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About Me

Married to my soulmate with 2 beautiful girls,and our English Springer Spaniel, Suki. Living a country life in Cambridgeshire, whilst baking, gardening, and photographing our daily lifes, where they find a place on my scrapbook pages.

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My little place on the web

This blog is just that, my little place on the web.You will find my daily (or not so daily, hehe)life, my love for my new vegetable garden, baking, photography and my scrapbooking!

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My Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a way of life for me now.It has been for over 4 years. I love journaling, taking photos of my family and love colour and texture, these are all part of my everyday life and scrapbooking.

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A Day Out...

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/27/2009 05:48:00 PM 9 lovely comments
Its half term, and a week of outings and things to do have been planned. Yesterday we started the week with a trip to West Lodge Rural Farm. My girls were maybe a little to old, especially Izzy, but we still managed to have lots of fun. The weather was dry, if a little overcast, but perfect for walking around the grounds, which were just full of autumn colour!





(awful photo of me, but one none the less!)

This is why I love England, I love our 4 seasons, each for their own wonder, and autumn is all about the colours for me. So we walked through beautiful crunchy leaved paths, carpeted in colours of ochre, russets and gold. Trees were laden with sloe's, which reminds me I must go sloe picking this week!









We then headed around the farm area to feed the animals; the usual hens, ducks and goats, and Lilly was in her element.





After a morning walking, the girls took a "spooky" tractor ride, whilst Karen and I checked out what was on offer for lunch. Not dissapointed at all, we had hot chocolate with the FULL works!, yummy, the girls shared one as they were enormous. Paninis and sarnies were also consumed but the hot chocolate was definitely the talking point at the table.





We then headed off to the pumpkin carving tent, and the girls picked a pumpkin to carve.





Now you know me, every year I head down to Sue's and we all go on a day trip to a pumpkin farm for the must have scrappers photo! I couldn't make it this year to Sue's, so West Lodge Farm came recommended, and it is fab....... but just a bit scarce on the pumpkins!!!!






LOL, we did have a giggle, so no scrappers pumpkin photos for me this year! Contain yourself Sue....
The girls finished the day with some pony riding; Izzys highlight.



As well as a lack of "cute child posing amongst the pumpkin" photos, there is also a lack of " eldest daughter smiling nicely for the camera" photos. Instead we have a lot of this view....




I guess the girl is just too cool now to amuse mum and smile for the camera these days!

We were all shattered after our day out walking and breathing in some fresh country air. It was home to chicken wrapped in bacon, "stabbed" with rosemary and a chicken gravy, baked potatoes and some green veggies, absolutely delish!

Well that's Day 1 over, day 2 involves lots of shopping *inserts wide grin*.
Thanks for stopping by
Hugs
Anna xx

Trick or Treat

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/25/2009 08:42:00 PM 2 lovely comments
This week at Pencil Lines, we joined forces with The Next Step, the challenge blog. The theme for October is Tricks or Treats.
I had recently purchased Scenic Route Salem collection for my class at this month's crop. I absolutley adore this collection, and it saddens me to see that Scenic Route will no longer be gracing our pages with new and exciting product.




This photo of Lilly and her "boyfriend" from last years Halloween party, has been waiting to be scrapped for a year now! These papers and this sketch were crying out to be used togother.




Supplies :
Scenic Route Salem papers, chipboard, diecut sheet, stickers
May Arts ribbon
Sequin strip from local haberdashery


Finally, a sight from the weekend that bought a huge smile to my face......Lilly reading a "big girls" book!!





Hope you had a lovely weekend, see you tomorrow.
Thanks as always for stopping by
Anna xx

Momiji Love

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/24/2009 11:40:00 PM 5 lovely comments
I am a total addict when it comes to most things Japanese, especially when Momiji dolls and such are involved. On a recent viist to the Momiji official site I eye spied a few goodies in the Zakka section.
Zakka means bits and pieces in Japanese and it's our collection of super things to make life lovely.!

I am totally loving the pretty cupcake cases in a tin, with flags!

Look at this travel journal set,it's jam-packed with ideas, handy-hints and useful stuff, as well as plenty of room to sketch, doodle, plan, dream and document your adventures.

Loving this sticker tin with 54 stickers!

And how about these cute teaspoons!

And finally my fav doll at the moment.. is Blanche.

I have been a very busy scrapper finalising my class for tomorrow and baking lots! I baked 2 batches of chocolate chip cookies and 2 batches of brownies! 1 of each will be making it to the crop tomorrow.... I also made "homegrown" (that's what Lilly calls homemade!!) meatballs, tomato sauce and spaghetti, whilst Peter supplied the wine and cheesecake from M&S. Posh pud was in aid of my bestest friend Karen, who is visiting from Newcastle this week, Sadly she is leaving Tuesday, I had it in my head it was Wednesday, boohoo..
Will be back tomorrow with something to share, I know I have been promising this all week, but I really will, LOL

Hugs and thanks for stopping by
Anna x

RAK Winner

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/22/2009 10:50:00 PM 0 lovely comments
Thank you for all your lovely comments on Pencil Lines the Book, it has bought a smile on this tired face!
Here is the winner of my RAK

True Random Number Generator Min:1 Max: 27 Result: 4 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Rebecca said...
I'm excited!
10:46 PM

Congratulations Rebecca, please email me with your address

Back tomorrow with a proper blog post and some photos!!
Thanks for all your lovely comments and support, it means alot
Hugs
Anna xx

A RAK to celebrate!

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/20/2009 07:33:00 PM 27 lovely comments
Now I have announced Pencil Lines the book, it only seems right that we should celebrate with a little RAK!

I have pulled together some Prima papers, vintage ribbons, Autumn Leaves Stamps, MM thickers and a mini book from 7 gypsies (i think!) to give away tonight.

Just leave me a comment, and I will announce the winner tomorrow night with layouts to share!
Thanks for all your support and for stopping by

Hugs
Anna x

Blog Hop Winner !

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/19/2009 06:39:00 PM 0 lovely comments
The random number generator selected number 15

Luluuk said...
reading, Lulu UK


Congratulations Lulu, please email me your postal address to send the apron to :)

I have so many hobbies, hadnt relasied until I started seeing your comments!; reading, photography, baking, gardening and knitting! It was lovely too, to read about your hobbies, so thanks for that. I will get round to all your wonderful blogs over the next few days as well. Its great to find new blogs and ideas!

Come back tomorrow for RAK 2, to celebrate the announcement of Pencil Lines, The Book , which I was going to post today but I wanted to announce the blog hop winner first!!

Thanks for stopping by
Hugs
Anna x

Just a little giddy...

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/18/2009 09:35:00 PM 5 lovely comments
with excitement and nerves! The photo I posted a couple of days ago, well I have let the cat out of the bag over at Pencil Lines...

The last 18 months has been a roller coaster of emotions, trials and tribulations, lots of scrapping, and a lot of hard work form 10 very talented designers, all of which have been a part of Pencil Lines, The Book!!!

Yes you read right, I have (nearly) put the finishing touches to my book. Pencil Lines will be released on December 14th; 40 new sketches, 10 talented and inspiring designers all jam packed in a handy sized, hardback, spiral bound book. I am bursting at the seams with excitement and just hoping you are too!!!
I guess that calls for another celebration, hehehe, but you will have to check back tomorrow as I completely forgot to take a piccie!!!






Sketch 157 has just gone live, with Wendy Anderson. Cosmo Cricket sponsored the designer team, hence my love for Earth Love!!
I taught this layout as a class at the Regional College yesterday as well. All new scrappers, which was really fun, and all converted!! The idea of this layout was to teach them how to distress using inks and tools. Also not to be afraid of pattern papers. This is why I love Cosmo Cricket! There papers go together beautifully and are perfcet for new scrappers. Choosing which paper to use was the only problem!






I just love this photo of Lilly handing me a bunch of wheat! She always finds a bunch of anything to hand to me, she is just so thoughtful! That is why my title is "Thanks". Do check out the rest of the DT, everyone is using Cosmo!

You can download the class instructions here

Whilst you are waiting for tomorrows RAK, head down 2 posts for the blog hop RAK!

Thanks for stopping by an joining me and my news!!
Hugs
Anna xx

Earth Love Mini Book

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/18/2009 12:14:00 PM 1 lovely comments
Its official, I am totally in love with Cosmo Crickets, Earth Love, and thats before I have even torn open my packets of Early Bird, which I know is just as gorgeous!!


Welcome to any new readers, that have come on over from the Pencil Lines celebrations :). I hope you are enjoying all the inspiration on offer, and its all FREE!!


I am absolutely loving it, and cannot wait to crack on with some of the new sketches that have been posted.






I decided to do a mini book, with simple page sketches and a step by step.



You can download the instructions at Pencil Lines.


Come back later for Pencil Lines sketch 157. Heres a sneak to whet the appetite!






Enjoy the weekend and thanks for stopping by

Hugs

Anna x

**you can still blog hop, see post below**

Pass the Parcel

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/16/2009 08:04:00 PM 73 lovely comments


Hi to all those who have hopped on over from Michelle Filo's blog!


Q: Name one other hobby/pastime that I enjoy other than scrapbooking?

Post your answer in the comments, and I will pick a random winner monday night to win this cute dainty apron for Sunday baking!!


Hop on over here to unwrap the next layer!

Pencil Lines is celebrating all weekend with buckets of inspiration. Please join us in celebrating our 3rd birthday!

Thanks for stopping by
Anna x

Party Time...

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/15/2009 06:13:00 PM 0 lovely comments



It all kicks off at 8pm GMT Friday night!
What is ? I hear you ask. Unless you have been hiding from me, you will know that my baby , Pencil Lines, is 3 this weekend. WE are celebrating all month. Tomorrow we start the serious celebrations with a "pass the parcel" and then our FREE online weekend crop begins at midday GMT Saturday.

Pop on over to Pencil Lines for more details of whats to come. I am so excited!!

Everyone is welcome, and to start the festivities, grab our 3rd birthday blinkie and post on your blog and anywhere you fancy!

Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you joining us this weekend

Hugs
Anna xx

See this...

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/14/2009 03:00:00 PM 4 lovely comments
this is just a small part of what I have been working on for the past year!!



All will be revealed very soon....
Hugs
Anna xx

Victorian Tea Party

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/13/2009 02:38:00 PM 5 lovely comments

Izzy had a Victorian Tea party to go to yesterday afternoon, complete with cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and gorgeous little cakes.
This not so disorganised mum had not sorted out an outfit, much to Izzys disgust, and it took a google image search to convince Izzy that skinny jeans and mini skirts were not the norm!



Anyways, one black skirt of mine, a flamenco dress (yes you read right!) a rummage through my ribbon drawer, a pin and tuck here and there, we had a very lovely and elegant Victorian lady! Details of post processing at the end of this post.


What are you up to this weekend? Hopefully you will be dropping by Pencil Lines 3rd birthday celebrations; a weekend long online crop with an amazing talented list of guest designers.
Details will be posted on the Pencil Lines website tomorrow, I cannot wait!!


Thanks for stopping by
Hugs
Anna xx

Post processing : CS2, Pioneer Woman's action set 1
boost
soft and faded
vintage

Pencil Lines

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/12/2009 01:51:00 PM 2 lovely comments
Pencil Lines sketch 156 went live last night with one of my favourite Norwegian designers, Oddbjorg Rinsgby. Oddbjorg's work is so beautiful, i love all her little details. Check out her work here on her blog.

I used some photos of Izzy from the summer, when she was singing in the school singing club.
The sketch was designed by Sue. I love the versatility of this sketch. I chose to keep my design very simple.









Supplies :
Cosmo Cricket Earth Love - totally love this line!

The world wide web can be an amazing place, where I have met some amazing talented and awesome people. Iris from the Philippines is doing her bit to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Here is what Iris had to say:
You must have heard about the storm that has ravaged several asian countries. It was the worst tropical depression. Worse even than Hurricane Katrina. Our country, The Philippines was not spared. Hundreds were killed and thousands are left homeless. After a week, several cities are still knee deep or even higher in water. Families are cramped in evacuation centers and there is so much help needed.


She is offering an on-line class on her blog in which all proceeds will go to the victims of the storm. It's only $5 and it's a layout on fabric and it's filled with LOTS OF PRIMA FLOWERS! Thanks for your support. Join the class here


Thanks for stopping by
Hugs
Anna xx

World Book Week

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/09/2009 10:23:00 PM 4 lovely comments
Did you celebrate World Book Week?

I was sad to see that the girls school didn't, and this really disappoints me. Thankfully the school I work at did, and I was asked to bring in a favourite book into to class to read. Well this actually proved a very difficult task! I ended up with a pile of books, ranging from my favourite books my dad bought me as a child, one of my favourite children's book, and a couple that the girls chose for me to take in..

So I have decided to do a book themed five fav Friday, I would love to see you join in and post your favourite (children's) book. In no particular order!!
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams- still has me bawling my eyes out!


The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde - another, "tears rolling down the cheek" job!


Anything by Roald Dahl - how can you not love this talented author!

The Rabbit Problem by Emily Gravett -although I have not read this book, I have looked through it at school and just fell in love with her style. Meerkat Mail is a great story as well by Emily.


Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne - I still watch and read anything Pooh related!

I keep forgetting to share some news with you all.... I have been asked to be Scrapbooking Memories sketch designer for 2010!!! I am so excited and happy. Scrapbooking Memories is my all time favourite scrapbook magazine, and I have been honoured to have been published several times in this magazine. If you have never got your hands on the Australian magazine, I highly recommend it!

Before I go, you still have till Saturday to grab a Pencil Lines blinkie and post a link on the blog and be in for a chance to win some May Arts ribbons!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

Hugs
Anna xx

Scrapbook Workshop

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/08/2009 11:32:00 PM 0 lovely comments

I am teaching a 4 hour workshop at Huntingdonshire Regional College on Saturday October 17th.
We will make a mini book and a layout, using the gorgeous Cosmo Cricket Early Bird.
To book a place contact the college here.
The workshop is only £15.00 plus £15.00 for the kit, or bring your own materials!
I am so looking forward to the weekend, have lots of scrapping planned with deadlines approaching, how about you?
Hugs
Anna xx

Just a reminder...

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/07/2009 09:24:00 PM 0 lovely comments
that over at Pencil Lines we are on blinkie patrol. Just pop over to the site and right click onto a blinkie of your choice and save to your computer. Upload to your blog and post a link on Pencil Lines. On Sunday I will randomly select a winner, who will receive some gorgeous May Arts ribbons. Easy peasy right!
Catch you all tomorrow
hugs
Anna xx

Tomato and Basil Soup

blogged by me domestic goddess On 10/06/2009 10:48:00 PM 2 lovely comments
with ciabatta croutons...

Gather:



500gms of tomato's, all sizes and shapes are welcomed!
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
a large bunch of basil
1 red pepper, or in my case a green pepper looking rather dishevelled at the bottom of my fridge!
2 good vegetable stock cubes
700ml of boiling water
olive oil
1tbsp of garlic infused olive oil - don't fret if you don't have any, just crush some fresh garlic into the olive oil and leave whilst your tons are roasting in the oven!


Chop the onion, garlic, pepper and halved tomatoes and add to a roasting dish. Drizzle olive oil and pop in the oven for 30 mins or there abouts on 180c.

Put all the cooked ingredients into a large saucepan, add then add the torn basil and 700ml stock, seasoning and bring to the boil.

Add the garlic infused oil and blend/puree with a hand blender or a fancy soup maker if you
have one!( yes i have seen it on the front cover of my Lakeland catalogue, do I really need one?!


So now you have lovely smooth soup



Now tear up some ciabatta and pop in the oven for 5 - 8 mins to toast, then pop onto your bowl of soup, enjoy!!!




By the way, I have to just say, we do NOT eat out of gold rimmed bowls every day!! Oh no no no.... the diswasher was full, and I had to grab the "posh" bowls to eat our soup from...


Seriously this is scrumptious! so much that my photo was taken at some godly hour at night in a badly lit kitchen! No leftovers to get some arty shot the next day!

Let me know if you try cooking this!

Hugs
Anna xx