It's A Creative World

Leah on Creative Every Day has a new challenge for us all for 2010. If you fancy joining in, in her words "Creativity is meant in the broadest sense ...... it doesn't have to be something art related ..... you do not have to post every day ..... this is a low pressure challenge ....."

Why not pop over and have a look.

52 in 10

ScrapDolly has a new and exciting challenge for us for all of 2010 starting on Sunday 3rd January. Her aim is to get us to scrap a subject most scrappers shy away from ............................ ourselves. I love the sound of it and I'm sure you will too.

In her own words "I know that you won’t all want to do all 52 weeks. There are bound to be some prompts that just don’t inspire you or that you feel are not relevant. But that is the beauty of the

project. You can dip in and out as you wish. There is no time limit, no pressure to complete,

no onus to share. The whole project is about YOU. Do what you want when you want in your

own time."

So, in my words "why not have a go?"

Click here, see what it's all about, download the prompts and get ready to make 2010 a year about us.

30th September

Well everyone, we're at the end of the month. 30 days of learning, 30 days of blogging and only 7 LOs! I lost my scrapping mojo big time after only a week of this project, but was determined to keep up with noting my learning. I have all my papers and embellishments ready and waiting should the mojo return.

So, the final day's instalment.

30th September I learnt that:

1) I have finally seen a project through to the end, all be-it in a different form to the one I started with.

2) I can still go to town and not be tempted by the cheap shops.

3) chippy chips taste so much nicer when you really fancy them, rather than as a quick and easy meal.

4) sometimes a present doesn't have to be expensive to be 'just right'. The best purses mum and I have had have come from The Factory Shop.

5) I have learnt more this month than I thought I would.

That's all I have for you for now. I'll be back when and if I have some LOs to show you. Thank you for stopping by.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

29th September

29th September I learnt that:

1) I need to put extra money aside for the things that should cost 'not a lot'. The lamp I'm having made is going to cost a little more than first thought, but still a really good price and much cheaper than buying one off the shelf. Thank goodness for having a friend that can do stuff like this so there's hardly any labour costs.

2) once I start sorting out things, it leads to other things and seems never ending.

3) I can do a shop in Morrisons and not spend too much. About time too!

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

28th September

28th September I learnt that:

1) the years go by so fast. My eldest nephew is 15 today!

2) I mustn't go by how the weather seems when I start washing. If it's sunny, it'll probably rain and if it's cold and damp, the sun will probably come out like it did today.

3) a 'safe place' often means a place you'll forget about.

4) I have even more stuff to E-Bay than I first thought.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

27th September

27th September I learnt that:

1) my tablets make me really sleepy.

2) cooking a lovely meal doesn't have to take ages in preparation time.

3) after finishing a LO for a GDT slot, I really am not into scrapbooking at the moment.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

26th September

26th September I learnt that:

1) nice things don't have to cost a fortune.

2) I can park properly driving into a space instead of reversing in, but I'd still much rather reverse in.

3) my local Tesco has started stocking dairy free vanilla ice-cream which is my favourite flavour ~ woohoo!

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

25th September

25th September I learnt that:

1) I should check what is actually in the freezer before planning a meal.

2) the best time to avoid supermarket crowds on a Friday is after 8 o'clock in the evening.

3) avoidance doesn't get things done.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

24th September

24th September I learnt that:

1) I need to eat before going for a blood test.

2) it's too easy to order a takeaway.

3) even with the postal strikes, some parcels come through the next day.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

23rd September

23rd September I learnt that:

1) the kindness of friends is amazing. I came home from the jobcentre today to find some beautiful yellow roses with lovely touching words on the card.

2) it helps to organise early especially if you need to internet shop.

3) it is possible for me to go to town for an appointment and not be tempted by the cheap shops.

4) my new tablets make me so hungry.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

22nd September

22nd September I learnt that:

1) too often people ring un-prompted only when they want something.

2) I need to listen to what my body wants especially while the tablets kick in.

3) I'm so bored of having no structure to most days.

4) even computer games are losing their appeal.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

21st September

21st September I learnt that:

1) making tomato soup is easier than I remembered.

2) I'm not very good at coping with visitors at the moment even if I think I am doing ok while they're here.

3) the Learn Direct Literacy Course I did and got an OCR level 2 certificate for is apparently equivalent to a GCSE Grade A-C!!

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

20th September

20th September I learnt that:

1) I can have a day out to pick up a couple of things and do a little shopping without being an emotional wreck part way through. Deep breathing helps as did the sleep in the car between Milton Keynes and Peterborough.

2) I much prefer sitting upstairs in Pizza Hut where it's quieter.

3) making a 'to do' list can be scary, but breaking it all down into small things at a time with the odd treat thrown in helps.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

19th September

19th September I learnt that:

1) even getting a small parcel of new and beautiful papers and chalk ink didn't make me want to do any crafting today.

2) being on your own all day means you probably don't learn much.

3) one of my friends has recently got her new baby. Congrats to mummy, daddy and big brother.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

18th September

18th September I learnt that:

1) I should assume I'm only being told half a story as I so often am.

2) some people just aren't that interested.

3) it's easy to stay in PJs all day.

4) the world doesn't stop you, it's you who tries to stop the world. Getting it started again is the hardest part.

5) buses don't always go where you need them to neither early nor late enough

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

17th September

17th September I learnt that:

1) it's lovely having the occasional child-free girlie brunch and day with my cousin.

2) chilli's delicious especially when someone else cooks it.

3) it is possible to get dairy free ice-cream from a shop nearby and very yummy it is too.

4) I get panicky if I'm sitting in a pub for a couple of hours. Didn't stop the evening being great, just wish I felt more like I could cope with things.

5) a great night out doesn't have to cost much. Free pub quiz and a glass of OJ, even if we didn't win.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

16th September

16th September, I learnt that:

1) I can get ready on time to go out, sometimes!!

2) buying a bargain bright top can make you feel a little brighter. Even better when it was marked down from £10 to £5, but the till said £3 and you have a voucher in your bag to cover that. And doesn't stick to your hips like scrummies do.

3) going to a shopping website to buy 'just one thing' rarely ends up as that especially if there's a sale on. Mind you, I justified it because of the bargain top.

4) if you're not around somewhere you frequently hang out, you're sometimes not missed at all and life goes on without you.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

15th September

15th September I learnt that:

1) even the doctor thinks I'm depressed. I've been given anti-depressants and am being referred to counselling.

2) I really feel I should be shut away from the world until I improve as I'm no good to be around.

3) a short nap in the afternoon helps me to feel more awake for the evening. Fantastic especially as I only get a couple of hours sleep during the night.

4) comfort eating only adds lbs to the scales. Knew that already, but it got confirmed again when I went on the scales in Boots today!!! :o

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

14th September

14th September I learnt that:

1) after answering a questionnaire (or two) and going through a few check lists, it all points to me having depression.

2) after finally braving it and making the phone call, it's impossible to get a doctor's appointment to discuss help I may be able to get for the above if that's what I actually have.

3) although it's sunny outside, I'm still really scared at the prospect of having to actually go out in it, which thankfully I don't have to today.

4) I still don't feel like crafting which is why this is a words only journal at the moment. I will complete the IRL album sometime and soon hopefully.

5) it's easier to add music to my phone than I thought. Managed to do it tonight for the first time :D

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

13th September

13th September I learnt that:

1) I should eat little and often.

2) too often something is not used/forgotten about/all but discarded until someone else wants it and will make daily use of it, then you start to wonder what you've been missing out on. 'Too little, too late' usually.

3) it's lovely coming home to a gorgeous 'non-birthday' card from a friend.

4) I don't have as much patience as I used to have.

5) I can't tell someone how I really feel about them because I know what it's like to be on the receiving end of negative feelings. Instead I've written it down in a Word document to delete when I feel ready to.

6) milk is too often used in a product when it doesn't have to be (Walkers salt & vinegar crisps), but it's a fantastic feeling (and taste) when something I used to love doesn't have milk in (Tesco chocolate limes).

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

12th September

12th September, I learnt that:

1) whatever you did to yourself/your body as you were growing up, has an enormous effect and impact on how/who you are as a person today.

2) having time to do what you want is ok, but having too much time isn't.

3) I'm actually looking forward to going home after house-sitting this week.

4) I prefer to be indoors in my own room, rather than outside and mixing with people. I feel safer there for some strange reason.

5) I'm getting very forgetful as I hadn't even realised until Mum phoned today and told me I'd left my make-up bag and brush in her car on Wednesday. Shows how often I go out as I almost always wear make-up when I leave the house.

6) trying to do something nice for someone, too often gets thrown back in your face and you wonder why you bothered in the first place.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

11th September

11th September I learnt that:

1) green tomatoes will eventually ripen on a windowsill, but it could take several days. Better to leave them on the plant.

2) the saying "I'll just do this quickly" is just that. A saying and not a reality.

3) it takes more patience and paper than I thought I had to simplify a craft project for children to make.

4) I still cannot make a good looking omelette. Tasted great, but was a 'mess on a plate'.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

10th September

Still no LO, sorry :(

10th September I learnt that:

1) it's nice to catch up with people on the phone.

2) the sun being out makes you feel happier

3) I need to work out how to weld pictures to shapes on my ROBO

4) I can handle slightly stronger coffee than I did a few days ago and much stronger than the really weak coffee I had to have a few months ago.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

9th September

Need to catch up on doing my LO's as I'm a couple of days behind!

9th September I learnt that:

1) I mustn't rely on my money being in the bank on time. I must budget to allow an extra week.

2) driving in the countryside is much nicer than the main roads.

3) I don't like the idea of living on my own ~ too quiet, too lonely and I don't bother cooking for one.

4) if you really want to do something / go somewhere, you can push your body to a limit you never knew existed.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

8th September

Day 7's LO is yet to be done.

8th Sepember I learnt that:

1) sometimes it's better to keep out the way and often out of sight.

2) sometimes silence is golden.

3) it's ok being a close family, but it would be nice not to feel you have to tell them almost everything without them getting narked because they 'didn't know' and that last bit goes for me too.

4) I eat out of boredom and when I'm feeling low and it's worse if I'm feeling both together. This is something I knew before, but it was re-inforced today. I also go for savoury as much as sweet foods at these times too.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

7th September

Day 6's LO and I decided not to go so grungy. Yesterday's photo of the day is going in the blank space and journalling reads "I spend far too long on Facebook, especially playing games and farming".

7th September I learnt that:

1) the phrase my friend told me is so true "we plan, God laughs". Well, someone's laughing at us!

2) I am still weak when it comes to chocolate when I'm feeling eurgh. Something I knew before and tried so hard to change, but caved in today :(

3) what I think some people will feel is 'a lot of craft stuff', they don't think is. I packed to go to my sister's and her DH's to house-sit this week and they were surprised at how little I actually had with me!

4) it takes one hour to organise stash to take away for a few days and 15 minutes to pack clothes and toiletries. Happens when I house-sit at mum's too. Have I got my priorities right? Of course I have!!!!!!!!!!!!

5) a quick glass of sweet fizzy pop, isn't always quick especially if it sprays all over the kitchen worktop / cupboards / coffee and bread containers / all over the floor! Much easier to have a glass of water, but sometimes water's just not what the taste buds want!!

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

6th September

Day 5's LO. Photo of some fruit going in the space. Journalling reads "it's ok getting 'treat' fruit reduced in price, but it should be eaten before it goes off."

6th September I learnt that:

1) sometimes people aren't the people you thought they were.

2) I spend far too long on Facebook, especially playing games and farming. I MUST NOT get into more 'reality' things like this and said I wasn't going to 'get into' Facebook full stop!!! Hmmm.....

3) it is possible to go shopping for fresh bits and not let anything else jump in your trolley. It helps having a shopping list though.

4) life can be lonely. I actually knew this already, it's just true of today and it's like learning the lesson over again! :(

5) I sometimes need to be more patient and understanding with others as David often is with me.

6) I can listen (and sing along) to 'Dance With My Father' and 'Careless Whisper' without bawling my eyes out at last.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

5th September

Day 4's LO. There will be a photo of the e-card I was sent in the space. Journalling reads "it's nice to wake up to a friendly and inspiring e-mail when the day before was quite rotten":

5th September, I learnt that:

1) washing does not do itself.

2) neither do other chores.

3) I get excited when a bag of ribbon drops through my letterbox. Watch my regular craft blog at the beginning of next month for my Ribbon Mad Guest DT LO.

4) if I start feeling sleepy while I'm watching TV, I should get up and do something rather than fall asleep.

5) it's ok getting 'treat' fruit reduced in price, but it should be eaten before it goes off or it's money wasted.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

4th September

Day 3's LO. (Space left for possible photo again.) Journalling reads "I've learnt that good friends are priceless":

4th September I learnt that:

1) it's really nice to wake up to a friendly and inspiring e-mail when the day before was quite rotten

2) time sometimes does go slow if you need it to as I did this afternoon when filling in an application form that had to be back pronto.

3) when you think you're too late arriving at the bus stop and get a lift to another one a couple of villages away, chances are the bus was late and you could've waited after all.

4) I still don't like waiting at bus stops or going shopping on my own

5) I can go into a shop to get ribbon for my LSNED album and come out with only that

6) it's near impossible to buy 'dirty' 'grungy' orange ribbon. It's nearly all shiny and bright.

7) there is; at last, a washing up liquid that doesn't bring me out in a rash.

8) it's quicker (and cleaner) washing up than cooking. How many days can I persuade David to cook? He's done it the last two days, so we'll see :D

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

3rd September

Day 2's LO. Journalling reads "I've learnt: I need to stop stressing about what 'might be' and start concentrating on 'what is' instead".

3rd September - I learnt that:

1) you have to watch what you say to others in person, on forums and on social networks

2) good friends are priceless ~ you know who you are :D xx

3) you can choose your friends, not your family.

4) no matter how much you've been hurt by someone, harbouring bad feelings is only going to destroy yourself. I need to rise above it and realise that for some people, no matter what I do it's never going to be good enough.

5) it is possible to be friends with a person despite everything, which helps you to smile inside and be a better person.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

2nd September

It's day 2 and as promised, here's the LO I've done for day 1. I'll be using the photo below it in the space and journalling reads:

"Driving to mum's today, the sun was shining, yet it was also raining. I couldn't see a rainbow, but the scenery surrounding her village was stunning. I've learnt to appreciate the beauty of nature."

I've used lots of paper tearing and inking on this LO. Something I don't usually do.

2nd September ~ I learnt that:

1) I need to put things away or they may get broken. I broke the butterfly decorated sunglasses I got to wear when I had my contact lenses in.

2) people in the job centre are nice and there to help us. I had a review today and was so nervous before I went (no idea why though), but the lady I saw put me at ease with her friendly smile and it went really well.

3) it is possible for David and I to have a day out together, even if it was just for lunch and shopping.

4) David will sit in a quiet corner of a car park in the car and in the heat listening to me babbling on between tears because of negative feelings and thoughts I can't control at the moment.

5) some roadside cafes make that extra effort. The one we went to even had fake flowers in the ladies toilets.

6) we can fit a whole month's worth of frozen and non-perishable food in our kitchen. Hopefully by doing this, we'll save money.

7) I need to stop stressing and worrying about what 'might be' and concentrate on 'what is' instead.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

1st September

For my blogging friends here's day 1's written entry. LO to follow tomorrow when I've decided which lesson to go with.

1st September ~ I learnt that:

1) there are nice people out there willing to give their time to help others. I had a half hour appointment this morning with 2 financial directors to go over my credit report andn make sense of things for me. They gave their time for free for some reason.

2) my report was ok despite it looking really bad on the surface.

3) when driving to mum's afterwards, the scenery was amazing. I never appreciated it when I lived there.

4) I need to allow longer to get ready to go out and longer to drive there too. If I'm running late or to the time, I'll invariably get held up somehow.

5) to sort out loads of 'stuff' is daunting. It pays to start with something small.

6) no matter how many games mum has in her large games cupboard, we usually end up playing the same ones.

7) over-ripe bananas and a bag of currants makes delicious cakes, especially if you top them off with icing.

8) when it looks like there's nothing to eat, look again. I made risotto tonight with Basmati rice, red onions, flagioli beans and baked beans topped with parmesan. Strange ingredients maybe, but the meal was lovely.

9) I'm getting Dad's Elvis box set of 12" vinyls ~ woohoo, we used to listen to that together loads :D

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

The Covers

As you can see in the post below, I decided to change my covers as I didn't like what I'd done. Here's the ones I'm keeping. I've used PPs from My Mind's Eye Bohemian Paper Pack, along with some Green Tara Blooms, Turquoise Stickles, a VersaMagic brown chalk ink and wording cut on my ROBO. The book rings have been decorated with brown and cream ribbons and a small brown tassle.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx

First Set of Covers

Last week I made some covers using Basic Grey PPs and sticky letters plus some stickles and an ink pad. But, I didn't like them. You can hardly see the wording and I just am not happy with them. Here they are so you can see why I've discarded them.

Love and hugs, Sarah C xx