Scrapping Tonight

well just!

Yesterday was going pretty darn well, after a few days of not so good vibes.
Annie rang me from Seattle, which I was really made up with. We have near as damn it finalised the new class changes and I am so excited.
I also complete my Zsiage DT projects and am really chuffed with them. I will post a sneaky peak later.
I received a couple of emails from the Aussie scrappers, complimenting me on my work, which is always a great boost to ones confidence. I suffer greatly with self confidence and especially my craft. So many talented girls out there to keep up with, but then that is good and keeps us all on our toes!
I received a phone call from a much loved girlfriend in Sussex who is coming to visit us on Thursday for lunch! How cool is that? We spoke about all the stuff that had gone on in our life's this year and realised as soon as life is good, something comes along and hits you where it hurts.
Well that happened to em last night. I received a phone call from my dad's home, he was being rushed back into hospital. This time with pneumonia and heart murmurs. My poor poor dad, I am calming then last time but on auto pilot i reckon, although the tears start to flow unexpected.
Dad has MS and it has now spread to his throat, causing him difficulties in swallowing, coughing and speech. His speech has deteriorated so much in the last few weeks, i can barely here him talk these days.
So I leave you with a rather dashing photo of my Dad as a young boy. A much loved brother by his sister, who reminisced today about the times they used to go up to the west end and watch the old movies.
I love you Dad
hugs
Anna xx

A few things to keep you posted on while I remember.
Retreats are popping up all the time and I am honored to be asked to be a part of then.
In September I am hosting my first Scrapping Angels retreat in Bury St Edmunds and cannot wait as I will be working alongside such great talents, Emily Falconbridge and Anne Hafferman.
October takes me to Lockerbie where I will be teaching at the Luxurious Angels retreat, and in November I am sponsoring a class and setting a challenge for the Scrappers Unlimited ladies!!!who I believe are a mad bunch of ladies.
I am loving it. So retreat hosts I am free from November if anyone's needs a teacher!

Fab news also today, booked my place and Annies on the photography School course in reading for October, and I am so excited. Also Mel may come along as well, which would just be brill, although Freddie did say no more scrappers he couldn't handle it!! What is he trying to say about us?

Did a DNA personality test today, for a bit of fun,! pop your cursor over the colour blocks to see my results.
have a go, for the laugh of course, and then go and do your tag you're it layout, and post me a link!!


see you all tomorrow
hugs
Anna x

Yeah, Lilly made the back cover of Scrapbook Inspirations, I know don't laugh I should be excited about a front cover, but Lilly looks so coot , I have to bang my own drum here.
That's my Lilly in the bottom corner sporting a rather fetching T shirt. Doesn'y she look so adorable and coot? To read and see more you must grab your copy of Scrapbook Inspirations next month.
Finished a deadline today, wohoo!!!!

BIG ANNOUCEMENT TIME

Has had an enormous confidence boost!! Today we went to watch Izzy on her last day at swimming. She has taken a swimming crash course. Izzy cant swim and hates swimming pools, and some of you may remember from my post the other day how scared she was when I took her on Monday for that first lesson. Well today we watched, aided, Izzy swim the length of the pool and the width of the pool using breast stroke!!! We are so utterly proud of her. Lilly was clapping and Peter, myself and Izzy were beaming. She has conquered her greatest fear!! Booked for regular lessons on a Saturday now to keep this enthusiasm going. I don't think she passed the course as she still couldn't put her face under water. But hey, we will practice that in the bath for next time!
Well from swimming the length of the pool, she now decides to take off her stabilizer and learn to ride her bike today!! And she has only nearly conquered that as well!!
Check out this neat video footage I took on my camera. It is Izzy's birthday next month and a new bike is in order as she has totally outgrown this one. Lilly can ride this bike!!!

Well that's all folks. The weekend beckons, the girls are of to see Nana so I can complete deadlines, and Monday is a bank holiday and we will have some family time together without deadlines looming!!
hugs
Anna x

PS: Don't forget the tag challenge. Take a blog tag and pop it onto a LO, then send me a link xx

As I have nothing much to report, here are a couple of layouts as I have only managed to add snippets prior. The first is my layout I did with kit#6 the cherry artes kit. I love this paper, and the kit was a great success. This months is Sassafrass Lass complete with stamps and button chipboard!!! Its scrummylicious. Preview this weekend!!
And then the layout I did for Annies challenge, in all its glory!

Izzy is doing really well with her swimming lessons, and tomorrow we get to spectator, and I cannot wait!! For someone who went white as a sheet at the mention of swimming now thinks its FANTASTIC!!! After 1 lesson I might add. I am so proud of her.
Only a next week left of the summer holidays, it really has flown by., with still so much to pack in! How can anyone dread the holidays for the boredom factor, I haven't had enough time with them yet!!

The best news of today is I have booked Annie and I on the much raved about photography course in reading that Kirsty, Anita and Natalie have been on, so I cannot wait. Yes Annie I confirmed our booking today, wohoo!! They will make a photographer out of us yet!!
And the bad news of the day is poor Sue and her family were involved in a car accident. They are all safe and well, but as always it is the after shock that brings tears and upset. I was supposed to be going down and doing an overnight stay with Sue this weekend but that has been put on hold due to these very unfortunate circumstances. Big hugs to you all.

The Angel Kiss range is causing a stir and I was able to send some good news to my trade customers today. Hopefully the first of many!
I have worked for a year on the concept, colours and designs with the factory overseas and although I was unable to secure any copyright due to funds, hopefully this will all change soon and the Angel Kiss brand will be a household name.
So watch this space.

I am off to my snuggly bed as my wrist is playing up and typing is proving a bit sore now
hugs all
Anna x

Yes that's all of you. Inspired by blog tags and a layout by Ann(I)e I challenged you to do a layout using a blog tag or any tag for that matter that you may have received or why not use the one in my post below
Send me a link to your layout, I would love to see how you have interpretated the tag!
Here is my layout. Using Basic Grey scraps, MM foam stamps and rubons, jewels, circle punches, Junkitz foam stamps, and lots of other odd stamps in my box of goodies!
Looking forward to seeing you ideas, don't forget to send me a link
hugs
Anna xx

Yay I did it. I managed to complete the first Ali Edwards challenge on Annie's blog. I used Sassafrass Lass papers, MM rubons, Lil Davies wooden flower and a Stamps Away stamp. There is journalling on the strips (not in photo) which reads "If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air, quaint little viallages here and there", Lyrics taken from "Vertigo" by Groove Armada.

To be fair I was on holiday when she started these. But I have completed the first and am ready to start on the 2nd challenge. Here are some snippets as the light was not very good and my photo's were bad!!!

I have also been tagged by Beth and Roz , thanks girls!

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
In the UK I would choose the Lake District, Europe would be the South of France or maybe New England in the US
2. What's your favorite article of clothing?
nothing at the moment as I have too much weight to loose, but I use to love a pair of jeans I had when I was a skinny person!
3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex?
Arms
4. What's the last CD that you bought?
Orson
5. Where's your favorite place to be?
With my family
6. Where's your least favorite place to be?Anywhere without the people I love around me, I am a peoples person
7. What's your favorite place to be massaged?
lower back
8. Strong in mind or strong in body?
Mind, I am feeble when it comes to body strength
9. What time do you wake up in the morning?
around 7.30 ish unless one of the girls wakes me before
10. What is your favorite Kitchen appliance?
wok
11. What makes you really angry?
Lack of respect, and liars
12. If you could play an instrument what would it be?
I can play an instrument , I play the flute but would love to learn to play the piano
13. Favorite colour?.
natural earthy colours for interiors, but I have a love for all things pink since I had the girls!
14. Sports car or SUV?
Sports car
15. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Yes
16. Favorite children's book?
The Velveteen Rabbit
17. What's your favorite season?
I love Autumn, the colours and crisp air
18. What is your least favorite household chore?
Cleaning toilets!
19. If you could have one super-power, what would it be?
to make the days longer
20. If you have a tattoo what is it?
I don't have any
21. Can you juggle?
No
22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to?
Penny
24. What's in the boot of your car?
Christmas presents from ELC
25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?
Sushi, everytime

I tag sue, anam, trish and anyone that fancies having ago at a challenge (see below)
I think I may use this tag for a Layout actually, its a good way to do an About Me page. Infact I challenge you to do just that. Take a blog tag and turn it into a LO about YOU. Annie did a tag LO for TSBM, from a tag I sent her, and I loved it.
I will get mine done tomorrow and upload. So go on, a quick and easy LO to add to your About ME album!
Send me a link to your layout, I would love to see your interpretations

hugs
Anna x

No I can't believe it has been a year since we packed our bags and made the journey 250 miles south to our new abode here in Southoe, Cambridge. And not regretting a minute.
I cannot believe what has happened in just 1 year

moved house
Izzy started school
fire in the kitchen!
Dad moves to cambridegshire
my back operation
Peter home every night and more !!!!
Angel kisses launched
meeting family for the first time
making the winner list for BOB 2006
meeting cyber friends
first front cover January 2006 (creative scrapbooking)

and so much more......

It is times like this that I reflect on what has been achieved and try and put aside what has not been achieved and life really isn't that bad.
And now our 2nd year brings us more firsts

Lilly starts nursery
Izzy moves to year 1
Angel Kisses go global!
Scrapping Angels first retreat

life is exciting is it not?!

Izzy on the beach

Friday we went over to see the Deacons, and had a lovely day, I even got 10 minutes to scrap! Yes I have started the Ali Edward challenges on Ann(I)e's blog, so will be uploading my creations.
I have a "to do list" as long as my arm , leg and torso at the moment, and I will get through it. Mostly letters to friends and family to include photo's and the usual magazine deadlines to complete and my Zsiage DT for this month need to be completed.
Talking about Zsiage, I have been given a sneak peek of their CHA releases and they are stunning, cannot wait to get my inky mitts on them.
Spoke to a very dear and amazing cyber friend the other night as well, infact 2 hours of natter and scrapping chat was shared. Much fun was had.

Sunset on St Ives

Izzy starts her swimming lessons next week, and at the moment this is proving a sore subject s she doesn't want to attend them. Bribing of becoming the best in body boarding and the coolest surf chic around may sway her ;)
I hear the sounds of "The Yellow Brick Road" beckoning me from the living room, as the Bowkis's sing at the top of their voices the words of "Wizard of Oz"
May try and pop on later with my Ali challenge
Have a lovely Sunday
Hugs
Anna xxxx

(anyone else having problems uplaoding piccies to blogger?)

Yes we are home and really glad to be back. Had a fab holiday, saw loads, did loads and traveled loads!!!
I think I took about 800 photo's, so beware as I start to sneak a few of my favs in my posts over the next few days! This is one of my favorites and the only picture I have of my girls together!!! I love it and it sums up our holiday perfectly. So look out friends and family as you will be getting a copy in the post shortly. I really like this photo of me and Peter as well, taken by the talented Izzy!!! She is so darn good with a camera, as well as body boarding, dancing, being so pretty, I love my little girl. I could scrap a whole album on Izzy and the beach, bless her.

Although it is good to be back, it does mean I have had to answer hundreds of emails. And get back to the thick of it straight away.
Can you believe there are only a few weeks until the first Scrapping Angels Retreat??? I have lots still to do but am so excited as well. Received scrummy post by Cathy Zielske with the prize for your first pre crop challenge, how exciting is that!!!!

Creative Scrapbooking issue 19 has eventually made it to the newsstand and is a fab issue, lots of great projects, and a really arty project on doodling by Anita Mundt that I love!! I have a really exciting project on Clippy Kit bags , really enjoyed doing them. I am offering to the first 8 customers who spend over £10 on the website a free copy, feeling still in the holiday mood!! Also check out the gallery of inspiration as my very dear friend and talented scrapper sue has her first and most deserved layout published, well done babes.
What's everyone been up too? Have you been doing the Ali Edwards challenges on Ann(i)e's blog? I am raring to go and will get stuck into these in the next few weeks. So Ann(i)e if you are reading , let me catch up please!!! mwahahahhaha
Of to see Sue tomorrow for a day out with the girls. Looking forward to that as it always includes a little shopping, heheheheh
Ok that's me for now, must get cracking on packing orders, placing orders, emails, catching up on all my fav blogs as well
Blogger is being a pain in the butt, so I have used a free hosting site to upload some pics, also i havnt had the time to edit them either
hugs
Anna xxx

We arrived in Portsmouth yesterday afternoon after 6 hours on the road!!!! glad to be at Auntie Iris's and meet more family.
Today we headed over to the docks and visited HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. What a fantastic day of history we have had. The Warrior was the most advanced warship of its time in the world, the 1st iron clad warship built in1860's. HMS Victory is the infamous flagship of Lord Horatio Nelson that won the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It has been about 25 years since I last visited with my school!!
The girls were wonderful and actually enjoyed their day, especially Lilly and the canons!!
We then headed to the funfair and all ended up on some wave ride that gets adults soaking wet.
We are leaving tomorrow night for a night drive back to Cambridge. I am really ready to get home now and sleep in my bed, but have also had a lovely 2 weeks away.
Lots of scrapping to look forward too as I have taken hundreds of photos.
Did you get away Annie? or have our airport security left you deserted again?
And I cannot believe we have only 5 weeks until our first Scrapping Angels retreat, wohoo!!!!!
Watch your inbox angels as a newsletter will be heading your way in the next few weeks!
Photo is of the HMS Warrior figure head, not taken by me, I may add but pinched from the web
Until Wednesday blogettes, and lots of photos of my little surf dudes!
hugs
anna xxxx

Having a lovely time in sunny cornwall, qauint bays, beaches and alleys to photograph, although Peter claims we are on holiday with a 5th member!!!!
Izzy is learning to body board and is becoming a real surf dude, with a hair wrap, henna tattoo, and ankle bearcelets and taht sun kissed look!
Lilly is not so impressed and has spent most of her time asleep in the tent or digging holes
Lands End tomorrow for the classic photo!
Lots and lots of photos to share which I may be able to do before we return.
The wedding was fantastic and the girls made lots of new friends, Peter and I reminisced about our own wedding day and stolen kisses were had!
Our own anniversary was spent in a tex mex and a few drinks to many!
Last night we watched the sun set, how fantastic was that.
A few messages :
Karen and Gillian please text me home adresses
Annie and Kirsty have a fantastic holiday
And anyone who has order queires I will be getting back to you on my return next week

Big hugs to you all, hope to pop on again with photos before the weekend is over
Anna xxxx

This is the new bloom to be added to the Angel Kiss range which is set to grow over the next few months. Available in 3" and 4" in over 15 colours!!!
I have been in talks with the factory all day, and I am excited with the future of the Angel Kiss range of flowers. It has been a hard slog, I have been burnt on the way, and I am learning to keep my lips sealed from now on!! I just get too carried away with all my excitement.
Anyways, go and check out the site as the new smaller daisy I have been waiting for has at last arrived and in some gorgeous colours , including the much awaited black and white.
And don't forget FREE P&P on all our Angel Kisses. Have you been kissed yet?!

Well we are off on our holidays tomorrow after I have packed all the trade and shop orders. We will be stopping off in Portsmouth for a wedding we have on Saturday and then down to Cornwall for a much needed break. I will be logging in while I am away with photos of glorious Cornwall.
I will pop on tomorrow before we leave as I have some coot photos of the girls to bore you with

Hugs all and thanks Ann(I)e for a lovely day yesterday
Anna xx

Cherry Arte papers and new stamps by Stamps Away, and I can't even show you a sneaky peek of the layout as it is a project for a magazine, sorry.
I have down 2 layouts this past few days using the new Cherry Arte papers. Love the Tropics (do check out the page kit I have on the site) and today putting the finishing touches to a double layout using the Party Days papers. Very retro, orange and blues, a very un me combo but I love it. Also am loving the new stamps by Stamps Away designed by Ali and Paul Reeve, my fav has got to be the flower blooms to the moment as they work so well with the Party Day papers. In fact I love them so much I have to get them in for the shop with the Above Board collection of chipboard , which again features heavily on this layout.

Off to see Ann(I)e tomorrow, just Annie and me shopping , chatting and lots of coffee. I cannot wait, need a breath of fresh air and Annie has that to give and so much more. Also she has made a not so little secret public now and I am overjoyed, so do pop on over to her blog. Congrats to you all.

I am sure I will have photos tomorrow of stash, stash, stash, maybes starbuck coffee and Annie

have fun
hugs
Anna
xxxx