Scrapping Tonight

I actually have nothing to say, zilch, famoosh.

I have been productive on the paperwork side of the business,
I have packed a few orders
I have loaded a few new things onto the site
I am re thinking the business ! so watch this space.....

ummm what is the world coming too, its all work and no play or in my case no scrapping time. But tonight I am going to re evaluate all of that. I need to get my head around what I actually want out of life and what and where I wish me and my career to be next year. God its not going to be anything massive or ground breaking, but I am definatley juggling to many balls in the air at the moment, and I cant give any 1 thing 110% of me

so tonight is the night I am going to make some decisions.....................

hugs
anna x

A brilliant weekend I have had. Saturday peter and I went to London while the girls were at Nana's. We were off to see Kevin Spacey at The Old Vic in Richard 11 for the last night. It was electric, amazing, fantastic. We were sat 3 rows from the front and had the joys of seeing actors spit at every word!!!! But seriously it was amazing. So many famous peeps there in the audience as well.
we had dinner at a Moroccan restaurants and Peter enjoyed his first true Arabic experience. The food was scrumptious. Covenant garden called and we jumped on the merry go around and were star struck lovers for the night!
Got home at 1.30am, collapsed in bed and then Sunday I had our crimbo crop. A small crop it was but a good one. We played Bingo thanks to Jennie for the bingo cards!!! And lots of scrummy nibbles.
Today Lilly has her first morning with the child minder. This I am hoping will allow Lilly to get quality play time, me quality work time and then this afternoon we will have quality mummy and Lilly time, here's to hoping!
Hugs all and hope you all had a great weekend
Anna x

Ok who has killed my forum, she's gone, caput, vanished and has a critical error!!!!
I don't know, I leave the house for the day and its gone!
Oh well, first things first HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE !!! Yes its Kirsty's lil girls 10th birthday today, and being a disorganized girl that I am have still not posted her pressie and cards, even though I knew what I was doing a week ago , Izzy has made the most gorgeous card and I know Ellie will love it to bits
So today has been different, as Peter was working from home. Met up with a child minder today and Lilly will start going to Margaret every Monday till Christmas and then will be with her Fridays as well (mornings only I might add) and I will cancel play group as she will be starting a new one on Fridays!!! I feel such a massive relief as now I can work peaceful and without guilt for 5 hours a week and the time Lilly and I have together will be solid Lilly time. Even though I wanted to be the true super mum and do it all I have had to put my hands up and admit its not possible, I cannot work and play at the same time.
tomorrow Peter and I are off to London without the girls as we are seeing Kevin Spacey at The Old Vic as Richard 11. I am sooo looking forward to this.

Hugs to all

Anna
xxxxx

Another odd day, UKS members are still up in arms . I am plodding on at The Lounge, and still packing orders. And at last I have completed my projects and editorial for Craft Essentials

So here is the quizz Kirsty wants to see me take!

2 - names you go by: Anna and Bumblebee
2 - parts of your heritage: English and Russian 1/8th
2 - of your everyday essentials: my girls hugs and 24 hour lock in moisturiser
2 - of your favorite bands or musical artists: cold play and john legend
2 - favorite songs: shiver and fly me to the moon
2 - things you want in a relationship (other than real love): cuddles and trust
2 - physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex): eyes and arms
2 - of your favorite hobbies: Scrapbooking and cooking
2 - things you want really badly: to be a perfect size 10 and my dad closer to me
2 - places you want to go on vacation: NY and Cornwall
2 - things you want to do before you die: Jump out of a plane and make love on a desert island ;)
2 -ways that you are stereotypically a chick: pink and giggly
2 - things you are thinking about now: why is the scrapworld so harsh? and what goes after 8 (izzys shouting at me)
2 - stores you shop at: Sainsburys and Monsoon
2 - things that scare you: being on my own and the fear of drowning
2 - people I would like to see take this quiz: Karen and Peter

Kirsty and I , as well as a talented DT had just been asked to turn 12 x 12 magazine around. Our first issue is this month and has been received really well. But today both Kirsty and I received a phonecall saying that the big bods at the top, felt scrapping was not expanding here in the UK and have pulled the plug on the magazine. It is such a shame, we all had such enthusiasms and creativity to put into this mag. But a lovely email from jakey reminds me, "that although one door closes another always opens". And Kirsty, you became the last ever cover girl on their best issue!.

UkS has had its fair share of sadness, as they decided to band a group of members due to some massive mis understanding, so a rebellion has descended on them and some best loved scrappers have decided to leave the forum for the duration of the ban.

On a high note, my Izzy is to be the Dancing Midnight Star with 7 other girls for the nativity play, and I , on not such a high note blurted that I can sew, why oh why did I do that, so with fabric to find, (by another mum thank goodness) and 8 costumes to turn around this weekend complete with headdress, I have some task to preform , oh well at least they will be the best dressed stars in the universe!!

And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Its been a family weekend, no work, no computer , just pure family fun. And I have followed all that family good time to today and Lilly and I have had a painting session.
This was the LO I did this weekend of Peter. I find scrapping Peter and myself tricky, so it is a real challenge for me. I used Basic Grey Phresh and Phunky and lots and lots of stamping and being grungy, Really don't like my handwriting, need a thicker pen for starts! Also used some prima flowers but also some angel kisses!

Tonight back to deadlines and a 4 page editorial for Crafts Essential on invitations. Enjoying this as its something I haven't done in an age.

So bloggers what you all been up to this weekend? And how's the dreaded Christmas plans going?

hugs
Anna x

I have been surfing the 2peas gallery and this designer has commented on my PUNK! Layout, well I have just been looking at her work for over an hour, boy is she good, I am totally inspired to try something new now. Go check our Amber Nichola's gallery she certainly rawks! As you girls say state side, ;)
The layout I have used as my example has very touching journalling, but her composition is spot on, and I love all the handwriting. She is very artisitic, and bloomin stunning to look at, ggrrr
Go check her out and let me know what you think.
Ok question for the day

top 3 fav movies in no particular order

- Its a wonderful life
- Chocolate
- Shaw Shank Redemption

oh i can think of tons more but theres a glimpse of my favs

hope you are all having a good friday night
ttfn blogging babes
anna xxxx

Yesterday went really well, with social services. My dad looked much better, was sitting up, had had a haircut and a beard trim and we had a hug and reminisced about the good olde days. Thank you all for your lovely comments , it was great to come home too.

Today I have the fun task of unpacking my Junkitz order, putting the Christmas and winter kits together and going all slushy over some gorg new accordion books by Teresa Collins, they are so cute with brown gingham ribbon, ok so the gingham ribbon was the clincher for me!!!
Oh I am having 10% off Bazzill card stock for today only, must be bonkers I know, but woke up in a generous mood today, mwahahaahahha

hugs
Anna x

And I have...... eventually got to scrap Lilly my punk after days of deadlines. Kept it pretty simple, did some doodling and tuff on the photo (2peas fonts), white card stock grubbed up, and the junkitz basic collection stripped. Used mm brads and some ribbons and safety pins for that truly punk look, also adding astaple corner embellishment. Made some funky letter charms with black shrink plastic, boy do I love this stuff, cant stop playing with it! Used one of my new mm foam stamps that arrived today!! As well . The photo is pants so I will take in daylight tomorrow (well peter will ;) ) and re upload.

Tomorrow off to meet Brighton Social Services to re access my Dad's health and to have him moved to Cambridgeshire, so along old day is ahead of me and a few tears I am sure.
Hope you have all had an eventfully day, scrapping or otherwise. Great to hear about your fav scrapping gurus as well. So today's nosey questions is

what's your fav paper manufacturer?

tata bloggers
hugs
Anna

Yahoo!! I have completed my Altered Title for Creative Scrapbooking and really hope Jo loves it. I have done an altered A - Z, it was great fun but as always time is NOT on my side, tonight to finish off the mini book and a valentines LO. And yes that is my scrapping space after a deadline!

Lots of deliveries arrived yesterday and amongst them the first samples of Angel Kisses, boy am I pumped about these (oo er Americanizes!), they are looking really good and the packaging is going to be OK. I am not saying any more, just have to wait until the Scrapping Angels launch, but I may in the meantime add a few sneaky peeks!
Kirsty got front cover on 12x12, and I am so happy for her, and it was a LO with herself in it, so she truly is a cover girl!!!

I was thinking , like you do, is there anyone out in the scrap world who inspires you? US or UK, famous and/or not?
Do you scrap lift, read books to get inspired, or just so bloomin talented that you don't need inspiration form others?, mwahhahahahah, (kirsty wiseman comes to mind here ;) )
Let me know, I am intrigued.

hugs
Anna x

We have finished Lillys bedroom, she is so chuffed, and even more so because she painted it too. Her room is blue and white, with gorge blue curtains, white furniture and 1 blue wall. Treated her to a lovely blue fleece blanket and a blue fur flower cushion. She has gone to bed the happiest little girl I know tonight. And she chose blue for her room, just in case you were wondering! Thursday daddy and Lilly are going to lay the carpet. I have taken some great photos of the girls painting so will upload tomorrow.
I am currently in the process of putting together Scrapping Angels Christmas class kit and doing the altered A - Z for Creative Scrapbooking magazine. Was doing really well and got stuck on a few. What do you do for X and Z!!! Q is for quilling unless you can come up with something better, but I only have until Tuesday lunchtime to get the projects and editorial written!! Oh and I cheated for O, O is for oooo fibers, coz I lurve my O wrapped with funky fibers I did on a crimbo lo.
I am bloomin freezing sitting here, so I am off to bed. But before I do I need to say HI to Anam *waves* I saw my name on her "who I stalk" list on her blog. I felt really spesh after seeing that. See it really doesn't take much to put a smile on my face.
And all you wanna be Scrapping Angels out there, not long to wait now I promise promise that Kirsty and I will be sending out emails this week

hugs bloggers
Anna x

mmmm, yes that would be me, Izzy got on the school bus with the house and car keys!!! Thankfully my neighbor , thanks Kim, drove me to the school to collect my keys, to be greeted by Izzy who said "silly billy mummy" well that was an eventful start to my day.
Got orders packed, now to pack the kits, also I need to sort out doing some one off kits.
The interest in Scrapping Angels has been really good so Kirsty and I now need to crack on with finalizing details as I have the club kits to order this weekend. This has been a really big dream of mine and I am so hoping it will succeed. I am just so lucky that Kirsty wanted to come on board with me, as her die knowledge and design skills are such an asset to this venture, so look out as us angels are going to rock the scrap world in 2006!!!!
This weekend we are definitely going to paint Lillys room and I have 2 deadlines for Creative Scrapbooking to do, so I am going to be busy. I really wanted to head up too the NEC and Peter has said I can go, bless him, but I feel I have hardly seen him much over the past month and I don't think I could hack another drive as I still feel dead rough, but then you never know I could still a make the journey;)

Well here it is, my LO for today, and yes I had to succumb to the ribbon! Couldn't help myself.
you know I still have this bloomin awful cough and cold, it is so frustrating.
Anyways, I have decided tomorrow to take my Lilly kins to one of those play centers with the climbing frames and ball parks, as she has been indoors all week and I am feeling guilty. I am going to take some magazines and pad with me to do some work. Then we will have lunch and visit Nana.
Izzy was a star today. My back has been playing me up something rotten and she emptied all 75!! Yes 75 bags of shopping from Tesco delivery. Now you are wondering are you not? My delivery today came packled with 1 item in each bag, and I ordered 75 items!! Can you actually believe that? It kept Izzy busy for about an hour!

Ok bloggers and scrappers alike I am off to bed, pooped and Peter is exhausted and has already retired!

hugs
Anna x

Izzy came home last night and told me all about the 1st world war and what poppy day meant, I was truly amazed by her. School is doing marvelous things to Izzy she shows such compassion as they learn about the less fortunate children, and she wants to do a shoebox for the children who have no mummy's and daddies for Christmas, bless her. So we will, we will wrap it in the most sparkly paper they have seen, we will pop lots of scrummy goodies for the child that receives Izzys gift and a photo of Izzy will also go in.
Today is a bit better, I think! kirsty told me to have a good old scrap, and that I have done, well its sitting here waiting to be glued. I am using SEI Granpas Attic, a first for me, and it will be named "Brotherly Love". I was desperately going to try and use paper only, but my ribbons have sneaked out and are straining on their reels to be cut and stapled to my LO, so tune in to see if they ever made it

ta ta for now
Anna x

Its true I have fallen in lurve with the guru of all things distressed and inky, and have ordered loads of Tim Holtz goodies, as well as some sizzix and some MM foam stamps to name a few .
Had a busy day yesterday packing orders and sorting out all my magazine deadlines, so think I know what I should be doing and when.
This morning I have spent 2 hours on the phone to Brighton Social services and Elsie. I am off to Brighton next Thursday to meet with his social worker to have my dad re accessed and moved to a home nearer me. It is going to be a long and painful process for us all and I need to sort this before I am in hospital for my back or else things will get tricky. This has bought back lots of worries and concerns as to why my sister (who I know longer talk too, or she no longer talks to me!!) does not speak to my dad, this saddens me as he is so ill and she has not had anything to do with him for about 18years! Why I ask myself? She will never tell me, and this is so not right. My Dad is the kindest and most gentle man I know and needs to feel loved right now. hopefully I can sort this move asap so he can be near me, I need my dad to have a hug more than once in a blue moon, I love you dad xoxoxoxo

Not enjoying today at all, cant explain how I feel except that I feel I am not apart of what ever it is I feel, god how complicated does that sound! I reckon its been all the calls regarding my Dad that have brought me down today, not much I can really do but crack on.

Been working on Scrapping Angels, and have got a news review going into Creative Scrapbooking as well as a listing in Scrapbook Magazine. Also I am always browsing blogs and have started to pluck up the courage to reply to a few now in one case the infamous Donna Downey, and happened to mention how I would love her to come to the UK on a retreat I have in mind. Well blow me down with some BG, she replied asking for more details and is net them, she said she is really interested in the concept of Scrapping Angels and to keep her posted!!! WOW wouldn't that be just fab.

I must now snap out of the doldrums and crack on with what is important. This will help, an email I got from Gillian, thanks hun xoxox

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive
and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other,
body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
Have a wonderful day !

hope you guys have had a good day!
hugs
anna x

I am home and wow what a weekend!!! I am so pumped to scrap, alter, stamp and punch.
Met the most amazing bunch of girl's, how lucky am I? Off to do loads of internet crafty shopping, watcha s the credit card snaps with over use.
I have lots of thank yous to make

Kirsty- for being such a brill teacher and for making the weekend relaxed and loads of fun, love ya babes
Mark - for all the fabbo food , but not for my 3lb weight gain
Sue - great room mate, and thanks for letting me delve into your great stash collection!
Claire - for making me laugh and cry so much
Dougie - mmmm what can I say, but woof woof comes to mind!
Suzanne - for your amazing talent and great big hug
Kathie - great to meet you and get well soon hun
Karen and Micheal - for your amazing will to just get on with life and your inspiration to us all
Donna - Great to meet someone that is quieter than Claire/dougie/Karen, but up for a laugh
Jayne - you dark horse!

Saturday night was sucha giggle , I haven't laughed so much in an age, profiterolls, 123, and mish or dog spring to mind. I will now be known as "posh totty" on UKS from now on!!!.
I am going to start uploading pics later, but Kirsty has all the incriminating ones!

Gillian hun, didn't forget your big day, just had loads of bother trying to contact you, hope you had a fab 40th, big hugs go out to you, will catch up tonight xoxoxooxox

Nearly there, have packed my B&Q cropper hopper ;) and have just got to iron a few things and get the paperbag kit for kirsty and glues.I am pooped so am gonna head for my bed and then finish off tomorrow. Hope to leave after taking Izzy to school. Then I can spend some time with Kirsty help her get sorted for the retreat as well. Really looking forward to this weekend, need some chill time and a giggle
Catch up with you all monday with lots of piccies of scrummy delights made and mad drunken photos i am sure!

hugs
anna x

I still have this blastered cough, ggrrr, so feel not much better.
On a high note , finished my cover layout for Creative Scrapbooking magazine although I printed my photo in black and white and it needs to be in colour! So off to send out photos in color big thank you to Kimmy for sending me the Blitzen papers to work with, you are a star babes. Had a good chat on the phone with Jo and have some grate projects and editorials to do for the coming months, so really chuffed about that.

I am off tomorrow morning to attend Kirstys weekend retreat, so have to start feeling better as I am so looking forward to this.
After talking to Jo and checking out other mags I need to get some press releases out about Scrapping Angels next week

Back to my Dad. He really is a poorly soul now, and I am starting procedures to have him relocated nearer to me. Have been coercing with social services in Brighton and Cambridge and am now waiting for his assessment and a list of homes so I can start the hunt for a new home for Dad. This is so sad for me, seeing my dad so useless and his loss of independence has really shattered him. All I can do is offering him my company on a more regular basis by having him nearer. So please keep your fingers crossed that we can make this happen soon!

Apologises because it has been days since I blogged. This is due to before rush dof my feet. So a quick synopsis of life

Saturday- Kirsty, Mark and Ellie arrived
Sunday - Scrapping Angels first crop and a brill day was had by all,a and it was so good to meet everyone
Monday - Visited my dad in Brighton, more about that later. First trick or treat night. 8pm Karen and Kevin arrived
Tuesday - well here I am !!!

I will catch up again later, I am full of cough and chest infection so feel like crap and seeing my dad yesterday has been awful and I really feel dreadful so I cant see me around the boards much. Must now get back to work as I have deadlines to meet
catch you later
hugs
Anna x