Quiet day... thank goodness..

Spent today cocooned at home in my jammies.... i'm poorly sick :-( Managed to muster a tiny iota of energy to make a Mother's day card, and apart from ordering my monopod, that's about it!

*Insert Title Here*

Feeling a bit poorly this evening :-( really achey and i've got a sore throat and headache and stuff... so you'll have to excuse my vague ramblings!

If you're a regular visitor the the fantastic Print Pattern blog, you'll know that it's a hive of on trend homefurnishings, fashion, stationary and paper goods. So when today it features a fabulous brand known as Papermania and some fantastic Spring and Easter ranges, you'll know you're in good company! Very exciting!

I'm so happy and a tad amazed that i've nearly reached two whole months of my Picture-A-Day! Today is a lovely close up of Martha's snout! Love the texture on her nose!

Early bird...

I'm up nice and early (well in bed with the laptop!) to get my mits on the new Studio Calico kit! Here's just one little bit of it, you'll have to click on the link for maximum goodness! I'm not the only one up clearly, I'd also had some emails from the lovely Anita taunting me with more scrummy kits! I'm 'trying' to resist!

A girl can change her mind..

So after much Macro yearning earlier in the week, i think i've come to my senses and realised that the lens I need to be replacing is my zoom... it's pretty pitiful and I desperately need something faster and probably with Image Stabilisation.... A monopod might give me a bit more of a chance, but I think it's time to get down to some serious saving!

Anyhoo.... here's a really cool capture plus the glaringly obvious evidence all in one! This is a Sika stag in the New Forest after work today. I feel fairly heroic that I managed to get any where near sharp at 1/25th second!!! Pretty impressive at 300mm!! He sat nice and still for me until 'someone' swore loudly about how rubbish their lens is, when he and his mates decided to make a run for it! Stealthy eh?!

Munch!

My girls love a bit of fruit and we all definatly get our 5 a day! Martha and Lola's idea of a fab treat is a yummy Braeburn! Or it might just be that i'm a meany owner and won't give them naughty treats!!

Overlooked.

There's a new prompt at Overlooked today, it's fridges! Y'know like in cribs when you get to peer at the celebrities food, i've gone a bit more specific and got up close to the left over Chinese!

Sharing!

A couple of pages to share today. I've got more to share but a couple are for challenges, and then i got scanner fatigue! I'll maybe take some pictures later!

The first is using Feb'd Studio Calico kit - love this kit so much and well worth getting up at 5am for!
This one is using one of the parts of this month's Scraproom Kit, along with some other bits! It's Scenic route so it's ok with me!

Guilty Pleasure? I'm not guilty!

I'm actually not at all ashamed to admit i'm a Dancing On Ice junkie and more specifically i'm a total Chris Fountain fan! (despite never having seen Hollyoaks!) Loved his and Frankie's routine and am pleased to admit I screamed along with the audience when he (nearly) nailed the axel!

Martha My Dear and a Challenge!

While looking through a list of Beatles song titles for a suitable title for a scrapbook page for a challenge, I found this one! According to Wikipedia, 'The title "Martha My Dear" was inspired by McCartney's Old English Sheepdog also named Martha.' OMG what a coincidence!

So my challenge to you is to create a page with a song title as the page title... I'll rustle up a little prize for one page!

Adding to my shopping list...

Does everyone who has delusions of being a photographer have a list on things as long as their arm that they want/need? I know lenses don't make a good photographer, but playing with my cheapy Jessops extension tubes have given me a yearning for Macro lenses and flashes.....Not to mention that fast L-series telezoom... I clearly need a lottery win or a millionaire!

Ramblings and requests

Another pic of gorgeous Lola, it was a bit dull and drizzly to get out and about with the camera, although Lola went for her short (muscle building) walk and Martha went socialising! Took her to the pet shop to buy biscuits and she also wandered around outside Hobbycraft - i so want to try to smuggle her in! Also had a swim and walkies up in the New Forest!

Did some scrapping this evening with my favourite aunt, nearly got two pages finished - far too much chatting and laughing going on!

If anyone reading this is going to Crufts on the Saturday, let me know... Although Martha has qualified (and is entered) i've decided not to take her. She's got a bald patch on her muzzle from a folicle 'thing' so i've decided it's a very long day and long drive if she's not looking 'perfect!' So if anyone needs a ticket for the Saturday, let me know! I need someone to pick up my catalogue for me, so i'd be willing to let the ticket go for a bargain price if i get a willing volunteer!

Catch!

Martha had a little dip this evening, and I love this pic mid catch!

Been catching up on some Torchwood this evening, and all I can say (to avoid spoiling it if you haven't seen it!) is OMG!! Burn Gorman is a legend!!

Whooof!

Very...... very.....tired...... be back soon!

Chick Lit... my way!

I'm not a big Chick Lit fan, indeed I'd rather something nice and gory most of the time, but sometimes it has to be done, and this one is one of my favourites, completely without substance and with a sprinkling of dogs to add to the fun! I've got this lined up to read again next before I launch into the new Karin Slaughter.


Went to the crop this evening, and nearly finished 3 pages. The last was for a challenge and I've completely missed out one element so it'll need to be revisited! Had a good old chat with Brenda about her faves from CHA too!

Feeling a tad unappreciated today so just a quickie..... be back tomorrow with a page or two...

A True Friend Challenge

The new challenge is up at A True Friend. This time the challenge is exercise and I've used some pics of Lola at hydrotherapy, including my underwater shot from a couple of weeks ago. I've used some of this months Studio Calico kit, which i'm loving!

Hooflet

Have you ever noticed however big the donkey, they have teeny tiny hooves? (hoofs.... hehe)


Had a pair run straight over when i got out my cam this evening to take their pic, so only extreme close ups occured!

Anyone for leg warmers?

Lola apres swim is very pretty! Newfy hair often takes on a crimped look when wet... a real 80's throwback! Very cute indeed!

Smurfing...

Here's my page for the last Overlooked challenge. It was so much fun doing this one... great to record the little things!

Martha went visiting today... and she was glad to great everyone in her own unique way!

Now this is what I call Spring!

Gorgeous, sunny but freezing day.... and the chance to take some pictures of these gorgeous cuties! I got lots of sheep butt pics as well, but i think this one's a keeper! The babies were a bit nervous and kept their distance, but it was great to see... especially as there aren't many sheep round here. I'm thinking of investing in a monopod, so if anyone has any recommendations, they'd be gratefully received. I've already got a Manfrotto tripod so i guess that might be a place to start...

Touchy Feely....

I'm so happy to have this scrummy cord baby on my table... Thanks Becks!

Ouch!

Tired, feel a bit poorly.... and shut my hand in the car door this evening... So just a pretty pic of my baby to share today... can't cope with one handed typing!

So true...

Thanks to Holly for giving me a laugh this morning!

9 WORDS WOMEN USE

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when theyare right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half anhour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been givenfive more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something,and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothingusually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statementoften misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are anidiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here andarguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning ofnothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a womencan make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hardbefore deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Justsay you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true,unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is notthanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' .. that will bringon a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying F**K YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement,meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do severaltimes, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a manasking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Catch!

Took Martha for a little paddle in the ford up at Moyles Court after work. She of course had great fun, fetching sticks and catching biscuits! Love this shot of the biscuit on it's way into her big gob! I'm going to try and have a play with my lovely new scrapping goodies now!

She's a bad influence....

I'd been really good this month (ok... except my Studio Calico kit...) until Anita (yes you!!) told me about some yummy new Thickers on a US site.... so today they arrived and thank god she IS a bad influence, because they are gorgeous! After all.... I am a bit short of Thickers!

So this one's for you Anita! Thanks for the tip! Oh and by the way.... a few sheets of Hambly seemed to have been popped into my parcel.... I'm sure I didn't order those!!

Scrummy!

Martha loves her clanger.... and here's one of my fave pics of her munching it! I've been using some of my many packs of Basic Grey, this one's Urban Couture... I'm down to the last bits of this one now!

Postal Goodness!

My first one of these arrived today, and what a veritable delight! A whole bundle of gorgeousness all lovingly wrapped up in scrunchingly good brown paper..... gotta embrace the packaging! Now I just need a spare hour or two to get scrapping!

Gorgeous weather + nothing much to do = Perfect weekend!

Nothing startling to report, but after a hectic week that's just what the doctor ordered! Had some lovely walks and took a few pics, and also enjoyed a little bit of scrapping. I'll try and share tomoz!


Had Sunday lunch at Sandie's and Martha had lots of fun in the garden with the hose! She had great fun running in and out of the conservatory and shaking her water everywere!! hehe!

Polarised

Love my circular polariser.... it's blue today, but not this blue! Love it!

Red Skies

Basic Grey... Eye Candy

Rather than post the emtire line... which I guess I nearly have! Here are my absolute favourite bits! I can't wait to get my mits on them!

Sad...

So round here we have loads of gorgeous heathland, we even have all the species of native reptile round here! (Name 'em anyone?) But like most places there is the odd corner spoint by rubbish.... so here's my pic of the day... So sad.

Sharing...

Here are my pages from last nights crop. The first set of pics are Martha wearing her costume for the fancy dress contest at her Dog Training Club Xmas Party! (Don't ask!!) She's supposed to be Little Red Riding Hood, but I think she actually looks more like the monsters from the film 'The Village'!

Next up is only my second page using Prima Paintables, I bought a big stack of these from Craft Obsessions ages ago, and finally got round to tackling one! I've combined it with a Hambly overlay and some other yum bits and pieces! Check out more on Scrapping Frenzy.

Check this out...

Love those SF girls!

Spent the evening with a very inspiring (not to mention hilarious!) group of girlies this evening, I've been to the Scrapping Frenzy crop. Completed a couple of pages, which i'll try to share tomorrow and had a badly needed giggle! Thanks girls, luv yas!



Remembered my pic of the day just in time - Lola obliged with some hot breath out in the garden!

I've got a new hat to share tomorrow too!

Chasing Penguins!

You can't tell me that this girl isn't suggesting she might give up chasing Penguins.... why the hell would anyone chase a pavement?

New Challenge

There's a new challenge online at 'A True Friend' please do pop along and join in, there is some fab inspriration from the girls!

The theme this time is 'Your home from your pets point of view' - Martha's favourite object in the house is definately her water dish. She gets quite frantic if she's away from a drink for more than about 5 mins. Even when she's in the ring, I have to have a helper standing by to give her water at every opportunity! I took this pic with my awesome waterproof digi-cam. It was on self timer and plonked in the bottom of the bowl just before drinkies time! Volia.... one watery view of Martha!

My page is using some of my beloved Bampop. I'm loving it more and more at the moment and it's even better when combined with a bit of Hambley, some Thickers and some Journalling blocks from Etsy.

Tiring!

An incredibly tiring and emotionally draining day.... so much going on and no rest!

Martha was a little tinker at dog training - she's hit her adolescence and forgotton every bit of her training! She's got a month to chill or I won't let her go to Crufts!

Grumpy smurf went on a little tour today and met Lola.... he didn't look thrilled!

Here's hoping for less stress tomorrow and until then bring on the Pinot!

Overlooked Challenge 2 - Collections

The new challenge at Overlooked is collections, and here's my childhood collection of smurfs.... it's a dangerous thing getting them out... I'm very tempted to have a peek on ebay for new ones!

The journalling prompts on Overlooked are great, really get you thinking and i'm including my notes below.... in time for a project later in the month.As a child the search for smurfs was a serious business! I remember one occasion as a child finding a big basket of smurfs in a local newsagents and remember how important it was to me to have each design! I spent all my pocket money savings and then begged Mum to get me the rest!

My favourite was Cecil! The little guy with the red scarf over his mouth! I'm not sure why I gave him that name but it certainly suits him!

Of the other names I can remember, many are now a sign of the times! The Tennis players were Ivan (Lendl) and Steffi (Graf) and the Motor Racing Smurf was Nigel (Mansell)

As a child we used to take family camping holidays, and the whole set of smurfs had to come too! I remember we had an old camper van and sitting in the back with the table between the bench seats, I used to hold a mini tournament with the smurfs. All the smurfs were stood up(quite a feat in itself - there was always the risk of them going down like a series of dominoes) and as the van moved on the road and around corners each smurfs' footing was gradually distubed. The last one standing (literally) was the winner!

I've not looked at my collection for many years, but I'm rather attached still. I'm notoriously unsentimental and have shed most of my childhood trappings, but i think i'd find it very hard to get rid of them.

The smurfs were never really displayed although I played with them often, but they were usually stored in their red basket - ready to go wherever they were needed. Now they live in the same basket - but I often think about giving them a place to be displayed!

Pages to share!

I've got a couple of pages to share today aswell... this one is using Scenic Route (still love all the ranges, can they do no wrong?) Also used lots of AC Thickers, Primas, and Paperchase star and reindeer.

Next is more Bampop and Hambley as well as Thickers! I just adore these Ninguins! (Ninga Penguins!)Next is some Christmas papers from Fontwerks used on a non festive page - I love it when papers are a bit versatile. I only have a few Xmas pics to scrap, but still want all the ranges, so these are perfect! Also used Primas, Thickers and Papermania Designer and Big Brads.