Friday 31 December 2010

New beginnings

Well, I meant to post the entire Christmas holidays.... But time ran away. So a quick one to wish you all a Happy New Year.... I will be back in 2011 with a holiday round-up!

Xx


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Wednesday 1 December 2010

Snow Days, JYC and time to chill


Morning all
Well we are currently on an unprecedented Snow Day #3 up here... there are no planes, no trains, no buses... no post, no milk in the shops.....! I have also had to cancel all my classes this week as no-one could get into town. But all in all it is amazing and we are having so much fun! Luckily I have done all my Christmas shopping {apart from getting my tree :-( } so I can sit back and enjoy the snow .....
There is however the small matter of food! I always have a fully stocked larder and freezer and could probably live off the contents for about 6 months (and it looks like we might have too, lol) but when it comes to milk, bread and fruit etc .. this is where problems arise. Supermarket deliveries have been cancelled as the vans can't get out and it is impossible to drive, hard to walk on food and all my wee local shops are running, or completely run out ....
But hey hoo, it all adds to the excitement!
And with that, it brings us to 1st December .... it is really here! Most importantly it means the start of Journal Your Christmas ... v exciting!
I had better go, as I need to hunt down some milk and be back by 10.45 to watch It's a Wonderful Life on Sky Christmas Movies .... could life get any better?!
Em xx

Saturday 27 November 2010

it's begining to feel a lot like

... Christmas!

Yes, we have snow!!! I got such a surprise last night when I looked out of the window to see all the snow... so exciting, where has this year gone ...? December has just crept up on us, but I love it. I am all set; Christmas shopping is all done, baking and store cupboard goodies under way, Christmas Eve panto tickets bought, tree coming tomorrow (love my bro!) and I can't wait!


Between now and then though I have 4 craft fairs and and lots of orders to get through ... but come 21st December, I will be off 2 weeks and boy will I need it! The craft fair went really well last week, it was lovely to meet all my new 'colleagues' as well as getting lots of advice on running a craft business.


I had a chilled start to the week, as I have been so busy I needed to listen to my body and just have a few days to recharge and rest. Ethan and I did some baking, had dinner out and I also found some time to do some for shopping. Found some more lovely vintage fabric, some I am keeping for me and some I am going to use in future projects for the shop!
I also got some really good news this week, it just keeps coming and coming, from a friend who is a TV producer. They are developing a new property make-over show and asked me to do some design work/consultancy... so fingers crossed, we will see where this road leads me! Here are a few of the projects I have been working on this week!


On non Christmas/crafting related news we have found THE villa in Orlando, it is AMAZING... I have never been to the US before, (been to the Dominican and Grenada a few times), so I am mega excited... also V excited to go back to Disney, the real one (been to Paris before) and also can't wait to go to Harry Potter world!!! We are going in May next year, it will be me and E, my bro, Deb, Joshua, my SIL's parents and some friends, so 10 adults and 3 kids in one huge villa, think I will need an extra suitcase for all the shopping I am going to do!!

Right, I have been working hard all day, so I am now going to have some supper and chill with a glass of wine and watch some cheese on TV!

Have a great evening
em x

Saturday 20 November 2010

all packed up and ready to go!

well I have been at it crafting, creating and sewing my little *heart* out all week. Today I started at 10am and kept at it until 8pm, I didn't even make it out of my PJ's! I didn't get as much done as I would of liked ... but then I am unrealistic about what I can actually achieve in 24hours, lol ....

But I have a good selection, so we will see. I will take lots of photos as I really need to get the website up and going ... depending on the signal at the venue I may even try a little craft fair blogging! So wish me luck for tomorrow ... I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the members of the craft guild and to see all their work.

Then next week it is back to making up all my orders, some studying and then making LOTS more stock for the 3 day craft fair in 3 weeks! I got my results back today from my first assignment and I am really pleased and got some great positive feedback from my tutor. On a downside Lotta, the kitten has an upset tum, YUK!

With that little bit of exciting news I will leave you ....
Night peeps
xx

Monday 15 November 2010

My own little Santa's workshop!

Well I am truly in production mode right now.... Have glorious fabric coming out of my ears.


Thank goodness I recently upgraded my expedit storage unit....
I have recently had additional orders for a quilt, 3 Santa sacks and a stocking as well as a lot more personalised stars, that is as well as making all the stock for the craft fair next week!






I predict very little sleep next week....





Right... Why am I still sitting here... Have sewing to do!

Xx

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Monday 8 November 2010

tiredness ...zzzz

Tonight I reached new levels of tiredness. After waking a few times in the night (think the noisy wind was waking him up!), Joshua was awake at 5am this morning, I managed to get both the boys back to sleep in my bed (an arm around each of them) until 7am .. but that 5am wake up had taken it's toll. By the time 7pm rolled around I was a crumpled mess .... but both boys were fed, watered, bathed and happy in their pjs, and giving me a lovely cuddles when Debbie got back from the airport...

I have been really busy today, and managed to get quite a bit of work done around J's nap time, I have been making felt Christmas decorations, and while I was putting him down for his nap I got a great idea for a penguin one, so when he was asleep I quickly knocked up a sample.

Things have been going really well, I have loads of orders already, all through facebook and good word of mouth. Since Friday I have had orders for 15 personalised stars, 2 personalised Santa sacks, some Christmas bunting, 2 cushions and a canvas ... yikes, and that is without the shop being up yet!

I submitted my first assignment last week, so fingers crossed for the results. I have another tutorial on Saturday, so hopefully find out then.

Right, Spooks is on soon .. so as long as I can keep my eyes open!

Night night
em xx

Thursday 28 October 2010

It's all go!!

Morning,

Well, despite the fact that I could of had a lie-in this morning, my stupid body-clock woke me at 8am!! Ethan is off with Daddy, exploring Scotland in a camper van, until Sunday. I am V jealous.. I love camping, I love road-trips, I love Scotland ... especially Mull.. We went there when E was 10 weeks old. Beautiful place!

Anyway .. i have a few days peace to get some work done... like studying, I really should be studying... I have Joshua tomorrow, so will try and get as much done today as I can.

I also got some good news yesterday, so I blogged before about how I have been asked to join the local craft guild and do some craft fairs ... which is great. But yesterday the woman emailed me as asked if I would like to take part in a WEEK LONG Christmas Craft Fair in December. She said they really loved my work, it was beautiful and of such a good quality (I had to send over samples/portfolio type of thing, as they have a sort of 'kite mark', and they need to make sure whoever becomes a member adheres to the standard etc!) ... I felt to proud/shocked when she said that. I mean, I like my stuff, but you never know what other people think!!

Since this 'arm' of the business, really seems to be taking off I decided to make it more official. I have set up a new website/folksy shop/Facebook group and also spent a few hours yesterday working on new marketing materials with the printer I use for my Classes... so I now have 2 different sets of business cards etc ... could get confusing, lol!

I have been really busy sourcing stock, getting ideas, making samples. It is a really exciting time... to think that this literally came out of nowhere is what makes it more exciting. I am so blessed to have these opportunities, to be able to 'work' the way I do, at my own time, doing something I love and being there for my family. I am very lucky!

I have also done a lot of 'thrifting' recently ... I have a passion for vintage tea sets, dishes, glasses etc and can't resist an old bit of china. I got a lot when I was up visiting Nanny and am pleased to say have even managed to use a few bits since we have been back. I don't know what it is, I just love miss-matched, chintzy, vintage pieces.. my idea of hell is a square/modern/ikea plate ... (shudder!!) ...

We also put up our Halloween decorations yesterday, they grow every year, with a few additions... I especially love decorating my front door. I have a funky wooden Witch that hangs on the front and I cover it with spiders webs and tiny spiders ... spooky! We have quite a hoard of pumpkins, one of which Ethan got very attached to, carrying it around and names it Zombie John .. so sweet!

Anyway, I need to get moving. I still have to finish my first assignment, which is due next Friday.

Enjoy this lovely Thursday
em x

Wednesday 20 October 2010

Snowy Scotland!

Evening all

Apologies for the slack blogging of late.. Had a busy few weeks recently with life (Ethan, Joshua, my OU degree, the school fundrsiser ) but I am now happy to report that I am enjoying 2 weeks holiday!

BUT I have been far from putting my feet up! We are up with Nanny this week. Love spending time with her. Been doing lots of cooking, baking, tidying, cuddling, shopping, basically having a great time. Eking out the last of the fruit and veg from the garden. Made a lot of compote with the apples and spent today making green tomato chutney and relish. Have even managed to squeeze in some sewing (orders from the school fundrsiser) and studying as my first assignment is due in a few weeks! I got an email while i have been away, from the chair of the local craft guild asking me if I would like to join and also do another craft fair in a few weeks! Obviously I said YES, so been buying bits and conjuring up ideas! Looks like this might be turning into a proper arm to the business!!

I have also pretty much finished my Christmas shopping and made a start on all the prep (started new decorations, my JYC album)... I love Christmas, cant wait!

I am really getting in the Christmas spirit, helped a lot by the snow today!!!

Right, it's getting late and we are off out tomorrow and I need to pack for our journey home on fri!

Em xx

Thursday 30 September 2010

Time ... slow down!

Well, firstly I can not believe how quickly these last 2 years have flown past ... but then again I can't imagine or remember Joshua not being here (well I can remember, but you know what I mean!!)...

Happy 2nd Birthday Joshua!

I never thought I would be able to love anyone as much as Ethan, but my wee cutie pie J is just like my 2nd son. I love him, he is such a huge part of our lives and keeps us smiling! Can't wait to see him and give him big slobbery kisses!

I am procrastinating a bit this morning as I should get my head down and do some studying. My second first year course starts on 29th January 2011, so I will have 4 months of multiple assignments and I am going to try and get as much of this course done in advance, as i can! I need 120 credits per year (each course is 60 credits and you need 360 to get the degree), so rather than wait and it take agessssssss (you all know I am not one for waiting!), I have decided to start the 2nd before this one ends. I am sure it will be fine. I managed my first degree (got a 2:1) no bother, lol ..... with a lot of late nights, hangovers, partying... missed tutorials! So I am sure, now I am older and wiser is will be fine ...?!

I am also totally up-to-date with LSNED... a first for me, the project finishes to day and I am so pleased with the end result (will post pics later). I think the fact that I kept it simple and didn't use photos on every page, and for those I did used my instax camera (LOVE it!!), it was really easy to keep on top of it! Very much looking forward to Journal Your Christmas, I am going to do it in a similar format!
right; time to hit the books!
Em xxx

Wednesday 22 September 2010

pencils at the ready ....

Evening all

This is just a quick one before i hit the sack ... we have Joshua with us at the moment and he has made the jump to a 'big boys bed' (he has been in one for a while now at his own house, i was just too scared to do it before now!). But he will be up with the lark. Very much like Ethan in that respect ... so I expect to be woken around 6/6.30 am tomorrow!

It is very strange seeing a baby-gate on Ethan's bedroom door again, especially so as he never needed one at this house .. throws up all kind of memories. Isn't it funny how an object can do that?! Also, food can do that too .. I had a PB sandwich on white bread the other day (we never have white in this house!) .. and instantly i jumped back to 1982, watching new 'new' channel on TV , channel 4, which only showed about 5 programmes, but it was still amazing .... sigh!

Anyway, lots going on. We have a fundraiser coming up at school, not only am i organising it (been working on designing the posters, tickets, raffle tickets etc this evening), I am also making lots of crafty bit to sell!

I also have lots of exciting stuff happening with my OU degree, got my tutor this week and a list of all my tutorials. Have my first workshop in Edinburgh this Saturday and am also go and see the Cezanne exhibition as my 3rd assignment is on Cezanne. I am v excited and raring to go. The course hasn't started yet, but I have been making a start on my studying. Doing Cleopatra at the moment .. very good!

Right peeps, I need to get to bed.
Sweet dreams!
xx

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Lovely day!

I realised today that I have loads of energy.... This may not seem a big deal, but I have spent a lot of time this year feeling washed out..... The fall out of swine flu. Feeling tired, lethargic, just generally not perky at all. But I realised today that I'm no longer knackered all the time, I feel like I have lots of energy, great, raring to go!!

Phew! Just as well as next few months are going to be full-on!

A great and very wise friend came to see me today; when she left I was feeling very positive and uplifted and excited about the future. I know I am on the right path, life is good!

Lucy came for tea with Ethan after school, we made gingerbread people. My two wee chefs were great, followed instructions and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Ethan and I make gingerbread a lot as it's quick, easy and they are delicious and chewy once baked (in fact I usually make double and keep a batch of dough in the freezer!).





Here is a pic of Lotta fast asleep on some of my Uni reading. She is a sweet wee thing and always comes to chill on the desk when I'm working...


What an incentive!

Right, a glass of wine is calling my name!
Xx


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Tuesday 14 September 2010

Lists, lists and more lists ....

Evening all

Well it has turned very Autumnal the past few days; but I love it. I love this time of year, the colours, the snuggling inside, the hot chocolate, the cardigans, the food......the anticipation of CHRISTMAS!!! I am a total Christmas addict - love it. I am panning/shopping/making/organising for Christmas already!



Time management is going to be a key factor for e now and I seriously need to make up a timetable of how I am going to manage all my time over the next year as all my OU course material arrived yesterday.... a HUGE/HEAVY box crammed with CDs, DVD, and books upon books...

I was a tad stressed out to start with. But I just needed to get my head around it, get organised, get to grips with it all. I looked at my timetable, my assignment list (one every 4 weeks between October and May!!) and I began to feel better once I had printed off a few things, added dates to the calendar and ordered all my reading list from Amazon.

So now I am really excited, a tad nervous, but mostly excited. I have to read Dr Faustus first, and get stuck into a few chapters on Cleopatra, but I will be fine!

I have recently ordered and received lots of yummy stash, but no idea when I am going to find the time, heheehee (hence the need for me to draw up some kind of timetable!). I have also been doing quite a bit of sewing this week and I have the craft Fair coming up and need some stock to take along. so for the next few months Lists are going to be key to my survival....

Right, I need to fold a bit of laundry and then get dinner sorted (beef stew and dumplings tonight, followed by plum crumble mmmm!).

Yaisu peeps
xxx

Wednesday 8 September 2010

Thank you, thank you!!!

well... I can finally breath again and also get some rest and not be living with this worry!

For the past 4 weeks, we have been living with the fear that Ethan might of had cancer. He has a hernia, which needs surgery (he has an appointment in October), but while we were in at the Dr he noticed something 'up' with his lymph nodes.. so we had to come back, then were refereed to paediatrician.. last week we had to go to the hospital. Ethan was so brave and as hard as it was, coped very well. He did so well that Daddy and I took him to the shop to buy a new toy. He was delighted. Still got some bruising on one of his arms, but it is all the pain is forgotten.

We finally got the all clear results on Saturday. He has to go for follow-up in December, I got his referral for that this morning... but phew. It has been a really difficult time, and not one i would like to repeat...

Ethan is now very much looking forward to his hernia surgery as he knows he will get a huge toy!! Funny boy!!

So I can now, once again look forward with hope ad optimism!

We have Joshua now for 4 days, he is currently having a nap, so the house is filled with laughter and lots of cuddles. J has recently discovered a love for everything 'Toy Story' much to mine and Ethan's delight as it is one of our fav films and E has ALL the toys :-)

J and I are off to Edinburgh tomorrow, once Ethan is safely at school as I want to do a bit of Christmas shopping (YES I have started planning for Christmas already!), I also have my eye on a Cath Kidston raincoat!

Better go and quickly eat some lunch while J is sleeping!
More soon
Em x

Friday 3 September 2010

Waiting

Waiting, waiting, waiting for news!!


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Saturday 28 August 2010

Stash monster!

A spot of retail therapy is a great thing!

I have been a bit naughty recently and have been getting lots of stash, storage, fabric and crafting goodies. Got a beautiful Martha Stewart punch and new CHA Cosmo C papers this week and am also waiting on lots of new Jenni B, MME, Maya Road, Prima, Lots of stamps, some more Thrift Shop papers as used up all my last for gifts, a new glue gun, chipboard.... More storage jars and some boring basic things like cardstock, dst and pva!

I am buying all this as I'm doing LSNED and clearly NEEDED it :-) really looking forward to getting stuck in and kick starting the old mojo.

Was at my brothers birthday BBQ this evening; I brought Joshua home with me so mummy and daddy could let their hair down. Looking forward to lots of cuddles with my smallest boy tomorrow!

Right all, get some sleep! And gold star to Hils for FINALLY blogging!
Xx


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Thursday 26 August 2010

Dr Dr

It's been a long time coming, lots of ideas been whittled down (nursing, midwifery, interior design, psychology, PGCE). But I can finally reveal that I'm studying again (well apart from continuous studying of BSL, and other training for my job)..... I'm going back to my routes with art and English.

I love being self employed, running my own business and the opportunities it's given me. But I really miss using my brain, putting the years of studying, my passion and using the experience I have into practice.

Running my own business is extremely rewarding but current developments have made me really consider the future and what I want out of it.....

So October sees me returning to education (whilst juggling motherhood, BuzyKids, Joshua, Parent Council, Scrapbooking etc etc etc ..... Phew!!) I'm so excited. I've bought all the books off my reading list and looking forward to eventually getting my Phd, just call me Dr Whyley!! hehe... (I'm also following in family traditions as my mum had 2 degrees and a post grad degree so finally I have a good role model!!).

I'm also in great company as ironically my bestest Katy is adding yet another string to her bow, I'm in awe! (She will be running her own design consultancy before we know it!!) Let's get stuck into our student discount!!

Dr W
Xxx


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Wednesday 25 August 2010

Lovely Lotta

she has been named.. Ethan went along with my gently encouragement on the name (if you read Charlie and Lola you will get my theme!). So I would now like to proudly welcome Lotta to our family. She is a very sweet natured wee cat, although considering she is only 10 weeks old (born 12th June) she is v brave and hasn't hidden away at all, been busy exploring, playing, cuddling and sleeping.
I gave Ethan a hughe surprise and went to collect him from school with Lotta hidding in my Cath Kidston day bag (seriously!!).. to say we were a hit in the playground is an understatement!

Charlie and Lola have been looking at her and observing, we have had a few hisses, and attempted nose snuggles so I am sure they will be adopting her into their sibling clique fairly soon.

Her addition to our family has helped to take my mind of some recent news, news which I am trying not to dwell on as it is all still very uncertain and at the moment I have my life in the hands of something beyond my control. But I am praying that all will be well, for i dare not think otherwise!!

But to leave you on a positive note, here is some more Lotta pics;
Love and prayers
em xx

As yet un-named!!

Just a quick post... yesterday I had 2 cats and as of 11.30 today I had 3 ... one top-speed dash round Asda for kitten bits later and this lovely little lady is making herself right at home!

Can't wait to see Ethan's reaction, for her had no idea she was coming, as did i ..

more later

em xx

Sunday 22 August 2010

Fabric overload


Ok, so I've been busy making corsages and hair clips for the craft fair, when I thought I would have a look at my other fabric. So I decided to organise all my fabric and basically reacquaint myself with it all...hmmmm considering I'm still waiting on 2 fabric orders I don't think I need to buy any more; for a while lol!!

Here is a sample;





























Xx


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Saturday 21 August 2010

Sleckeroooo

Apologies for being so slack on the old blogging front ... but it has pretty much been non-stop-flat-out since we got back from holiday.

I had Joshua for two 4 day spells, getting Ethan ready to go back to school and a new term of classes ... so it was HECTIC! In there I also celebrated my 35th (yikes!!) birthday, had a lovely days shopping in Edinburgh (ohhhh dear, was v bad in Cath Kidston, John Lewis.... in LOVE with Tanya Wheelan Fabric ... and Jenners... treated myself to lovely Bare Minerals/Bare Escentials make up). Started planning for the Parent Council fundraiser in October, started decorating the house (hall is finished ... duck egg blue..thank you for the colour Kirsty yummy!), made some beautiful wire-button hearts, altered a canvas, baked up a storm and had a lovely ladies luncheon. Good times...

But school is back now, Ethan is now a big P2, with 2 missing front teeth and is nearly as tall as me (seriously, at 6!!).... so we are back into our familiar routine and it is great.

I need to get making, making, making as I am selling lots of my crafty/homemade bits at the school RelaXmas fundraiser.... I kept meaning to develop this as a sideline... but never motivated myself, so when someone approached me to have a stall, so I said YES!

Here are a selection of random photos from the past few weeks;

Right, enjoy your Saturday
em xx