29 Jun 2013

22 Jun 2013

Saturday Scrapping with American Crafts


On National Scrapbooking Weekend a layout and tutorial over at Two Peas caught my eye. I loved the florals, the ruched washi tape and all the texture. I used to avoid scrapping with pinks and florals - as it just didn't seem very me. But recently I have got more into florals and even pink (so long as its hot pink!) and I loved this sheet of cardstock from American Crafts. I think the key is to use it in moderation and combine it with more 'neutral' designs.
The topic of the layout us the constant breaks I had to take from trekking round the tropical rainforest at the Eden Project. The 'R&R' stands for rest and relaxation and i created it using thickers and my fav ampersand stamp from Paperchase.


A close-up of the ruched washi tape - a technique I will definitely be using again. Its perfect as you can peel washi off if you don't like the effect and it doesn't fall quite right on the page.I then used my trusty stapler to create a similar effect with the hot pink ribbon.

In other news:
  • I have been investing some much needed attention on my other blog 'Yummy in Yorkshire' and reviewed Reds True BBQ - the new BBQ and ribs American restaurant in Leeds. 
  • I was invited to sit at the Chef's table at the Red Hot International Buffet in Leeds and I have also blogged about the delicious meal I had there. It was random to meet other bloggers and media types as I've always been a bit a 'solo' blogger, but it was a really fun night and we found we all had lots in common other than blogging. Discussion ranged from Jordie Shore to Baby G watches to Sylvia Plath! There are several Red Hot World Buffets in England and my post features a promotional code for a discount so be sure to check that out.
  • It is only 18 days till my due date - scariness! Excited too to meet our little baby and discover if its Team Blue or Team Pink! 
  • I am becoming a real Instagram addict and am finding loads of inspiration over there from fellow scrappers. Follow me on: melmakes21. You will see the new stamps I got on the twopeas sale and how I've unearthed the embossing powders and heat gun! 
What have you all been up to this grey and drizzly (if you're in England!) weekend? 
_______________________________
Linking up with the lovely Ashli over at Purple Mailbox

18 Jun 2013

Surprise baby shower...

So my regular followers will know that I am not always the biggest fan of surprises! Normally the Belgian gives it away too, but he did well this time.
There were about 22 ladies there from church and we played some revolting games including guess what's in the nappy and who can guess the baby food flavour.
My favourite activity was decorating the onesies and i was amused and impressed by many of the efforts.
Now onto the exciting part - the pressies...
Gorgeous soft blankets and muzzies
Toys and an elephant height chart
Winnie the Pooh cuties
Cool dude hoody and funky bib
Treats for mommy
Lots of useful bits for the bubba
It was a fab evening and we are well and truly stocked up now!

8 Jun 2013

Saturday scrapping...

So before I head out to enjoy the sunshine I thought that I would share a couple of layouts I have been working on recently. They both feature pictures of my mother and I, doilies and 'homemade' embellies. As I have been scrapping with limited supplies recently (due to packing all my scrapping stuff away to make space for the nursery) I have been more creative with what I do have out - as I don't fancy routing through all my boxes to find a more suitable embellishment!
This first layout uses some scraps for matting the photo and ribbons stapled on to make the middle picture 'pop'. I used the doilies and border stickers for the main embellishment and a big title with oversized letter stickers - which have been in my stash for quite some time. The pictures were taken over mother's day weekend in March.



The second layout is from Christmas Day 2012. Unusually for me I barely took any pictures - but the main reason was that I was about 11 weeks pregnant at that stage and was sick not once, but three times, on Christmas day - a record for my pregnancy! But not one to be proud of!So my big camera stayed in its camera bag most of the time whilst I lolled around feeling sorry for myself. I know that I look really rough in this picture - but feel it captures my mood that day!
The funny story behind the picture is that I'd asked for Jamie's 15 Minute Meals book and then at a food fair in London saw a great deal of a year's subscription to Jamie's Magazine and his book and lots of extras for a really cheap price and so got it for my mom! So we'd brought each other the same present.
I used kraft, red and yellow non-Christmassy papers but I felt that the kraft and the red gave the page a festive feel. I love the little tag poking out and it has journalling about the presents on it.


Hope all you lovely ladies have a great day in the sunshine (if its sunny where you are!) I only have three weeks of work and only 33 days till D-Day. Ahhh! Exciting and scary!

2 Jun 2013

Maternity Mondays: 35 weeks and kicking (lots!)


So last Monday the British bank holiday weekend broke from tradition and we had some sun- yay!
My sister came up from London for the weekend and so we had lots of shopping and eating out fun.
It was the Saltaire Arts Festival on the Saturday and we got to tour lots of houses and see galleries and local art exhibits. It was a really fun day - we snapped the pics above in Roberts Park and on the canal.
On Sunday the rest of my family (except for Gem and By in Canada) joined us and the Belgian made a very Yorkshire Roast for us all. This is a very scrappable pic...dad and Alli don't feature much in my scrapbooks!

Feelings at 35 weeks:
  • Excited and smug that we have been so well organised and seem to have everything we need
  • Enjoyed getting lots of rest over half term
  • Having as many date nights with the Belgian before we become house bound for a while
  • Blooming - acid reflux was a fleeting moment and generally third trimester hasn't been too bad
  • The Little Wriggler has lived up to their name from the 12 week scan and I often have little limbs sticking out and poking me
  • Worried about names as we're constantly changing our minds and struggle to think of a boy's name we both really love
How did all you momma's out there decide upon the name?
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