which is helping as I have found that I need to be more productive and organised with my time. Since we lost our little angel I hsve struggled to get a routine established here at home, but with the increase in days I feel that I am making steps, no matter how small.

Good news I have lost 6 1/2lbs. I joint Slimming World last week and so I am really pleased. Fingers crossed I carry on with big losses as I have so much to loose... so watch this space.

Below are the photos that I took of my last entry in the Majic Circle Journal. I am pleased with it, I think that the use of PINK helps.

The book was larger than normal and so I had to complete the front and back sections seperately. I also used lots of different techniques.

The journalling on the book I completed as a little story....

Once upon a time I deamed that I would meet a prince, and I did and we were married.

And after 6 years of treatment we had a baby girl and she was named Gabrielle.

One day we will awaken Gabrielle from her sleep with a kiss and then we will live happily ever after.

I have recieved my CJ back, I will take some pictures and post tomorrow. I am really pleased to have the book back, it seems like so long ago that I posted it. So thank you to my fellow scrappers who completed their entry in my book xxxxx

Below are a couple of pictures of a LO that I completed a couple of weeks ago for a challenge on UKS. I have some more to load, but as I have had problems with this post I will wait.

I just love the picture, it was taken of Gabrielle when Paul and I took her to SNAP Parent group when she was about 2. They took it for a mothers day card....

And finally the pictures below are from Birmingham. I went there for the first time when I visited my cousin a couple of weeks ago. Thank you to Louise and Andrea, as I had a great day. The bull ring is a great place to shop, I just wished that I lived a little nearer. The Selfridges was amazing, filled with the most yummiest concesions, Hershey, Jelly Bean a little section with food from America. I was a really good girl and resisted.

Whilst I was at my cousins i had my tattoo on my left lower inside arm. I don't have a photo yet, but will have to take a picture. It is of 6 little black stars and 1 pink one, which is for my little star. I want to add the words Twinkle Toes to it and a couple of white feathers...

Well I am off to get the housework finished or should I say started and I am also having to have a little think as their is a challenge in preperation for the SCRAPAGOGO GETAWAY that I will be off to in June. My first time away scrapping, so really excited.

Will pop back real soon as I have more to post xxx

MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXX

Just a little Hello

2009-03-24T21:53:00.004Z

Hello, I am still here, but things have been really manic. My laptop blew up and have only had it back a week xxx and I have just felt really tired...... I have loads of pictures to down load, but when I log on it is always so late...... So will try my best to up load in the next couple of days....

So whats been happening; I went and stayed with my cousin in Milton Keynes and visited Birmingham to shop they were yummy, I just loved Selfidges, we also went to Northampton and I had my second tattoo xxxxx little stars on my left inside lowe arm, one is pink for my little girl.

My special man, has built me storage for all my scrapping and we have started decorating the "bonus" room. Its white with pink, I have moved some of Gabrielle's lovely bits from her room wo I have mixed emotions, but I am sure that she would like this.

So, been working really hard and experienced my second Mothers Day without my little princess xxxxx Thank you to my special man in a million Paul, who made the day as special as he could xxxx

Work tomorrow and I have three meeting's, hope to pop back in the next couple of days to post my pictures xxxx

Hope your well, Magic and Sparkle xxxxx

UKS Feb Week 4

2009-03-01T19:22:00.004Z

TERRRRIFFFFICCCCC T-I-G-G-E-R xxxxx

I have had such fun with this layout, that I have had planned for ages as I would like to in the albumn that we will make up of Gabrielle's VIP stay in Disney Paris May 2007 xxxxx

It was February week fours challenge on UKS:

6 of something: 6 brads plus 6 flat, button eyelets
Something on LO that flaps: ribbons and journalling
Repeat first letter in title: Terrific Tigger
Something new: new card from my American Crafts pack matched with the ribbon

Full marks for my team: 30, plus I can add 10 points for the Irks LO...

I will post pictures of the I Believe CJ, soon xxxxx

Magic and Sparkle xxxxx

BASB: "What irks me"

2009-02-28T20:47:00.005Z

BASB: Challenge... Late night telephone calls... really irk me!!!!!!

I have made use of the stash that I wanted to buy last week at Sugar and Spice, but didn't... so I had to just go and get it, or should I say that my darling, very special husband got it for me on his way home, both the patterned paper and a great "earth tones" colour stack by American Crafts.

I have really enjoyed this challenge and really love the reto papers.

Didn't get to Shays on Friday... wait for it.... she got her old sofa stuck in the front doorway, as she was hoping to get it taken away by the dust men. Her "man" ended up taking a sledge hammer to it. I really laughed as Shay text me, no one could get in or out her house, and the front door was open with the sofa jammed. The scenario of Winnie the Pooh, sprung to mind... Love you lots Shay and hope that we can make another date soon.

Have lots of making planned for tomorrow... see you then xxx

Magic and Sparkle xxxxxx

Flip, stash and irks!!!!

2009-02-26T22:49:00.012Z

Good evening.... Where have the days gone?

Things have been really busy, firstly work... There are going to be BIG changes and restructures. The good news is I still have a job, but it raises questions about where my job will take me... I have my appraisal this coming Tuesday, so hopefully I will get some answers....

Above is a picture of Paul finishing the Pancakes of the century. He is a Masterchief his pancakes are just so yummy xxxxx We seem to go through stages of eating loads and then not having them... It was shrove Tuesday this week, and we had pancakes and then again tonight....

I have given up chocolate for lent, and because I know that I can't eat it, I am craving it BIG TIME.... I must resist!!!

I have been buying some more stash, below is a picture of some of my yummy new bits. I spent a little at Sugar and Spice on Staurday... Thank you Marion for the great savings. I also got some bits at Bluewater, as I went with my mum on Sunday. My mum treated me to some bits from the Art shop there, not sure of the name... got some more yummy Sakura pens, stamps and the new Creativity Life magazine. I had a great time, my mum has just decorated her little loo, and I was her inteior designer, picking up the finishing touches, but not costing me a penny. I did get her some vases as a little gift to say Thank you for the holiday.

I am off to Shay's tomorrow for some making, which will be really good as I have some projects on the go...... I have been really good here today and concentrated on housework, although I must get the housework finished....
I have taken some photo's of the "Deal or No Deal" phone we have, for a challenge I want to complete for BASB: What Irks You?
I got some more stash today from Sugar and Spice again, the bits I wanted to pick up on Saturday but I was trying to be good... How bad am I? I have gone over my limit that I have set myself.. I must be really good next month!!!!

Oh well, it's getting really late so night night xxxx Hope to post tomorrow, with my finished projects xxx

Sweet Dreams, Magic and Sparkle xxxxx

Making Day with Mitchell and Gracie xx

2009-02-20T15:42:00.003Z

UKS Team Challenges: February Week 3: By Scrap Sisters

to Scrap with Penny or Pennies in; Use Scrap not bought in 2009 and to also include a mini book = 30 O=Points for the Prima Divas

As my nephew and niece are staying and we are all having a making day. I thought that I would ask Mitchell to help me and so he drew the face for me and wrote on the tags to make the book and also drew the border around the photo and the 12x12 paper.

The photo was taken in January when we were all in Disney Paris. We were all awaiting the Parade, Mitchell was not happy as he could not see, but infact the parade had not started yet and we had a good place. When the parade passed us we were right at the front and the characters came up to us to say hello.

Mitchell completed the tags with, I was sad, I was grumpy, I was bored waiting as that is what he said when he say the photo. This is the first time that I have included a childs work in a LO and I have really had good fun and it has also been fun using the acetate.

I recieved my little stash order this morning too from CraftSuperstore. I can't wait to get stuck in......

Magic and Sparkle xxxxx

2 Challenges for the price of one....

2009-02-15T19:43:00.004Z

This is February Week 2's challenge for UKS: And Scrap Like You mean It Week 5;

To scrap a Milestone and after 6 Years of "trying for a baby" and after a premature birth, we know that we were blessed to have 4 special cherished years with our little princess.. we miss you so much xxxxx

No patterned paper, create a background

Red, white, blue or stars and stripes... there are the cutest pinks stars on the brads

Gold embelishments; the glitter is glamour with a gold shine to it and the mesh that I have used alsohas a gold sheen to it.

So I can claim the full 30 Points for Prima Diva's; Green Buttons House.... I am also placing this in Scrap Like You Mean It; Week 5 as I made a conscious effort to use ribbons.....

Well, lots of irnoning is calling me, la la la la, I can't hear you.... I say but I must make an effort and do some. We got a new iron today so, better go give it a try, the last one broke just before we went to Disney....

So, I have a really busy week ahead, I am delivering training tomorrow, consultancy for Family Support on Tuesday and a Meeting and Duty work with the Disabled Children's Social Work Team on Wednesday... Crop Wednesday night, and my niece and nephew are also coming to stay Wednesday till Saturday.... So off I go now to start the mountain of ironing and then to get some zzzzzzz's.

Magic and Sparkle xxxxx

Yummy Cookie and Yummy Stash xxx

2009-02-15T10:14:00.004Z

Hope you had a great Valentine's Day xxxxxxx

I went into Romford with Paul to have a little browse around as we have often popped in after work and have rushed around, not really having a good look. We used to shop there all the time when we lived in Chadwell Heath, our first house together. So, we have lots of happy memories xxx (((Maybe because we had a smaller mortgage!!!!)))

I bought Paul the cookie that is above from Gabrielle, Paul loves it.... but I think that I am loving it more !!!! It only says's "I love you da" this morning!!!

Paul got me lots of stash from the Range, as they sell lots of PM (Ohhh this stands for PaperMania) and I was looking for a collection called Naught but Nice that they had out at Christmas. I must say that they have grown on me a little but I think that I would only be able to use them in moderation. As you can see below, I did not get that, but managed to pick up lots of other stash instead... I now have lots of Brads... shame hey are not of the Brad Pitt kind!!!! (in fact I would rather a Garver or an Arme) I say with a big big sigh!!!!!

When we got home we had a quiet evening at home relaxing, having a drink or two. I have managed to order the PM stuff and I am so looking forward to my little visit to Sugar and Spice next week as they have 20% off. I have put myself on stash rations, only being able to spend once a monthe when I get paid... I have give myself a little limit but I am not going to tell you how much as I will probably go over it every month... The bits below don't count as they were my gift from Paul.....

Well, going to make loads today hopefully as I have to finish off the last CJ entry for a book called I believe and I have to finish this weeks challenge......

Magic and Sparkle xxxx

Late Night BASB Make x

2009-02-13T22:55:00.005Z

I have had some fun and made a little LO for the BASB Challenge....
Within the LO there are a couple of firsts for me; the first time I have included any doodling on a LO, I was inspired by some Deluxe 12X12 and had a great time with a Glaze Pen,the first time I have made some of my own embelishments, the black ink splodges and hearts are cut freehand on Bazzil Card and covered with Glossy Accents, I have also used Glossy Accents on the letters which are American Crafts....

I just love watching Miami Ink.... What a dream to have those hot men tatooing you!!!!!

(Yummy Yum, better than chocolate!)

I am hopefully getting my next tatoo in March, and I have the transfer of my tattoo I had completed last year ready to scrap, just need to get a good photo of my tatoo, so watch this space.

xxx Magic and Sparkle xxx

Hot Men, Hot Husband and the best Daddy xxx

2009-02-13T15:50:00.010Z

Here is the card that I made for Paul for Valentines tomorrow..... xxxxx

I am not working tomorrow,so we are planning to go out for the day and just spend some quality time together. I have been asked what I would like and how romantic I have asked for Stash!!!!! I am getting low on brads and little bits so I want to try and build up my basic stock.....

I have also found a new blog thanks to Polly... (lub)...its called BASB and it has lots of exciting challenges. I am really up for the present one to scrap someone you luv, other than your partner... so watch this space, I may have ago.... check it out it is in my Yummy places list with a link....

* WARNING *

BELOW ARE SOME TRULY HOT MEN

Now look at the photo below of my true love Paul with our little girl in Disney Paris, May 2007. I think that there is resemblance of the men above... how lucky am I married to a man who is so good to me; loves me, treats me and really cares for me and was just the best Daddy in the whole world.

I love you daddy xxx Happy Valentines xxx Love your little Angel xxx

2009-02-10T20:33:00.005Z

I am soooooooo happppppeeeeeeeeeeee.... I popped onto Sugar and Spice's Blog earlier and that this little blog of mine is listed..... what a priviledge.... THANK YOU SOOOOOO Much Marion xxxxxxxx I owe you some chocolate xxxxxxx

I have had a troublesome day as I did not manage to get into work, after two and a half hours I turn't around came home and managed to get some work done although was having real problems with my little PC.....

Above is a little gift that I made for my little goddaughter..Niamh Marie Hunberstone, I made it to give to her on Sunday with some other cute presents. There is a yummy shop in Billericay called The Olive Branch, I was so spoilt for choice, but decided on a Silver heart engraved Goddaughter, a teddy with a pink junper and a little cross on the jumper and a beautiful frame that is pink and silver with a little crown on the top. We had a really good day.... although mixed with emotions... Thinking of you always Gabrielle....

Anyway, I am in work tomorrow and I have sooo much to catch up on so I am going to leave really early so night night.... catch up soon xxxx

Magic and Sparkle xxxxxxx

The Majic Circle xx

2009-02-05T14:47:00.021Z

So, my first Circle Journal is nearly finished.... And to catch up I have posted you some pictures of the entries that I have made and sent on. I am so excited to get my CJ back and hope that it is full with great LO.....

I have enjoyed the CJ as I have used colours that I would not normally use.

This is for a Low Fat Recipies CJ, I had great fun putting in a lovely recipies for Raspberry Cupcakes... what else! xxx

Now, shock horror I have used brown and pink for the CJ below. I was not a fan of these colours until I completed the entry... The CJ was entitled If Only I could....

I had great fun and really love the papers, and the tape measure....

One of the CJ's was called My Favourite Thing's and had a DLO of a garden scene planned, then whenI looked in the CJ everyone else had thought the same.... So I decided to play with the title and complete my entry on the song from the film and musical The Sound of Music...

I was not a lover of Snowflakes before I completed the entry, but they have grown on me... and of course my "Girl in white dresses with blue satin sashes" had to have a little glamour dust.

For the CJ Wherejust had to have fun with the Essex Girl Thing....

Love Is CJ, I had to have a real think as I was planning to complete a LO on Last Rolo, but someone beat me to it. So I thought I would complete one about Marmite kisses, as I love it and he hates it xxxxx

Always Wear Sunscreen was the CJ that I was really looking forward to as you are to complete a LO on someone that has inspired you or made a real impact on your life. For me it is a lady called Theresa Healy as she was my Brown Owl, when I was a Brownie Guide. I went on and became a Young Leader. In life I have pursued a career in Social Work, specialising in Disabled Children. Within the Brownie Guide Law and Promise you state that you will always try your best and help other people... words that I have always kept close to my heart xxxx

I have on more CJ to complete on I Believe.... then I should be getting my CJ back, so I will be able to share it with you soon.....

I am so proud, completing this entry after so long... I hope that you like xxxxx

Ohhh.... below are picture of the CJ I completed The Beauty of Nature.... I nearly forgot it and I enjoyed comleting it... after all it has got alot of pink in it.... and also Dream a Dream CJ, which really enjoyed too completing the LO about my prince, my husband Paul and our little princess Gabrielle xxxxx

Just a little message xxx

2009-02-05T14:29:00.003Z

Hello.......

I have not blogged for so long as I have been having such a bad time.... I miss my little princess with every beat of my heart and I think that the reality of living or should I say existing without her has finally hit home... with avengence.

I stopped blogging lat year and then did not scrap for months, was just finding it all too much.

I have now started to scrap again and I am really enjoying it and think that I might start to post again.....

So give me a little time and you never know I may start posting my little makes xxxx

Flowers, Fete and Martin Fowler!

2008-07-13T10:31:00.010+01:00

Well, I did it... I had my first selling event at Karen's Fete... my little crafty stall called Twinkle Toes..... and I didn't sell a thing (BIG SAD FACE).......

The fete was really aimed at parent with their children wanting to win prizes. I had a little interest on my stall, a handful of parents came and had a look and the feedback was positive. But to be honest with you I think that I really did not have the right "audience".

The Emily fold out was another make for my stall. Thank you again to Sugar and Spice... MARION, who encouraged me to have ago at making one. I am able to offer in any name and obviously other colour ranges. A few of my friends are asking for some... I really enjoyed making it... I choose Emily as it is Gabrielle's middle name and I think that Gabrielle was too longer name for my first make, just in case it did not work out... but it did!

I know that I would have loved to have placed one in Gabrielle's room... and I think that it is a great christening present too.

Above are the beautiful flowers that Matt and Shell bought me for writing Cassie's little poem for her birthday... and they shouldn't have...... Both Paul and I are going to Cassie's birthday party next week and we are excited... I am going to help out and do a little interpreting as some of the children going are Deaf... I have not signed BSL for ages, so fingers crossed. And I have my Makaton training this week, so I hope that I don't get mixed up.. also I am a little nervous as I really need to pass the course as I would like to go on and become a tutor... this will be a test to see if I could go on further......

Above is my friend Karen with James Alexandrew.. MARTIN FOWLER, he came to the fete yesterday and cut the cake for the nursery, which is now 10 years old... HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUST LEARNING @ WHIPPS CROSS, and well done Karen you have a great nursery established.. It is very rare in the nursery "world" that you are able to keep your staff, as the staff will move around from one nursery to another mainly in search for better pay.. which is a real crime as the pay in the child care profession is appalling... don't get me started on my soap box..... But Karen has staff that started with her 10 years ago and also a lot of staff that have been there for over 5 years... a real testament to her great management skills.....

Well, here are some photo's from my stall, which I must say I think looked really good.... fingers crossed I might be able to do a craft fair, where obviously the people attending will be going ti buy Crafts... also I have been asked to take my makes into a little shop in Writtle, so I will give that a try...

I am off today to have ago at the weekly challenge and also I have a CJ to finish and I am also making some bits for Cassie for her birthday... busy busy bee xxxx Magic and Sparkle..... xxx

A robot has been born

2008-07-06T19:51:00.006+01:00

I am in making heaven as this is my last weekend before the fete... so I have added to my Manekin collection with a Robot as a way of adding a "boy" member... and I am really pleased with the outcome.. I have started to run out of ribbon so will need to go and buy more stash.. ohhh what a shame!!

The next couple of weekends are really busy and I have some training coming up so I need to get revising my Makaton... Well this was just a quick hello... must go get making

xxx MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxxxx

Marathon making madness xxxx

2008-07-03T21:26:00.009+01:00

I had a really productive afternoon yesterday, finishing off started prjects and completing projects.....

The above is the challenge that I completed for the last week in June. I had misplaced my lead and so I had problems downloading it onto UKS. I really enjoyed the challenge as it was about a city, I decided on LA...

I have not been there but Pauls brother Colin has, so I had fun Scrapping the photo's that he took. I also love the paper... not my usual style, but I am really enjoying branching out with diffferent bolder patters.. maybe its part of my learning curve.
Above is one of my favourites, of couse completing it on my little girl.The layout was part of my Page, Page, Page day at SUGAR AND SPICE. Although I did not place the photo's. I think it brings it to life.

And below is another layout from the day that I also needed to finish. I also added sme more detail. I just love the photo as it is so natural and also it is coordinated, matching the paper.

The photo was taken at Bognor last year, a real valued holiday now, looking back at it.. it's a shame that we did not get Gabrielle in the photo too...
And below is another of my footprint creations. As I felt it was important for Gabrielle to enjoy painting and she loved having her feet painted, we struggled to paint with her hands as she would not open them very well, she prefered to tuck her little thumbs in... Anyway I think that I could publish a book with 100 ideas of things to make with footprints... It's another little item for Karen's Fete...
Quite productive hey, and I managed some tidying and also I cleared the ironing... and yes you can hear the sounds of trumpets fanfare... I have some more figuires to paint up.. I think that a little robot will be born soon.... MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXX

Tag and BIG make, make make's xxx

2008-07-02T21:29:00.004+01:00

I was tagged by Beautifulily last week, but have not had a chance to do it!!! It's the first time I have been tagged.. so if I have broke the rules I apologise just been manic sorting out for the fete and my return to work... So here it is:

10 years ago: I was working in A&E living in Chigwell in Essex... I was with Paul my husband and we had just bought our first house together, so we were decorating it. The house was in Chadwell Heath. When I look back on my work in A&E I realise how I enjoyed it.

5 thing's on today's to do list:

1) Finish the Rocket Footprint picture

2) Meet Shell in Chelmsford and visit Tickety Boo

3) Complete the weekly challenge

4) Tidy up and sort out my projects and challenges folder

5) Finish the ironing

5 snacks I enjoy:

1) Chocolate of course: Reece's Peanut Cupcakes (anything that they do in the orange wrapper)

2) Marmite on toast

3) Biscuits

4) Popcorn

5) Black Jacks

5 things I would do if I was a millionaire:

1) Give money to charity

2) Buy a new car or two including a VW Campervan, split windscreen

3) Pay off the Morgage ?? may buy new home

4) Invest

5) Holiday; New York; Disney;

5 places I have lived:

1) Chelmsford

2) Wickford

3) Chadwell Heath

4) Chigwell

5) Basildon.... what an Essex Girl

I have tagged: Susy's Scraps: Mrs Tiggy: Paige: Coxeby and Scaphappy xxxxx

Below is this week challenge, I have been really busy today and made loads but will post the pictures tomorrow xxxx MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxxx

Catch up...

2008-06-28T12:34:00.004+01:00

Hello, What a week I have had, three day's at work has really wiped me out. Its a shock how having time off and then returning back to work can have such an effect on you, both emotionally and physically.

We have managed to confirm our holiday for Gabrielle's birthday as we were looking on a site with a thread just like UKS and there were rumours on the thread about what you actually will get as part of the package and also about the accomodation.... Very pleased to say that we will be getting the same as we did in the Disney Hotel..... infact they were really helpful on the phone when Paul explainied the importance of the holiday and they even offered to get us into Castle Club at the Disney Hotel......

I have been really busy making matchboxes for the Fete in a couple of weeks time and will be starting my flagbooks later... I also will be making a picture using Gabrielle's foot prints... so best get to it... ohh I heard from Scrapagogo and I might have a place on their third getaway next year .... still having a think about it as I can be quite nervous in unfamiliar setting, especially if I don't know anyone.....

Also I was asked this week to take examples of my work into a little shop in Writtle as they maybe intereasted in selling, sounds like fun, but I am worried they won't like my stuff (fingers crossed) xxxxx MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxxxx

Circle Journal 2nd Post

2008-06-24T19:56:00.004+01:00

Above is some photo's that I took of my first Cj that I recieved from Krystal Majic (Jacqui). I found it quite hard working on a smaller scale..... as I not have as much room to play around with to get all my bits and pieces placed on... and the letters were larger than I anticipated to label my layout... ( Can't wait till Christmas as hopefully as I have been a very good girl I should get my Cricut Expression!!!) would have made life a little easier....

I have continued making all day.. more matchboxes for the fete....and hopefully will have my last batch finished by tomorrow evening as I want to get stuck in making some flag books. I did pop into Chelmsford this morning and went into one of my favourite shops.. Tickety Boo.... Oh my the shop was full of bits that I wanted a true girly shop.... but with Euro Disney booked I need to save my pennies... It was really hard.... But I did manage to buy a little plastic jar with a catch on it will be perfect for my stash.... xxxx Back to work tomorrow; must go get organised xxxx MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxxx

Baby Pink Project and Challenge

2008-06-23T10:33:00.009+01:00

Last weeks challenge on UKS was to complete a layout on something that you are proud off and without a doubt of course I was going to complete a layout of my little girl.... (another layout in pink....). It was while I was completing the project and the journaling as part of the challenge that really made me think how very special my little girl was.... ohhh I miss her sooooo much.. you could not imagine.

Our little girl was born at home at 26 weeks gestation, before the ambulance arrived weighing 2lb 2oz (feet first, which is why we called her Twinkle Toes). Gabrielle spent 4 and 1/2 months in hospital on NICU. And if you were to look up the problems that a premature baby could have my little girl, had them all and some of them presented several times. We were very realistic during our stint in hospital about Gabrielle's chances of survival, but as soon as the problem arrived, it was gone and our little girl bounced back stronger.

The Cerebral Palsy, was a result of a bleed that Gabrielle had on her brain at 4 day's old and it was bilateral, affecting all four limbs (Quadrapegic Dyskentic Athetoid Cerebral Palsy). Our little girl had a list of medical problems as a result of the CP, but I tell you she was one of the healthier children from her little group of friends. I think that it is why it was such a shock when we lost her last year.. no warning..... Gabrielle always had a smile, even when she was really ill (even with Menningitis as a result of her shunt)... the doctore would say, she looks happy and I would really have to stamp my feet and insist that I knew that she was not well. Maybe in the end our little girl was tired and did not want to smile anymore.... xxxxxx

So here is a picture of the challenge and also there are some pictures of a Manekin that I completed, it was a Cyber Challenge on UKS a while ago I think (before I was addicted and logging on).... more photo's of our little girl as a baby... to look at them you would think that she is a new born, Gabrielle was infact 4 months old!!!!!

MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXXXXX

More yummy cupcakes xxxx

2008-06-23T00:38:00.009+01:00

I just cannot get enough if cupcakes..... I went to a class at SUDAR AND SPICE and made this little mini album.... I just love it.

I added some photo's taken at Gabrielle's third birthday and was really pleased as her little outfit matched the colours....

The class was very involved and we used lots of techniques but I am really pleased with the result and think that the cupcake looks good enough to eat xxxxxxx MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxxxxxx

I am sooooo tired xxxx

2008-06-20T20:25:00.003+01:00

I am sooooo tired, I went back to work on Thursday and it has been a big shock to my system.....but really enjoying it. I am changing the line of my work focussing on additional needs and inclusion... Had a great meeting today and will be running Baby Sign hopefully later this year....

I have not completed any Lo's or work for 2 day's or been on UKS... having withdrawal symptoms now...... I did pop to Artbase and have bought myself a little wooden manekin to paint up and then attach a mini album, following a challenge that was placed on UKS, following on from an Oscar's theme.... fingers crossed it works out ok..... Anyway I need to finish this weeks challenge and also get painting... also have my CJ to finish and some bits for Karen's Fete.... WOW!!!!....best go and do some work.....MAGIC AND SPARKLE.....

Matchbox Minibook

2008-06-17T13:13:00.004+01:00

I completed a course the other weekend at Sugar and Spice making a matchbox mini book, I had so much fun. It was really good making something special out of something used witin the home without a second thought. During the course I did not bring any photo's and felt a little left out towards the end as everyone was finishing their little project off, adding their little bits to the tags... and it really made their projects.

So I decided to finish mine and then made one for Paul for Fathers Day adding a selection of his favourite photo's and I must admit I got a little carried away with my new Stamps... It gave me a real boost once I stared adding my own little touches... whilst I was in the course I was really aware that everyone else was busy with theirs and I felt a little blank as to what I would do with mine...but I feel that it really came together.

I have also decided to tidy up and finish my Projects book, as I have a couple of layouts that need some photo's placed on, and I have also made sure that they all are dated...... With this in mind I am now realy keen to get started on Karen and John's Wedding album... so I am going to chase her for the photo's.

Well, I am off to a Cupcake Mini Albim morning on Saturday... this should be so much fun xxxx MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXX

Back to Disney for our little Princess xxxx

2008-06-16T21:55:00.003+01:00

We have booked to go back to Euro Disney for Gabrielle's birthday.... as when Gabrielle died we said that we would go back to the princess castle to where sleeping beauty sleeps and let off some balloons on her birthday... So we took the plunge and just booked it today, without thinking... we really can't afford it, but as we know life is too short and we do not want to let our little girl down.... So we are really excited..... we are going to stay in Disney New York Hotel and have even booked the Suite; Empire State Suite... VIP, just like we did for our little girl last year..... But to our suprise the Park will be open from 8am till 11pm and then there is Firework display.... three long day's...MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXXX

I love you daddy xxxxxx

2008-06-15T22:09:00.002+01:00

I love you Daddy and Happy Fathers Day.... You are the bestest daddy in the whole world..... and always will be xxx.. I know that you are sad, but remember my laughs xx and smile.

Paper and String

2008-06-14T22:43:00.007+01:00

Been busy making a little gift for Paul for fathers day tomorrow.. also got loads of photo's developed todayso will be able to place them in my Flag book and also finish my CJ entry. We went out for dinner tonight... bloody nightmare.... First of all one of my lamb cutlets was so rare I could not cut it.. had to wait 25 minutes for another and then they served it to me on a saucer... how classy! Then Pauls dessert was missing the ice cream and also my Irish Coffee had too much cream, pouring over and no visable coffee.. so had to wait for another one.... They did not give us any money off or good will guesture. It's a shame we regularly eat at the pub and until today we had never had any problems, boy did tonight make up for it....

Anyway thought I would share these great pics with you from Paper and String, as listed within my yummy places... I MUST GET SOME.... BUT I WANT IT ALL... CHECK OUT THE SITE XXX MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXX

Weekly challenge and some blooms in my garden!

2008-06-13T18:38:00.000+01:00

Took some photo's in my garden this morning, as it was rather sunny, despite being warned by the weather people that it would rain... I was really suprised as all off a sudden there is a big flourish of colour at the back of the garden, they are clematus... (I think)

I planted some flowers last year and they have also started to come out, it is another clematus, I put it in the corner of the garden near the Garage, I must admit I am suprised as it seems to be taking off now as I have started to bob and weave it within the trelice. The flower to the side is the only flower open at the moment.. but I am sure that there is more on their way....

This is my first attempt at completeing a layout using an "old" photo, as it was part of the challenge to use a photo of childhood.... I was pleasently suprised as I had a paisley dress on and I have recently really got into Paisley papers and decorative bits.. so I found it quite easy to put the layout together.... I also used a stamp that I bought for my birthday.... (Nina you will be proud of me)... and I also inked the edges.....

I have just found out from my mum that I was three when the photo was taken, so I will put my age on the layout... I was also suprised as the photo was taken at Green Lane in Dagenham, yet my mum and dad lived in Brentwood, and Paul grew up in Barking and then moved to Dagenham when he was about 8, what a small world.....

MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXXX

Love Elsie .....

2008-06-12T20:33:00.000+01:00

I have fallen in love with Elsie.... and I am so desperate to get her new Recipie Ideas Box, I saw it on Rachel's blog and now I am feeling a little Cabbage Green with envy as I cannot seem to find it, so I will have little search tomorrow, posting on UKS..... And after having a massive haircut the other week at my cousins I feel that I now have the bug and want to cut some more hair off... thinking that Elsie's Hair cut looks quite good... but I don't want to start looking like I am obsessed!!!!!!!!

Went to a Crop last night and have got a good start on my CJ entry... but feel that I have so many bits to catch up on and finish... Also fathers day is fast approaching and I would love to make a little something for Paul xxxxx

I hope that I can get all my little jobs finished.... and there is a pile of ironing calling me, but I am ignoring it for tonight!!!!.... MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXXX

Stash, stash and more stash.. and a flag book too!

2008-06-10T13:59:00.000+01:00

Who's a lucky girl then... just look at all my stash... The first picture if of the round of stash that I bought from Artbase, in Hornchurch which is in Essex. It was my first purchase of a large stamp set, in which you can build a swirl... I also got a couple more stamps, punches, stickles, tags, paper, and "rub ons" as well as a little mix of other embellishments; some a plastic and some are metal...

The Fastemator and bars, with my stitch maker's and stickers are from an order I made in the bath on my laptop on my birtday; talk about heaven.... I used some money that I recieved from my mum and Paul's mum. The delivery arrived the following day at 8.45 AM. I have been after the Fatenator for ages, I think that I will especially use it when I start my Disney book, for the holiday that we had last year with Gabrielle.. they do some great Disney staples... so thank you Paperarts xxx

So, this little stash purchase was from Sugar and Spice, to be honest with you I was feeling all bought out.... The Around the Block clip fastner, I was really looking forward to using, but the clips can be fastened without the tool....

So a little more, I bought on Saturday, I have used the Sissix die cut already on my new Cuttlebug I have named Ladybug..... there are so many I would like to buy.....

This little stack of paper was from Sugar and Spice too.... lots of bright colours, I have booked in to do a Cupcake mini album in a couple of weeks, so may try one of my own after....

This stash was from Karen and John for my birthday, I have used some of the paper in Gabrielle's book but I bought it seperatly, now I have a whole book of coordinating paper. The punch makes a really cute little tag, I have plans to use it on a Layout with individual words on each tag...

And here is the impressive Flag Book that I made on Saturday at Sugar and Spice.... I made it from scratch, and loved every minute of it... must admit though the folding to make the spine was a real test if my patience....

The individual flags were made with two different colours. have ordered lots of photo's to go within it. I was really impressed how you can make the book with such little stash.

I love the book... whatdo you think??.... MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I am now 35 xxxx

2008-06-10T13:43:00.000+01:00

I thought that I would share this little birthday cake with you, I know it is a little late but things have been a little manic. After my shop and little class and then show on Saturday, we went out on Sunday to our good friends Karen abd John's. Karen cooked up a Bar-b-q...there was loads of food and had a really good time.. Boy that woman can cook. It was really good fun and Karen's parents and brother was there too... Karen also bought me some stash, which was very thoughtful.... I just need to start placing an additional 5 hours within the day to be ale to make some layouts and bits with all the new bits.

Well, thats my little catch up for now, I am going to post my new stash later and also the Flag Book, I made on Saturday. I am also back to SUGAR AND SPICE tonight to make a matchbox project.. not quite sure what it is called.. xxx MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxx

Magic Circle is in the post ....

2008-06-05T18:29:00.000+01:00

My first CJ...... I have posted it off today, I feel bad as I receieved mine at the beginning of the week, mind you I have till the 25th of June to complete my double layout. I decided to set my CJ as S is for Scrapbooking, allowing everyone to choose a letter and them complete their layouts followingon from the theme with their favourite stash.... obviously I chose P is for Pink, mind you it not need be a colour it could be a theme.. G is for Garden ot D is for Doodlebug, C is for Cupcake... it is endless.......
I will be having a think about Naughty but Nice, the theme for the CJ I receieved from Jaqui (Crystal Majic). I have really enjoyed completing the book and it's so exciting waiting for books from the grls in the circle and then having to have a think about what you would like to put in......
I have had a big think about the weekly challenge on UKS today and as it should be a song by the Rolling Stones, I think I may do Brown Sugar or there was another one about the colour of a rainbow.... showing my age as I don't really know the songs.....
Tomorrow, is my birthday and I will be 35.... so hope to go out and do sometin special with Paul, feeling really sad as I miss my little girl soooo much and we always made a speacial family day on birthday's xxxxx MAGIC ANd SPARKLE XXX

Yum Yum's and Stash xxxx

2008-06-04T19:33:00.000+01:00

Thought to that I would share with you som yummy food and my latest little stash buy.... The pancakes I had at Milton Keynes last week at my aunts..... and the cupcakes I recieved last night as part of an early birthday pressie from my special friends; Shell, Matt and Cassie. I also got one of the most thoughtful pressies that I have recieved, a silver necklace with an angel wing detail on a tag.... It came with a card; Angel Wing Necklace: Wear this sterling silver angel's wing for protection. Hold it tight when you're feeling anxious; close your eyes and smile when all's right with the world. Think of your invisible companion everyday..

The travel iron I bought yesterday at M&S, I have been looking for a little iron to tidy up my ribbons, and material embellishments... The handle fols flat, and despite it looking rather small it is quite heavy, so hopefully it will do the trick. I am now on the look out for a little mat to iron on... will kepp you posted, how I get on with it.... and will also let you know how the cupcakes taste... that is if I can bring myself to eat them, I will share them with Paul.. I promise!!!!! Well just a little to do on my CJ, It has to be posted tomorrow!!!!!

MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXX

May Week 4 Challenge

2008-06-02T13:24:00.000+01:00

I decided to have ago at the challenge again, I love them as they take me outside of my comfort zone. I will also be looking into the sketches on the Pencil Lines site another way to set some guidelines.... Calling the layout Angel of Love

The theme was Peace, with a bird. I decided upon completing a layout with blue using some photo's from Gabrielle's Christening. It was a very special day, a day that at times we never thought tat we would see. We were at times offered to get Gabrielle christened in Intensive Care, but we decided that we would wait until we got Gabrielle home, unless we were told otherwise by the hospital nursing staff.....

I have also been busy on my first CJ, and have managed the first two pages, I have also got my Double Layout planned, so just need to have a little think about the tags at the back.....

MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXXXX

Back from Milton Keynes

2008-06-01T18:11:00.001+01:00

I am back from Milton Keynes and this is the first time that I have had a chance to post since I have been back.... On Saturday I was at an all day class where I managed to complete three Layouts, I will post these later when I have decided what photos to place on the layouts. I also went out for dinner last night with Paul to our dear friends Helen and Lenny, with their daughter Amelia. We met them whilst Gabrielle and Amelia were in NICU together...
Oh, Friday night I was in the audience of Britains Gots Talent, and if you looked closely I was on the tele a couple of times.

The photo's on the left are of a layout that I completed for my cousin whilst I was in Milton Keynes. They will go in her Marathon Book. Louise run the Marathon in 2006, for SCOPE and also for Gabrielle. It was a very emotional day, one that I will cherish....

As you will see the Layouts are in pink. This is as my cousin wanted to place some pages within her book of Gabrielle, her little princess. The type on the paper states cute as a button, which is why I decided to place the buttons on the page... I also love the little foot prints....

The second layouts will be for the start of the princess pages and I have used a different paper... as I feel that it holds lots of detail. The words on the paper are I Love You. I made the crown with pink Vellum paper, placing buttons.

I enjoyed placing the ribbon on the bottom of the card and also placed a heart shaped button. The photo's looked old, but they were sent to Louise at the time of the Marathon... wow it is a real suprise to see how my little girl grew up.

I have also managed to complete the weekly challenge for UKSthis afternnon and will post this tomorrow, as I have lots to get on with tonight as there is only three days till I post my first CJ......

MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXXXXXX

Raining On my plans.....

2008-05-25T10:12:00.001+01:00

I shoudn't be here.... I should be at an all day crop then off to Milton Keynes... the weather is so bad.. I'm not packing my car until the rain calms down a little.. otherwise I will be soaked and I am just getting over a little unwell spell.

I managed to get all the housework done yesterday, even cleared all my ironing and so I finished the weekly challenge from UKS. I really enjoyed it and working with a sketch, takes you out of you comfort zone. And yes.. it is in lilac.

I saw a LO on UKS using these colours and thought it looked good, especially with a baby sleeping, lilac being a calm colour. So i adpoted it for the challenge. I must confess I don't like lilac for one reason. When Gabrielle was in NICU we found that the day's that she ws really ill she was laying on lilac bedding in her little incubator... Strange how something so small can have such an effect on you. I suppose that's why I am such a PINK fan, as when she started getting better and we could dress her most the clothes were baby pink.

I will see if this weather calms down until 11.30, then if not I will stay here, no good going really late. So I will travel from here later, will just have to set myself up here and have a lonely CROP.... fingers crossed it calms down as the journey will be really bad!!! MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXX

Avoiding the housework....

2008-05-24T14:12:00.000+01:00

I forgot to get the special little ceramic tag for Andrea, so popped back to Barleylands today.. I also managed to get the Pink stash... papers and pens for my cousin and Andrea... I hope they like.. If not looks like I will bring it home with Me.. (wishful thinking)... Mitchell my nephew came and loved watching the class whilst I had a little mooch around.

When I got back home my parcel had arrived from Sarah's cards.. I also ordered loads of flowers. The books are for my CJ and so I am really happy now as I can get started... so much to do.. so many ideas... I also love, love, love the lace card.. the red one is for a little idea i have for some ladybirds...

The rainbow paints are for my CJ planning to use as many colours as I can on the front pages.... New Scissors....Honey Bee, anti stick... and Wonderful Bazzill stitching card... I have lots of threads so will just get a couple more cards... get me stitching!!!! Think that i have made a eod for my own back as when some bits need my attention here I won't be able to pass to my aunt to fix...

Got to go and do housework (ironing, cleaning, vaccuming) now, pack my case and then sort out for Crop tomorrow and then if time want to finish challenge.... So I am going to add an extra 6 hours to today.. I need it.... Wish me luck.... Magic and Sparkle xxxx

Spending my pennies on yummy stash....

2008-05-23T22:13:00.000+01:00

I went to Sugar and Spice and bought loads today... princess crown and flower punches; Glamour dust, Sakura Glaze pens and a "Family" Album and none of it was for me... But I managed to slip in a selection of Color Core Paper, loads of black and white paper and some fairy paper and also some great coordinating pink and green paper with birds and also paisley. I picked up some red, blac and white inks and stickles... I also popped into Hobby Craft and picked up some thickies.. letters some shimmering silver letters and some little adhesions that are little garden bugs.

Do you like my additional storage, I have managed to condense my bits into these boxes, for now.. I got them from Next 3 for £30.. they will be easy for me to grab and take to a Crop... which I'm doing on Sunday, so I will let you know how I get on.

The folder to the side I made yesterday, for Gabrielle's bestest friend Cassie. It is going to be used to help her communicate with photo's placed inside that she will let people know what she needs.. I had great fun making it and I hope that she enjoy's using it...

Well busy day tomorrow, HOUSEWORK.... then packing for my Crop on Sunday and then off to Milton Keynes.. fingers crossed I manage to finish the challenge and I an now thinking about the mid-month challenge.

I also should get my delivery tommorow, as need to start my Circle Journey book... watch this space.

MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXX

Sugar and Spice and all things nice

2008-05-22T23:07:00.000+01:00

So excited I am off to Sugar and Spice tomorrow xxxxx I am buying stash for my cousin, will be a shame not to get some for myself..... I completed a little folder this evening for Gabrielle's best friend Cassie xx I hope that she will like it, will post some pictures tomorrow and I plan to also complete another Challenge and I will be doing it in Lilac so I am really excited.

I am also waiting for my book to arrive to get started on my first cj, but had a call tonight and will be with me on Saturday... still planning my front cover .. Any ideas? I have called it S is for Scrapping.... I think I will go along the lines of the school charts you used to get with A is for apple etc... MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXX

Majic Circle

2008-05-21T23:43:00.001+01:00

Hello, there hope you don't mind the red writing but thought it would look good against the picture opposite. I have joined my first Circle Journal... called the Majic Circle.....

It's so exciting, so many ideas.... I have chosen to theme my book on: S is for Scrapping. Within the book you can use the your favourite stash.. mine will be P is for Pink... surprise suprise!!!! I ordered my blank book this afternoon so I hope it will be with me soon as I want to get started. Just have a couple of questions to clarify.

I am off to an all day Crop on Sunday, which will be fun and then straight of to my cousins in Milton Keynes for a couple of day's. My cousin Louise, stayed with me and we went to Ali Pali together. She has been really busy with her sports degree she has not even unpacked the stash that she bought.. CRIMINAL!!!! We will be having a couple of making day's whilst I am there and I am also having two tattoos. One will be to cover up a sad little teddy that I had done when I was 18. I have chosen a mythical, classical fairy. The tattoo will be in black and grey with lots of shading. My second tattoo will be on my left wrist and will be stars. one in Pink for my little girl. Finger crossed I do not pass out!!!! I will be helping my cousin with a Marathon Book as she run the London Marathon for my little girl and SCOPE a couple of years ago.

Well, i found this little robot earlier, it's cute. I know that they are very IN at the mo. It is so true that Scrapping is a step ahead......

Well fingers crosed I get my stash, I also ordered a couple of extra's.. would have been rude not to. I am also off to Sugar and Spice on Friday to get some stash for my cousin and her friend Andrea who will be cutting my hair. I will be paying her in stash... that would be so good, mind you would be homeless (but happy).... MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxxxxxx

Birthday makes.. Framed with love xxx

2008-05-19T16:00:00.000+01:00

I had a massive tidy up yesterday arranging all my stash, I thought that my big black tote would hold more to be honest... I suppose when you go to a crop that you re-arrange to make sure that you have all that you need.

I made the frames that you can see as birthday pressie's, the pink one is for my nan, we cal her special nan.. she is so small she reminds me of Mrs Pepperpot. The brown detailed fram is for Paul's twin brother Colin, as a belated birthday gift. I was so busy making Pauls book I run out of time.. sorry Colin.

We are off to Hever Castle in Kent today, I hope that the weather holds out. I am hoping to get some decet photo's to Scrap as I want to make a layout with different photo's other than people. I have some great castle stash...

Magic and Sparkle xxxxxx

Daddy's Blue Birthday Book

2008-05-19T13:38:00.000+01:00

I have managed to download all the photo's of Pauls book that I made him for his birthday into a slide show.. I apologise as some photo's are sideway's, but you can see what is on the page.

This is the first time that I have made a paperbag book, and I must say I am really pleased with it... I would have liked to have placed hole's down the left side and threaded through more ribbon. But, as I added more to the book's pages it got so thick I was unable to add this at the end. If I wanted to do this in the future on another book, I would make the holes at the start once I have placed all the base papers on, before I start adding the detail.

Paul is really pleased with the gift. It was really emotional making the book and we shared tears as he opened the pressie and read it. I found it so good to journal on the tag's placed within the book and have learn't how this can really make the pages come alive. I decided to make the book as a story about a princess and her daddy.....

Paul enjoyed his birthday as best he could... we went to Bluewater to try and find him a gift... 4 days on and a trip to Lakeside too, he is yet to decide what he wants... I am finding it soooo frustrating as I could spend his birthday money for him 100 times over.. Infact, at Bluewater I managed to buy some stash from an art shop and Paperchase, I have posted these below on another post.. Paul left empty handed..

Today I have added a little pet to my blog, a spider called Incy Wincey, I hope that she is well behaved when you visit....

Well, the search for a gift continues..... MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXXX

Stitching challenge and stash!!

2008-05-17T19:47:00.000+01:00

Little Haven Service- Paul and I attended a memorial service with our friends Karen and John today, it was really emotional and we were able to release balloons.. have taken some pictures.. just have to sort them out, infact I used my old camera so I can't down load.. yet!!! We placed some flowers, God I miss her so much... Love You Gabrielle xxxx

Well here is my first monthly challenge and my first attempt at stitching on a Layout. I really enjoyed it and to be honest once started I really enjoyed the stitching and got a little carried away, I hope to place it on UKS so I can enter the challenge although I am having problems applying the photo, so fingers crossed. I am lucky as my friend Shell has lent me a decent camera to get the picture. I loved using the Berry Sweet paper from K&CO....

Here it is my lovely tote that I can wheel around... I am soooo in love with it and after searhing high and low I was able to get hold of it from a shop just 2o minutes away... Artbase, we were even thinking of importing from America.

Just need some time to play around with it and make the most of the storage.. I know there is no shortage of stash to put in it!!!!! Thank you so much Paul for letting me have my birthday pressie early.. I have a big smile on my face xxxxxx

The above is from Paperchase, puffy little stickers and also a robot and angel tag, which within the shop are classified as bookmarks, I have bought them as tags for my beautiful wheelie tote bag. Where as below more stash to add to my K&CO Berry Sweet, which as you can see I have started to use...

This little case is from Tesco and was very cheap at £4, lots of room for my paints and I'm also ging to get one for all my ink and stamping bits.. that's until my stamp collection needs it's own seperate storage... As I'm dreaming about Magnolia's, Little Cotton Rabbit's and also Blonde Moments.... oooh I could go on....

Happy Birthday Daddy xxxx

2008-05-16T19:02:00.000+01:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL XXXXXXXXX

This is Paul's first birthday without Gabrielle, I have finished a paperbag book for Paul, and I set it out as a Once Upon A Time Story....with lots of great photo's of Paul with Gabrielle. It is also all blue.... Have not had chance to get any photo's but will catch up soon.......

Also I have managed to get some more stash.. including an early birthday pressie a wheelie tote.. by MM. I am in love with it!!!!

We have a special service tomorrow at Little Haven Children's Hospice we will be letting off balloons with messages on for our little girl..

Hope to post lots of photo's soon.. even borrowed a decent camera to get a photo of the monthy challenge... MAGIC AND SPARKLE xxxxxx

A stitch in time...

2008-05-13T10:36:00.000+01:00

I have continued with the monthly challenge and to be honest, I am really enjoying stitching on my layout... mind you don't know how long my fingers will hold out as they are getting a little sore now from my little mis-haps with the needle.
I have also completed another couple of pages last night for Pauls book, I am getting a little woried it won't be finished, so I might have to burn the midnight oil when he is in bed.
I am speaking to some officers today as I am thinking of applying for a couple of jobs in the Police!!!! we will see....
I can't wait till Friday to show you the book, that is if it is finished...
PS. If you think of some words that I could put in the missing gaps of my A-Z of yummy things.. let me know as I still can't think of any...
MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXX

Week 2.. second challenge....

2008-05-12T19:01:00.000+01:00

Looks like I have got the challenge bug.... I think it is fun working with guidelines as at times when you have lots of scope that you spemd lots of time umming and ahhhing making lots of changes.

The brief... follow the sketch as shown, use ribbon as it is May, use some stamps and then doodle as the challenge is by the Doodlebug team.
I used my lace as the number strip, the smaller circles are journalling circles by Heidi Swapp, the clock and photo corners are also by Heidi Swapp. I stamped on the journal cicles with Blonde Moments stamps.
I enjoyed placing the ribbon on the clock to represent the
hands... something different to what I would usually do.
As for the doodling I took a brave step and drew stitching around photo and also placed hearts around the title... this was a big step for me as I feel scared that I may ruin the Layout...
I had a great time at the Crop yesterday and have started on my little gift for Paul I think I was a little optimistic as I thought that I would actually finish the book. I am lucky as Paul is on lates all week, so I have a few more day's yet.. I will post the book when it is completed, think I will use a slide show.. that is if the book comes out ok.

I have also started the Team Challenge on UKS which is about your favourite place and you need to use stitching.. I am so shocked as I can't even sew on a button and I have managed to sew all around the edge. I am going to use my yummy Berry Sweet papers as I will be able to incorporate my garden.... as I just love spending time in it... so fingers crossed it all goes well...xx Magic and Sparkle xxx

Sunny day's in the garden ..

2008-05-10T16:23:00.000+01:00

And the hot weather continues!! Paul and I spent some time sitting out in the garden, making the most of it. I thought that I would take some photo's ... I have taken some every year as each year we have added to the garden to try to bring it to life.... When we moved here all we had was grass and a couple of dying plants....

The water butt we bought last year as we are trying to do our bit for the environment, I am suprised how much water it holds and how quick it can fill up.... Even though Paul gave it a helping hand when we fist got it!!

The Olive tree was bought for both Paul and I when Gabrielle died, from my work colleagues. I am so pleased that it is still growing, it has really established itself.

Long may the hot weather continue... Love, Magic and Sparkle xxxx

My first challenge

2008-05-09T20:25:00.001+01:00

After reading about challenges, I decided to take the plunge and made this Layout this afternoon....

After a little thought I really enjoyed completing it and the main thing for me was that it only has a little pink..... I have also earned some points for the Prima Divas. It has given me a real push.

I spent some time at Little Haven this morning, talking to Sue I was informed of a job.. Creative Therapist. She is going to get me some more information, sounds that I will be able to apply my skills as a Social Worker whist also having fun making, will definately look into it.

Hope you like the Layout...Magic and Sparkle xxxx

Running out of ideas

2008-05-07T16:08:00.000+01:00

I have been making the book for my little girl since last October and I have nearly finished. I have completed a couple more pages but I seem to be running out of inspiration... Could this be I am all PINKED out!!!!! As Gabrielle was a pink girl I have stuck to pink, white and green in the book to carry the theme throughout. I am now just finishing off the last couple of photo's of the reception after the service and I feel that I am getting a little bored, BUT I am really keen to finish. It does not help as the photo's are from the disposable camera's that we left on the tables so the quality of the photo's are quite poor...... I think that as I am concentrating on the contant of the pages I am keeping them quite simple with not many techniques.. I really want to get on and play around a little more.

Perhaps I should take a break for a couple of day's. I am running a stall at my friend Karen's Summer Fete and willl be bringing some bits to sell, maybe I should make up some bits now, Also I am at an all day crop on Sunday and I will be making Paul his paperbag book for his birthday.. so that should give me some "time out".....

The hot weather continues and my little dog poppy continues to pant away.. in the sun.. We try to get her to lay in the shade but she seems to think that ahe is my shadow... bless her!

Anyway take a look at the Layouts...

Pink and White stars: This page is of my work colleagues who attended. I used Bazzill cardstock and also Heidi Swapp stars and gems. I cut the stars to decorate with my punches...

Pink Hearts: I cut out the larger pink heart which is Love Elsie paper, which has raised hearts giving an embossed effect, I love the paper.. I got it al Ali Pali... Plain Pink vellum to the left with Doodlebug ribbon, I also placed some Bobunny brads on the page.

MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXX

Busy, busy bank holiday makes!

2008-05-06T13:34:00.000+01:00

What good weather we are having...... Paul spent hours out the front field yesterday cutting the grass. We have some flowers and small trees that we have planted so it took him ages as he had to avoid chopping the flowers... I am sure that there are a few less out there today! and he has a rather red neck, face and arms (ouch). We are planning to plant it up in memory of Gabrielle. We are going to buy a 4 year old Cherry Blosson tree (to represent the 4 years of Gabrielle's life) and place in the middle, so we can look out at the pink blossom and remember our little girl. After we collected Gabrielle's ashes we had great discussion about what we were going to do, we have Gabrielle's ashes here at home with us, as this is where she belongs and rather than pay out for a bench, or tree in a cematory that means nothing to us, or Gabrielle we have decided to plant up the front field.

Anyway, have a look at the bits that I made yesterday, it was too late last night for me to take photo's as my camera is not too good.

Pink Frends Forever: I have made this for Gabreille's little friend Amelia. The backing is gingham metrial I bought from Hobby Craft, Flowers punched from Bazill Cardstock, MM shimmering letters, MM jewels, Paper behind the photo is Maylees Garden, Rain dots.. The frame is from Wilkinson, I have applied Dulux paint to it dry brushing to give vitage look. I have made several framed Layouts as gifts to my nieces and nephews, with varying pictures or photo's in them, Gabrielle aslo has a couple in her room with cupcakes, suprise, suprise!!!

Birthday Card: SO SORRY PICTURE IS BAD: I made this for my mum, using Sugar and Spices own stamps, embossing podwers.. I had great fun as the heat gun is my latest gadget....

The Griffin's Layout: This Layout is for my on going project a special book with the photo's of my little girls last day. Within the book I have pictures of the flowers and also of the celebration after the service... we felt it so important to celebrate my little girls life, as although very short, she achieved so much.

Cardstock, Bazzil, Snuggle bug tag K&Co Baby Sweet, Felt flower from Sugar and Spice, flowers cut with punch using white and pink Bazzil card, some given the Glamour Dust treatment, Glitter words from MM.

Another Pink Flowery Page: On the reverse side of the above layout. Bazzil cardstock, with flowers punched some are pink vellum with pink Stickles for the centre, I added Heidi Swpp flower jewels.

Wish upon a star: We decorated the tables in the barn where we went back to after the service and also left black and white camera's to get the photo's to go in the book. When we got the photo's developed we were pleasently suprised to see that some people had placed the little stars to spell out; Gabrielle and also Little Star: I used Heidi Swapp ribbon to hang the stars at the top of the layout, the cardstock and stars on the ribbon are Bazzil. Glitter paper to mount phot's from Sugar and Spice, and I added some Star Confetti at the bottom with the words "Wish on a star and an angel will never be far".

Pink stripe and star layout: This is on the reverse of the above; I drew pink stitching on the top and bottom of the page with my yummy Sakura pens,Bubblegum, sugar coated card by Doodlebug placed at the top, Striped Vellum by Petals and Possibilities, Heidi Swapp White stars with Galmour Dust, Smaller stars Bubblegum card and plain pink vellum. Within the layouts I have placed the individuals names by their photo's...

I have enjoyed making the book with all the layouts and only have a couple more to do before the book will be finished.. I have decided I will start a Disney book to capture the holiday with Gabrielle from last year. This will be fun and a challenge as I will be using colours other than pink!!!!

PINK, PINK, PINK xxx

2008-05-05T10:51:00.000+01:00

Hello, What have you been upto?? The weather has been great; I have posted for you a couple of mini projects that I have completed. ....

Princess Crown: I made this using a Maya Road Princes mini book, adding additional card that I cut out; Bazzil; The stamp detail is from Sugar and Spice's own range; Rub on by Doodlebug; The seperate worrds I printed on the computer and applied Glossy Accents; Yummy embelishments; MM Sweetie epoxy tags; Bobunny heart brads; ribbon from Sugar and Spice, Mixed collection; Doodlebug letters and Shimmering letters on front; Seed beads and also Sugar and Spice's own Nuddies given the Glamour Dust treatment.

I made the crown a couple of weeks ago following a mini album morning class. As you will not pink is my favourite colour. It's a nice little book to keep a couple of my favourite photo's of Gabrielle.

Fairy Picture: This little fairy I made for Mothers day in 2005, I gave them to Gabrielle's nanny's and decided to keep one for myself. As Gabrielle had Cerebral Palsy it was really hard to paint with her, she would struggle with the texture of the paint (Gabrielle was hyper sensitive to some textures).... So I made the fairy using her footprints as the wings. have made several other little thing's using her footprints. I cut all the parts of the fairy, layering them adding a little embellishemwnt on the dress and around the wand... Hope you like?

HAPPY NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY XXXXX

2008-05-02T21:09:00.000+01:00

Well, what have you been upto??? Wishing all my buddies a very Happy National Scrapbooking Day....... I hope that you have been upto lots of yummy things.. paper, glitter, scissors cakes, chocolate and bubbly and also good company xxxxxxx

I have been to my favourite place today Sugar and Spice as they were celebrating National Scrapbooking day with classes every hour. I booked in and competed a page with them. I took some yummy marshmellows with me, I dipped the tops in chocolate and decorated them with fondant flowers... all in pink and white. They looked good and tasted even better... everyone enjoyed them.

I was able to gain double loyalty points and despite me being on a stash ban I managed to spend some money.. would be rude not too!!!! I bought some more paper for my little gift that I want to make for Paul, stickles and some yummy Berry Sweet paper and stickers.

After my time at Sugar and Spice I went to my nephew Luke's Birthday Party...Happy 5th Birthday "Bobbler" xxx.. You looked like you had great fun. The food was great (Well done Emma and Luke Senior) Both Paul and I had a lovely time xxxxxx

Well, I hope that you have had as much fun as I have. Below is a photo of the Layout I completed (just need to add a photo) and also the great paper I should not have bought!!... problem is it is so nice not sure that I want to cut it up and use it!!! Watch this space....

MAGIC AND SPARKLE XXXXXXXXX

Sugar and Spice and all things nice.....

2008-05-02T09:56:00.000+01:00

Above are the Layouts that I completed whist on a course at Sugar and Spice the BEST place ever.. it's in Barleylands Craft Village in Billericay, Essex.Since completing the course I have placed their titles on and also some journalling. I have also now just booked into to complete a couple of "one off" day's their, making some mini albums.

Yesterday I bought lots of stash to start a little gift that I want to make for my hubby Paul for his birthday.... and it's not pink!!!!. I am off today to my bestest buddy Karen's Nursery as I am going to judge her staff as they are running their own Apprentice in preperation for thier Summer Fete. I am going to be the prize, as I am hoping to make lots of bits to sell at the fete. This will be my first attempt at selling, so a little nervous. The larger bits that I sell I am going to take as examples and will take orders.... Get me make it sound as if I am used to this... It will be my first time!!!

Hope you like the Layouts above.... Magic and Sparkle xxxxxxx

Anniversary Card

2008-04-30T16:51:00.000+01:00

I have made this anniversary card this afternoon..... I am not really a card maker and I favour less is more. I was able to use my fab Heidi Swapp stamp...... so love her style. I got the stamp at Ali Pali. I used my embossing powder and my heat tool... a recent investment. I was also very brave and inked around the edge of the tag as I am not a big ink fan.... (Nina you will be pleased!!!). Anyway I am off to my Crop later, so excited xxxxx

Magic and Sparkle xxxxx

A little bit more to look at..

2008-04-30T02:06:00.000+01:00

Hello, well what a day I have had... I have finally cought up on all my housework, so I can have some "guilt free" time with my paper.... I have nearly finished Gabrielle's book, only a few more pages and I really want to get it finished.

I have spent alot of today playing around on the computer and I have added the slide show of my favourite thing's. To be honest I could have added so much more. I have also placed the picture at the top of the blog.

Well tomorrow I am going to a Crop, in Writtle. This will be the second Crop that I have gone to and the first time at Writtle. I am sure that it will be lots of fun.... I am also looking forward to the weekend.. Its a bank holiday!!! and also National Scrpbooking Day on Saturday. I will be going to my favurite place, Sugar and Spice and I have booked to do a page. I am also making some yummy treats with marshmellows and chocolate... yummy yum!!!

Well if I get some bit's finished tomorrow I will take some pictures and post them.

Magic and Sparkle xxxxxx

My first book....

2008-04-28T12:33:00.002+01:00

Magic and sparkle..... I have finally taken the plunge and have made a little slide show of my first book that I made for my sister.... She has given it to Beth as part of her wedding present.... What do you think??

It is the first time that I have posted my work... and my camera is only a little cheap digital one... so I hope to improove. But I must say that I was pleased with the outcome... maybe PINK had something to do with it?? I will now be attempting to make a paperbag book.. I have got some pre-stitched so fingers crossed it will work out ok. I will not be using any PINK in the book.. so i will be out of my comfort zone...

My first book... Beths Hen Night xxxx

2008-04-28T12:33:00.001+01:00

Thank you to all my UKS buddies xxx

2008-04-27T20:59:00.000+01:00

Well, I finally took the plunge and placed my blog on UKS and have recieved gr8 feedback, so thank you to you all xxxxx

My Slideshow below is of my little girl "Twinkle Toes" Gabrielle. It is beacuse of Gabrielle that I have started to "Scrap". Gabrielle died very suddenly last September aged 4 xxxx ohhh I miss her so much........... I took the plunge and "Scrapped" her funeral.. Which I know sounds abit "weird" but I felt that it was only right to capture her last day as all her life is in photo's.. as you can see from the slide show.

Her little book has come out very well, it was my first time of completing Layouts and I have approx 50 within the book. If I get brave I may take some photo's and post them... so keep watching. The book is mainly pink as Gabrielle loved pink. I have recieved positive comments from all that have looked at the book.... So that's how I became HOOKED on scrapping xxxxx

The book has given me great pleasure and I feel that I can look back on my little girl's last day and say that I done her proud... to be honest with you the whole couple of weeks following her death are a complete blurr... So thank you Gabrielle for giving mummy the courage to make something positive from something that hurts so much xxxxx

Yesterday I attended a memorial service at Great Ormond Street for all the children under their care that have died. I was able to share Gabrielle's favourite story Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by Kate Toms, with everyone as part of the service, which was something very special...

Well hope to place more soon xxx So night night from me xxxxx

Our little girl... forever in our hearts xxx

2008-04-25T00:14:00.001+01:00

Welcome

2008-04-24T19:50:00.000+01:00

I have finally taken the plunge all by myself and have decided to set up my own Blog... Well I say my own but it will be our family Blog. Please be patient as I have never done anything like this before and it is an experiment, that I will be learning as I go... I hope to get it running and full with magic and sparkle soon... Lots of Love Lisa xxxxx