Magpie Club

Craft Fair - Item 2

2011-11-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a little Santa Terrarium that I put together. Really quick and easy. I just glued some moss on the bottom of the vase. Then glued in Santa and the Tree and shook a bit of fake snow on top. Tied the ribbon and added some bells and ta-da........

Man, I am not sure what is going on. I showed Prince Charming it this evening and he said that I should keep it, that it would make a really nice ornament for the house. My mantra is...I have a table to fill, I have a table to fill, although it is kinda sweet. Anyway, my crafting must go on. Have a wonderful weekend.

Products used: Vase - dollar shop, Vintage Santa and Tree - ebay, Moss, Ribbon and bells - Hobby Lobby.

The School Craft Fair

2011-11-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

I would say that I am a very eager person. Always eagerly coming up with fabulous ideas on what we should do. Parties to host, plays to see, events to go to etc. I get so excited and my tongue seems to overtake my brain. Then in the cold light of the day I wonder what on earth I have got myself into. A case in point is the school craft fair. I have been banging on at the school to do a Christmas craft fair for years. This year they agreed, I am now wondering if I was on drugs when I suggested it!! The fair is next week and I am super busy making things to fill a table of Christmas crafts. Not an easy task with baby Oompa Loompa around and I am not even sure if I am a crafter of sorts. Sure, I can put scrapbook pages together and even make the odd quilt but a Christmas crafter??

Anyways, I am inviting you on my creative journey this week whilst I create Christmas goodies to sell at the fair. I can not take any credit for the ideas, everything I am making I have seen on the web, unfortunately I can't remember where or who, so I do apologize to the creative geniuses who came up with the wonderful ideas, I am just the monkey. Although I will take the credit for blinging the ideas up, everything always seems so much nicer with a bit of bling.

Today I am going to share with you a Christmas Wreath that I am in the process of making. I have never made a wreath before but I blew the dust off my trusty glue gun and gave it a go. Must apologize for the first few photos, taking photos was an afterthought, (as you will be able to tell).

Started gluing down the balls, working in the centre first - slightly tedious at this stage.

I then found it got rather fun, once the base layer was down. It is sort of like a little jigsaw puzzle, finding little balls that fit into the spaces. Warning - try not to get hot glue on your fingers, it really hurts.

Ta-da.....

OK, I still haven't finished. I still have the top left hand side to do but I ran out of big balls and need to get some more. Now, I need to ask you a question. Do you ever make something and decide that you love it too much that you can't give it away? I mean, I think I rather love it and am not that sure if I can really bring myself to sell it at the fair. Mmmm - this is not looking good, I must keep reminding myself that I need to fill a table. What I really love about this wreath is the mixture of new and vintage balls, along with the adorable little santas. Oh - decisions!!

Products used: Foam wreath - Michaels. Plastic balls - dollar store. Vintage balls, santas, plastic flowers - ebay. Merry Christmas sign - Hobby Lobby.

Thank You Siri....

2011-11-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

Last year, after I had baby Oompa Loompa, I received the most amazing gift in the post. It came all the way from Norway, a beautiful knitted wool vest. The most perfect gift for me, as I just adore knitted clothes for children, (as my Auntie - the knitting Queen - can confirm). The vest was from Siri.

I have to tell you how I know Siri. Siri was one of my first customers when I started the kit club back in 2009. I actually think she was one of the first subscribers I ever had. Each month, I pack up her kit and send it on its merry way to her little village in Norway. The most beautiful village ever, I have seen lots of photos on her blog.

Well, the vest was so perfect I totally assumed that Siri had bought it. Err, no, I got that wrong. Siri had actually hand knitted it especially for me and baby Oompa Loompa. I was totally blown away with this unbelievable gift, from a person I have yet to meet. The time it would have taken her to knit it and then sew on the beautiful heart wooden buttons and the little poppers - it means the world to me and I will treasure this little vest FOREVER. I feel so blessed and honored with all the wonderful people I have 'met' through the kit club and the blogsphere. It has definitely made living in America, (away from my friends) so much easier. So, thank you for being there for me. And a huge, big, amazing, wonderful and lovely THANK YOU Siri - you totally rocked my world. (Yes Father - if you are reading this - I did write and thank Siri at the time!!!)

I wanted to share a few photos of Baby Oompa Loompa wearing the vest - here they are:

Now, onto the winner of the kit. I put the numbers in random.org and came up with lucky number 48. That is Nitasha Griffin. Great Nitasha, just zoom me over a quick email with your address and a kit will be on its merry way. Have a very happy Wednesday.

Halloween Journal

2011-11-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Prince Charming graciously let me go to the ball, (well...an all day crop!!). I was on a mission, I knew that I wanted to start and finish my Halloween journal. It did take all day and a bit of night too but I am happy to report that it is now done and dusted - yay!!

I thought I would share a few of the pages:

Now that is done, I can start getting my head round the old December Daily!!

I will be announcing the winner of the kit tomorrow. Have a happy Tuesday.

Finally - The Kits are READY!!

2011-11-01T23:14:00.004-06:00

OK, I think this may have been slightly ambitious, doing 5 kits. As I said earlier, I am really not sure what I was thinking at the time. Well, I am now happy to report that they are all done, packed and ready to go.

I must say that I am not feeling a hundred percent, I think I have caught baby OL's cold, so I am very pleased to tick this off my to-do list.

Without further ado, here are this months kits:

Main Kit

Bits & Bobs

LOVE THIS - Thankful Mini Album

December Daily Bits & Bobs kit

Finally, a Fall Journal......

We have got lots of snow today, so I think I am going to drug myself up with paracetemol, drink lots of tea and try to sneak in a little shut-eye. I think the sleeping might be a bit of wishful thinking - chance would be a fine thing!!! Have a very happy Wednesday.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T11:00:00.002-06:00

I hope you had a wonderful Halloween, ours was fabulous although baby Oompa Loompa was poorly, so he missed it. Best to keep him warm and snuggly inside as it was rather chilly on the old streets. I now know what it feels like to be Willy Wonka, the amount of sweets I seem to have in the house!!! Major rationing going on.

Busy getting the kits ready, should have everything on the website later today. Have a happy Tuesday.

My Little Monkey.......

2011-10-27T15:21:00.002-06:00

.....................Is no longer a baby, he is now one - can't quite believe it.

Life is crazy at the moment, as I am sure it is for everyone. We have Halloween parties and parades left, right and centre. I am also busy getting the kits ready for next week, I am attempting to have 5 different kits on offer - not really sure what cloud I was on when I came up with that idea!! Have a happy Thursday.

This one's for you Jen.....

2011-10-13T11:03:00.003-06:00

When I was on the scrappy retreat, I was telling Jen about a layout I made using one of the Ocotber Afternoon's Rocketman line papers. She's well into star signs, so I knew she would like it. So, I promised I would put it on my blog - so at long last, here it is.

I received a catalogue in the mail from Serena & Lily, they were selling star sign cushions and one of the pages was information on each star sign. I ripped it out straight away as I knew it would be perfect for my layout.

Da da.........my layout.....

I really liked the fact that each star sign is printed around the edge of the circle. I got out my square punch, got a few photos and then cut out each relevant star sign from the catalogue page. I then added a bit of bling - OBVIOUSLY. But, it still isn't finished. It has been sat on my desk gathering dust waiting for me to return to it. I would like to put some kind of journaling on there and also thought it would be nice to put some little stickers with each birth date. I thought I would show it as is, as I am not really sure when I am going to get round to finishing it.

Anyway, there you go Jen, my zodiac layout for you. Hope you like it. Have a happy Wednesday.

OK, That's Slightly Weird...

2011-10-11T11:02:00.002-06:00

I am always at the post office, sometimes three times a week. I like to go to our local one-man-band post office rather than to the big one. I have known the chap in there for quite some time, he helps me take all the boxes from my car, he is really nice.

Well, today we were chatting and he suddenly says that I live in a really nice house. OK, I think, he must know the neighbourhood that I live in, so I say 'Thanks". He then asked me if I wanted to know how he knows - so I said "Sure". He then told me that he got my address off one of my boxes and google earthed it. WHHHOOOOA THERE!! He then followed up by saying that I shouldn't worry, he is not stalking me. OK, that is slightly WEIRD. I feel it maybe time to find a new post office to frequent!!!

Bridget, (last weeks winner) has not emailed me yet. I will give her till the end of today and if I don't hear anything, I will pick a new winner tomorrow. Have a happy Tuesday.

We Have a Winner....

2011-10-07T18:06:00.007-06:00

In our house, supper time reminds me slightly of feeding time at the zoo. Lots of noise and lots of mess. I thought I would share with you a little video I took last night.

Yes, I often go through the first syllable of all my other children's names before hitting the right one!! And I must apologise for that ghastly music and burping in the background, the boys have found this new game on the computer and they LOVE it. Video games that have burping sounds = little boys heaven!!

So, onto the winner.

<br>The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.ORG's true random number generator.<br>

Yay the winner is Bridget Ohnemus Huennekens - the 98th person to like us on Facebook. Just drop me an email Bridget with your address and a kit will be on its way. (For some reason the number isn't showing but it was lucky number 98 - Brownie's honour).

Have a wonderful weekend.

Baby Oompa Loompa

2011-10-04T06:50:00.000-06:00

Last week I was in the kitchen cooking supper when I heard a pitching cry from the loo. I ran in there thinking that perhaps his hand had got trapped trying to lift up the lid. But oh no, he had managed to get himself stuck in the little rubbish bin.

Being the wonderful Mother that I am, did I rescue him straight away?

Of course not, I had to get my camera, take a few shots and then come to his rescue!!

A Little Face Lift...........

2011-10-03T07:20:00.000-06:00

All I can say is one HUGE thank you, totally blown away by all your support with the kits. The Main Kit sold out in a flash - I did actually say that it was one of my most favourite kits I have ever put together. I also want to thank you for your positive comments about the new website, not as flashy but far easier to use.

So, I am on a major organisation kick. Totally trying to get systems in place and declutter, (as I am a big clutter bug). Before children, I used this wonderful little Dodo household file to organise all my household bits - I decided it was time to pull it out again. Well, once pulled out, I realised how ugly it is and in some dire need of a makeover. So I pulled out the Amy Tangerine paper from the Main kit and got creating. I must apologise about the quality of the photos - it was a late night, last minute thing.

It is a fab little book, full of note paper and lots of different tabs for organising.

But very ugly.....

I decided to cover it with the fabric paper. It has a sticky back so was a breeze to do.

I then covered the inside with the star paper. Using my Smash deco tape in the middle as it was far too tricky to try to cut round the binder bit. I then used the grey man paper to cover the pockets, perfect for slipping in little to do notes.

I am now very happy to have it on my kitchen counter, thrilled with how it turned out. Next on my list is to recover my Dodo Christmas planner - again, a wonderful little file but also very ugly!!

October Kits

2011-09-30T16:03:00.004-06:00

Ooh, hello blog, hello October. Where has the time gone? I have been busy getting into the swing of having an Oompa Loompa in proper school, (rather than preschool). I am also getting used to having a crawling, climbing, putting-everything-in-your-mouth Oompa Loompa. - Totally forgot about this stage - struggling to get anything done apart from when he is asleep!!

But I did mange to put together 4 fabulous kits this month. I have got to say that I am pretty, pleased with how they all turned out.

The main kit, grey, yellow, flowers, bling and cameras - PERFECTION!!

A very fun bits & bobs this month - gnomes. Perfect for all those woodland photos.

A Halloween embellishment pack - no paper. Lots of bits from Authentique, Pretty Little Studio and Martha Stewart. My favourite though, is the postcard of the witches all having tea - I will be sending this to everyone I know back in England. Also managed to keep this shipping at only $2.

I also put together a super, fab, Halloween journal. The perfect size, 5 by 7, meaning that you can just stick your photos in as is - no cropping involved.

Filled with wonderful papers, transparencies, treat bags and this super little spider sequin shaker page. The spiders are free to move about - love, love, love it.

I also decided to change my website. It was getting far too complicated both to view and to manage. It was taking me hours each month to upload everything. SO I have gone for a very simple one and I am thrilled with it. Anyway, to celebrate the new website, I am giving away a main kit. Just like us on our facebook page and I will pick a random winner next week. If you already like us, you will still be in the running.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Kits are finally LIVE

2011-09-01T11:47:00.002-06:00

OK, that took a little longer than expected. Not to worry, it is now all done - yippee.

I just wanted to share with you what the fabulous Linda and Donna did with this months Main Kit - just wonderful.

Here's Linda..........

and now Donna..........

A big thank you to them, so lucky to have them on board. Have a very happy Thursday.

Back to School Kit

2011-08-31T09:15:00.003-06:00

Super busy getting all the kits ready. Just thought I would quickly share the add-on this month - a back to school kit.

There is only a limited number, so be sure to pick one up early if you want one. I am hoping to get them on the website later today, fingers crossed.

A Princess Party

2011-08-25T07:14:00.000-06:00

Last week, Little Oompa Loompa turned three. I can't quite believe it, she is my first child to have been purely raised in America - apart from the first few weeks of her life. I flew back when I was 36 weeks pregnant to have her in England. I then flew back here when she was three weeks old. Not sure what I was thinking at the time!!

Anyhow, she decided she wanted a princess party.

So, I got busy in the kitchen.

I saw this cake on Pinterest and knew that I wanted to make it. I just added the figures and the ribbon to make it look more like a princess cake.

I have been meaning to make these cake pops for ages, they looked a lot of fun. But they should come with two warnings. Firstly, they are incredibly labour intensive - lots and lots of steps. Secondly, make triple what you think you may need - as they are DELICIOUS.

Then, like with everything else in my life, I got carried away. I thought I was Willy Wonka!!! I decided I had to make marshmallow from scratch, (a lot easier than you would think) but very, very messy.

I also made cupcakes, mini cupcakes, jelly in little Ikea cups - as I said, I got totally carried away. But, I love a party and my little princess is totally worth it.

Not Sure What I am doing HERE......

2011-08-24T06:40:00.001-06:00

I should actually be here..........

.......at the Villa d'Este in Lake Como, Italy.

This is where Prince Charming and I spent our honeymoon.

I remember sitting on that terrace, a cocktail in my hand, my new rings sparkling in the sun, dreamily looking at Prince Charming. Coming to terms with the fact that I was actually a Mrs!!

Well, last week was our ten year wedding anniversary. We always said we would return to the Villa d'Este to celebrate it. So, I am sightly confused to why I am still in my house in Denver. Not really sure what happened there.............oh yes, now I remember, 4 little Oompa Loompas came along!!!

The Bits and Bobs Kit

2011-08-23T07:18:00.004-06:00

I just want to say a big thank you for all your support with the bits and bobs kit. It has sold out again this month. I love hunting and gathering for this kit and get so excited when I find the 'perfect' thing to go in it.

I want to share a mini album that the wonderful Sheri made out of this months bits and bobs kit. It is just stunning. It's about all the places she'd like to visit in the world - such a lovely idea. It is mostly made up from the kit, she just added her own alphas and the transparency.

What beautiful inspiration, thanks Sheri. Have a happy Tuesday and thanks for all your wonderful comments about the squirrel - I am feeling a lot better today. xx

Goodbye Little Friend

2011-08-22T07:12:00.004-06:00

I must apologise for my lack of blogging these past two weeks. I have been on some kind of emotional roller coaster. I am the first to admit that it was all a bit too much, that the balance I try to achieve on a daily basis was just not happening. In fact, it felt like the scales had been totally knocked over. I am talking about my little friend, the thing we found in the garden two weeks ago. We named him Ratty - from Wind in the Willows - although it turns out he was actually a baby squirrel.

So, this time two weeks ago I was trying to reunite Ratty with his mother. I left him outside in the exact same spot that we found him. I left him there all day - praying that his Mother would come. I checked on him a few times and changed his little heat pad to make sure he stayed warm. Apparently, Mothers wont take them back if they are cold. Come 5pm I knew she wasn't coming, so I brought him back in. I decided to look after him until I could get him some help. This entailed feeding him puppy formula every two hours and helping him go to the loo - nice!! He survived his second night at our house.

The next day I decided to try and find some help for Ratty. There are people called rehabbers, they hold a Licence from the State that entitles them to look after wild life in their homes. It is actually against the law to have wild life in your home without a licence. So, I am on the phone most of the day. I must have spoken to thirty different people, all telling me the same thing. They are bulging at the seams with wild life and can not take a pinky, (a baby squirrel). I ring the wildlife rehabilitation clinic - same story. I ring Colorado Wild Life Organisation - same story. La de da de da......

So here I am, stuck with the baby squirrel. Not only stuck with the squirrel but breaking the law at the same time. Having to feed it every two hours, helping it go to the loo. Stressing that the Oompa Loompas would accidently drop it or that my old boys, (the labs) would think it was supper. At the same time being a hygiene freak - making sure that everything and everyone washed their hands even if they looked at Ratty!! I mean, you just never know.

Fast forward another seven nights - Ratty is still with us. My hands are red-raw from all that hand washing. I am sooooooooo tired and soooooooooo stressed. I still can't find a rehabber to take him and then he gets sick. He starts to get a really bad upset tummy - very typical when rehabbing baby squirrels. Puppy milk isn't squirrel milk and either they get used to it or they die. So for the next 24 hours I switch over to Pedialyte - hoping that his tummy gets better. Then I start hearing a clicking sound - this is not good. It means that he has breathed in some of his food - again very common with a baby squirrel and he has got pneumonia.

So I now need to find him some antibiotics. I am asking everyone if they have any in their house. I can't take him to the vet as they, by law, have to put him down. I am trying to persuade the chap in the local chemist to just give me a thimble sized bit - but no, it is near on impossible without a prescription.

That evening, I just feel so helpless. I have tried all day to get some antibiotics without any luck. I have tried more rehabbers, without any luck. He still has an upset tummy, he has lost a lot of weight, I know that very soon he is going to die. It is super embarrassing but I just break down and cry. I pick him up, give him a little stoke goodbye and go to bed - not expecting him to be alive when I wake up.

But low and behold, he is alive when I wake up. I then decide that I am totally out of my depth. I really need some help. So, I ring the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre again and tell them that he is really sick, I beg them to take him and they finally agree. So I bundle the OL's in the car and off we go - did I mention that this place is miles away. Oh well, I never mind seeing new bits of Colorado.

The whole trip takes us 4 hours. I feel relieved to have handed him over to the pros. They put him on Oxygen straight away and started some antibiotics. I ask them what are his chances - they say 50/50. They give me a card with his number on and say that I can ring in a couple of days to find out how he's doing. I can't bring myself to ring them - do I really want to know?

That was a few days ago, I am pleased that life is going back to normal. I now realise that I took on far more than I could handle. I also never knew that I was that emotional - I am obviously blaming my hormones as I am still nursing baby OL. AND the weirdest thing of all...............I don't even like squirrels!!!!

I have a new little friend....

2011-08-08T10:33:00.003-06:00

Yesterday we found a baby thing on the garden path. I say thing as we are not sure whether or not it is a mouse, rat or a squirrel. I don't really think you should mess with mother nature so I made sure the OL's didn't touch him and we walked away. I kept checking back, hoping that his mummy would find him and take him home.

The minutes turned to hours and it was starting to get dark. I really couldn't leave him there anymore and decided to bring him in - he was freezing. So, I warmed him up and gave him a bit to drink. He had a very nice night.

I have now put him on a little heat pad, in a box, back in the spot where we found him. Praying that his Mummy comes to get him and that he doesn't get eaten by some passing bird.

A very Exciting Day....

2011-08-04T06:40:00.000-06:00

I have been waiting for three years for them to get on and build this baby, oh yes, I am talking about Ikea in Denver. It finally opened last week and yesterday I felt compelled to face the crowds and pop in. I say pop in because they happened to build it 5 minutes away from my house!! I can very, nearly, see it - Loving that - I can now erase all memories of spending hours on the Purley Way in Croyden, (near London), trying to get to my local Ikea. Just a hop, skip and a jump to a plate full of Sweedish meatballs.

It was wonderful. Eldest Oompa Loompa was quite bemused by my excitement. Bless, just give him another 15 years and then he'll see the magic!! So, welcome Ikea, we are very happy to have you.

Project Kit

2011-08-03T08:20:00.011-06:00

I have got to share the whole of Sophie's mini album that she created with our first ever project kit. The girl did me proud, she worked her magic and created the most beautiful travel album. I knew when I saw the 'Lille' line from 7Gypsies that I had to put together a little mini. Maybe I was drawn to the Union Jack flags - a little piece of home!!

Thanks Sophie, it is beautiful - I am going to have to create one for myself.

Happy Colorado Day

2011-08-01T22:32:00.007-06:00

Today is Colorado Day - a day to stop and celebrate this amazing state that we choose to call home. I feel very lucky to be able to live here and try to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us most days. The timing could not be more perfect as we went away to the mountains this weekend. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Colorado than to be in the old rockies. The drive up there was spectacular..............

This was our destination for the weekend, the good old YMCA. I have heard great things about it and I thought I better check it out myself.

I think I may have been the only person wearing a dress!! The dress code seemed to be a camp T-shirt and shorts. Well, you can take the girl out of London etc. etc.....

It was Oompa Loompa HEAVEN, there was so much for them to do and see. It has taken 4 years but I finally found out how to make a proper smores - we weren't cooking our marshmallows long enough - now I know!!

Yay - bunk beds. How happy do they look??

Kayaking - love that!!

and time to just stop and smell the flowers........

It was amazing, I felt like I was in the film Dirty Dancing minus Patrick Swayze and also minus the dancing - although I did go roller skating - ERR hello, haven't done that for over 20 years. Little house blocks, communal dining halls, activities left, right and centre - I am hooked. Happy Birthday Colorado - just LOVING you.

Can't Help Myself........

2011-07-30T07:36:00.000-06:00

..........I have to share a few more sneak peeks from the glorious Donna.

P.S. I am LOVING this kit. Have a fantastic weekend. xxx

Sneak Peek - August Main Kit

2011-07-29T06:21:00.000-06:00

Get your holiday photos printed, the August kits are all about travel, travel, travel. As you know, travel related goodies are my all time favourite, there's something so yummy about them. I am a sucker for anything with a map on it!! I found some amazing bits to go in the kits and I can't wait to share all at the end of the month.

For now, here is a little glimpse at one of Donna's fabulous layouts. Do you see that baggage label on there - oohh - just love those, knew they had to go in the kit when I first laid my beady eyes on them!!

And there is a Magpie first in the August Main kit........... a stamp!! Oh yes, a rather tasty little one. Please don't think I am going to go stamp crazy, I mean, I like stamps as much as the next person but I am not a big stamper. But sometimes, just sometimes, there is a stamp that you have got to have and this, is one of those. Let me just say two words - Ali Edwards!!

A week in the Life - Day 4

2011-07-29T06:20:00.001-06:00

Another day documented. Although, I must say that I.......the camera-savvy-photo-obsessed-taker......... am slightly OVER taking photographs. Shock, horror, I know, I know!! It is probably the mid-project slump. The initial excitement has gone and yet too far away to see the end. However, I am determined to continue and see this baby through to the end.

Here are some shots of the day:

Early morning shop at the supermarket.

Making Rock Cakes with the Oompa Loompas.

Day time, deck-camping - surely nothing beats it!!

The OL's are now documenting me documenting them.

Time to cool down so we headed to the park.

Why do children love water so much? How can they get so excited by it? Note to self, must bring my swimming cozzy next time and get into the spirit of things. Rediscover the joy of water.

Brothers!!

My happy, chappy.

Sort of like being at the beach - maybe!!

Supper time for baby OL, corn on the cob - yummy!

First shift bath time.

I know, it's a bit of a shock - I do have eyes!! Sunglasses are not actually glued onto my head.

Time to move the mattress down a level - such a big boy now.

And there we have it, Day 4 complete - Yay. Have a happy Friday.

Week in the Life - Day Three

2011-07-28T06:10:00.000-06:00

I have taken so many photos these past three days, I am kind of dreading putting this album together. I am rubbish at deleting photos and I think it is going to take hours to decide which photos to use. Anyhow, super pleased with my photo taking, day three and still going strong!!

Here are some photos I took today:

Made the Oompa Lompas English pancakes for breakfast.

Aerial shot of baby OL in bouncer.

Took all four to the swimming pool by myself, a first for me. I count my lucky stars that we have this facility available to us. It is like a tiny piece of heaven, especially coming from England.

Came home for 'quiet time'. Napping for the younger ones and movie and popcorn for the older ones.

I have heard lots of good things about Yogurt Land and thought today would be the perfect day to check it out for myself - LOVED it.

Then a spot of pottery painting. Can't wait to pick up our finished pieces next week.

Back home to get the OL's supper and get them ready for bed.

I then have a 10 minute window to get ready as Prince Charming is taking me out for dinner.

Have a happy Thursday.

Week in the Life - Day Two

2011-07-27T06:10:00.000-06:00

Whoa, day two complete. My camera and I are now best friends, it seems to be an extension of my hand!! I was so pleased to see so many people playing along with the week in the life, I loved looking at all the photos. So interesting to get a glimpse into other people's lives, I am basically a big, old, nosy parker!!

Here are a few of my photos:

Toast and Tea for breakfast - yum.

Visit to the supermarket with little Oompa Loompa.

At the gym checking out the schedules, whilst treating myself to a coffee.

Packed lunch bags ready for a picnic. Good old Marks & Spencers, I do miss you.

A different supermarket and a different child!! Forgot the fish sauce for my Thai Dish.

A bit of R&R in the garden for eldest OL.

Little OL wanted to play along too, she wanted to take lots of photos just like Mummy.

A quick tea break and a weather shot all in one.

Preparing baby OL's Supper.

Baby OL enjoying prepared supper!!

Eldest and baby Oompa Loompa mucking about before bath time.

Bath time, second shift.

A bit of Jack Bauer to end the evening, not a bad life!!

There we have it, better get clicking and ready for day 3. Have a happy Wednesday.

A Week in the Life

2011-07-26T08:08:00.000-06:00

Are you playing along? Has Ali Edwards persuaded you to take on yet ANOTHER scrapbooking project? Bring it on, that's what I say!! Although, I am a bit of a big talker. Truth be told, I did attempt to do it last year and didn't even make it through a whole day, let alone a week. This time I am ready, batteries charged, pen and paper close to hand and most importantly, lots of subjects to take photos of. Great idea to do it in the Summer hols when the children are at home.

Here are a few of the photos I took today:

Baby OL sitting up, first time he sat up on his own - yay!!

Big brother giving a congratulatory hug for the sitting up.

Our trip to Target.

Stopped off at the playground.

All that sitting up must have been tiring!!

Whee.

Me making a roux - lots of stirring.

Supper time.

Little boys in pants, (underpants) - you just can't beat it. Middle OL is nearly 5 and we can't seem to get him out of our bedroom. He's like a homing pigeon, he keeps coming back!!

So, Day One was pretty good. I must keep the momentum up, only 6 more days to go!! Have a happy Tuesday.

The Fair & We have a Winner

2011-07-25T04:24:00.003-06:00

This weekend we decided to go to the local county fair, my golly gosh was it super hot. We tried to wait until the evening hoping that it would be cooler but it was still 90 degrees. It didn't dampen our spirits though, we soldiered through with lots of drinks and ice lollies albeit a little bit sweaty!!!

The Oompa Loompas had soooo much fun. It was a bit like Disney Land minus the queues and the magic!!

Err, hello - holding hands. They must have been super excited as I have not seen this before. Had to make sure I had photographic evidence of this tender little moment.

Little OL was too small for all the rides so she needed an adult to accompany her, I was happy to volunteer.

I have decided that when we do stuff in Colorado, it is either super hot or freezing cold. Not complaining though, I prefer that to rain.

Baby OL loved all the colours.

Can't wait to scrap these photos, the July kit will be perfect with its Circus/Fair theme.

Us.

So pleased that we did it, I feel super American.

Now lets get a winner for the scrumptious July kit, thank you everyone for liking me on facebook. Here goes:

<br>The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.ORG's true random number generator.<br>
For some reason the result number is not showing up but it was number 83.

So, the 83rd person to like me on facebook was:

Candace Harrison - huge congrats. Send me an email with your address and I will get the kit out to you. Have a happy Monday.

Give Away

2011-07-23T04:30:00.001-06:00

I am thrilled to be doing a give-away over at Ali Edwards blog this weekend, I thought it should be a double whammy and do one over here too. So here is you chance to win one of the current July Main kits and get this, I am happy to ship it anywhere in the world.

All you have to do is go over to the Magpie Club Facebook page and click on the like button. I will then pick a winner on Monday morning. I wish you the best of luck.

I am also offering 30% off all past kits for this weekend only, (not including the July ones). You can see them in the shop section of my website. Have a wonderful weekend.

Sneak Peeks

2011-07-22T09:45:00.003-06:00

Here are some sneak peeks, from the beautiful Sophie of a mini album that will be available next month. The first mini album kit that I have put together and let me tell you, Sophie did me proud.

Can't wait to share all at the end of next week. Be sure to check back this weekend as I am doing a give-away - yippee - free stuff!!! Have a happy Friday.

Hug O' War

2011-07-20T17:27:00.002-06:00

I saw this wonderful poem by Sheldon Allan Silverstein and knew that I wanted to put it on one of my layouts. I have been waiting to find the right photograph, one where the OL's are actually hugging rather than trying to kill each other!!! I finally found one and got round to adding the poem - I am so happy with the result - LOVE it.

The poem goes as so:

I will not play at tug O' war,

I'd rather play at hug O' war,

Where everyone hugs

Instead of tugs,

Where everyone giggles

And rolls on the rug,

Where everyone kisses,

And everyone grins,

And everyone cuddles.

And everyone wins.

Chum

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Baby Oompa Loompa has a little chum, unfortunately he doesn't seem too happy hanging out with him.

But he did manage to give Mummy a little smile before the crying began.

I think we will have to work on his social skills!!

Layouts Share

2011-07-13T08:50:00.002-06:00

I have had a bit of time on my hands and have been busy getting some layouts done. I have got to say that I am absolutely loving the October Afternoon Rocket line, the blues and reds are just divine. I whipped up this layout in no time.....

I call this layout a shove-it-all-on-layout. Perfect for using up bits and bobs that are just hanging around.

And, this one is my all time favourite. Love the photo and the simplicity of the layout.

I have also been busy totally reorganising my scrapbook approach. I will share more soon. Have a happy Wednesday.

Sometimes......

2011-07-12T07:02:00.000-06:00

.........I take all four to the supermarket!!

Children's Food

2011-07-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Being British, I feel that it is rather important for me to get my children to eat English food. I would hate for them to be in 'food shock' when we move back and wonder what on earth the locals are eating. I am breaking them in gently. Dishes like Liver and Bacon -my all time fav, Steak and Kidney pie and blood pudding are being put on the back burner for the mo.

I love a good old fashioned Shepard's Pie - although technically speaking this is actually a Cottage Pie as I use minced beef rather than lamb. Super easy to make, super yummy and a great place for shoving in lots of veggies. I have noticed that children like their own individual pies, rather than a slice. So I have been experimenting with cookie cutters. A little heart one for little OL.

And some circle ones for the boys. Although, there was outrage at the dinner table as the boys did not want circles, they wanted hearts. Of course they did. Note to self, buy more heart cookie cutters.

They hold their shape really well once you have released the cookie cutter. Love this photo as one of my old boys is eyeing it up, thinking that it's his supper. Woof woof.

Next on my agenda is Indian Curry. In England everyone eats curry, it is NEARLY the national dish. It is so commonplace, they used to serve it for lunch at the little preschool eldest OL went to. So it is my mission, I want my children to be able to tell the difference between a poppadum and a naan. To be able to handle a chicken madras or a vindaloo. So I have stocked up...............

Wish me luck!!

Neighbourhood Parade

2011-07-08T12:48:00.003-06:00

They do a fabulous parade around our neighbourhood on July 4th. This year I was determined to be part of it. So I gathered all Oompa Loompas, we decorated their modes of transport and we were off.

Well sort of off. There was a last minute vehicle swap, (surely a girls' prerogative) and little OL wanted to go on the scooter. The scooter which was not decorated and really a little too big. No worries, we can scoot along. Well........the parade started and the boys zoomed off. I had baby OL in the pram and was helping little OL on the scooter. There didn't seem to be much scooter action going on.

I then looked up and realised that the parade had long gone, we were definitely the stragglers at the end.

We did the loop though. What should probably take 8 minutes, took us 45mins. But the weather was glorious, I also managed to be a nosy neighbour and check out everyones BBQ's. And it is at times like this that I like to remember the story about the hare and the tortoise, although I am not really sure how it is relative but it seems quite fitting. Have a great weekend.

A Great Weekend

2011-07-06T07:29:00.002-06:00

This weekend we decided to step back in time and go to the Renaissance Festival in Larkspur.

It was packed, I am not sure I have ever seen so many cars or people since living in Colorado. I am super used to it in England but not here. There were so many cool things to see, do and eat.

The jousting was superb.

My knight, pirate and princess were loving it although it was so HOT. Far too hot to be walking around in the sun.

So it was time to have some sorbets to cool down. Clever things, propped on half an orange.

This has got to be my favourite photo of the day, just love it. My princess licking her chin.

I do love getting out and about and seeing all the wonderful things that Colorado has to offer.

Happy 4th July

2011-07-04T07:00:00.001-06:00

Good Old Friday

2011-07-01T13:40:00.003-06:00

Baby Oompa Lompa is sleeping, the other OL's are at Camp. It is super peaceful and today, I am rather relishing it. Peaceful and quiet are not the words that come to mind whilst describing my house.!! The kits are all shipped, my washing is done......I am feeling rather happy with myself.

I have made myself a nice cup of tea and am now sorting through the hundreds of photos I took of our trip. I really LOVE this photo:

You can really tell that my children had not been to a beach before. Not bothering to change into their swimming cozzies or taking off their shoes, just wading right on in. It is like they are discovering water for the very first time - which I suppose, in a way they were. I just love the little gems you find in the hundreds of photos that you take. Gotta love digital cameras. Have a fab weekend.

Kits have launched

2011-06-30T12:14:00.002-06:00

Just updated the website with the new kits, super excited about these ones. Can't wait to share what the designers did, just stunning.

Here is the Main Kit - Summertime.................

Here is the Bits and Bobs Kit - Under the Sea...............

Have a good afternoon.

Bits and Bobs Sneak Peek

2011-06-29T17:39:00.003-06:00

Ooh, so excited about this little baby. After my holiday, I have a lot of beach photos to scrap.

Both kits will go on sale tomorrow. Have a lovely evening.

Sneak Peeks

2011-06-28T12:07:00.004-06:00

We are finally back home, life is currently taken up with a LOT of washing and getting back into the swing of normal day to day life. The OL's are at camp and I have to say that I am rather missing them. Especially when baby OL is asleep, the house is eerily quiet, just the sound of the washing machine and the snoring of my old boys, (the dogs).

The kits go live on Thursday and I just wanted to share a few sneak peeks of the Main Kit.

Here is one from Donna:

And here are some from Audrey:

And lastly, here are some from Linda:

Thanks girls, you have done wonders as per usual. Have a happy Tuesday.

San Francisco

2011-06-23T12:47:00.005-06:00

It was time to say goodbye to the beach and hello to San Francisco. Oh my golly gosh, do I LOVE San Fran, some parts reminded me of good old London town. So different from little Denver, a lot more ups and downs for one. I loved the mansion district, the old houses were just stunning.

We whizzed round the city, stopping at all the must-see spots - Union Square being one.

I thought the trams were very cool, the last time I saw trams like this was in Melbourne, Australia. Such a great way to get around the city. They used to have trams in London, my Auntie tells me about how she used to use them when she was young. They are not there any more.

My main mission was to go and see this little baby - ALCATRAZ. I have wanted to go on the island like, FOREVER, (or maybe since seeing the movie The Rock - just love that film). It did not disappoint, it was amazing.

This is the first building that you see when you land on the island port - I thought that this was the prison but it isn't, it is where all the guards lived.

The prison was further up the hill. Once inside, you get a set of headphones and the audio is spoken by ex-prison guards and old convicts. Talking about daily life and the horror of being here. What struck me the most was how small the cells were and that they had toilets in their cells. Not sure what I was thinking, err hello........that prisoners get en-suite loos but I suppose I hadn't really thought about it before. Everyone can hear and see you going to the loo, surely that alone is enough to put you off entering the life of crime.

The Oompa Loompas were especially well behaved. It must have been when I threatened to leave them in the cells if they were not good.

In the bookshop there was a woman that grew up on the island. She was a prison guards daughter. She lived there and went to school, (the little school house was so pretty). I was so intrigued by that, I had to buy her book - haven't started reading it yet.

The island is beautiful, the gardens are gorgeous. They have the most superb lighthouse/guard tower. You probably couldn't get better views of San Fran and the Golden Gate Bridge. It was quite strange, that somewhere so beautiful also had a deep sadness and darkness to it. I don't think I have ever been anywhere quite like it before.

I would love to go back on the night time tour, maybe when I come back to the fabulous San Francisco.

Evening Trail

2011-06-17T18:00:00.000-06:00

I thought you might be getting kind of tired of beach shots, so here are some that I took on a trail we did after supper yesterday evening. The views were breath taking.

Slightly Overcast.....

2011-06-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

Bangers and Beans

2011-06-14T23:31:00.002-06:00

Oh, we've been having a lot of fun. This evening we had supper round the fire, good old bangers and beans. Then out came the smores - I never, ever seem to get a photo of the whole smores thing. Usually because I am putting them together and my hands are far too sticky to reach for my camera.

We then just chilled out taking in the amazing view, listening to the waves lapping against the beach and playing with the adorable baby Oompa Loompa.

Will I ever be able to return back to my normal, non-holiday life? Will my children ever go back to their normal bedtime? Will I ever be able to stop eating pudding at every meal? These are the questions I ask myself when I fall into bed!!

At one with Nature

2011-06-13T04:58:00.000-06:00

I am not quite sure if I have said it already but I am LOVING the beach!!

Today I feel like David Attenborough, (the most famous English nature guy) or like some marine biologist. We decided to check the beach out at the end of the garden, definitely not a swimming beach but a little nature treasure trove.

The most wonderful thing are the seals, they sit themselves on the rocks and if you listen carefully you can hear them have the most fascinating conversations.

I can spend hours watching them and the pelicans that swoop down into the sea to pick up their lunch. We spent a long time looking at things in the rocks, crabs and slugs......

........And then we came across this little beauty, I don't think I have ever seen a starfish before - just magical.

The Oompa Loompas LOVED it, so much to see and explore. So much nature and natural wonders, such a joy to be able to share it with them.

My two little Chums were also loving the beach, you can just see Tigger at the bottom of this photo. He found a rather nice stick and settled amongst the rocks - little doggy heaven!!

I have heard that there are sharks out there, I keep looking but have yet to see a fin. I can't say that I really want to see one, they freak me out. So, I am a happy marine biologist as long as it doesn't involve sharks!!

The Beach

2011-06-11T08:22:00.001-06:00

My main reason for heading to the beach for our holiday was that none of my children have ever been to a beach. Totally unheard of living in England, (not that our beaches are anything to write home about) but an hour on the plane and you are at the most beautiful beach in France.

But speaking to my fellow Denver-rites, it is pretty common. I suppose it is what happens when you are land locked, where the local beach is a good 20 hour drive away.

So here they are, Prince Charming, the Oompa Loompas and my Niece, enjoying the beach.

The OL must have thought they were in heaven. Sand and Water, get as dirty and wet as you like - BLISS.

Ooh, frizzy hair - now that doesn't happen in Denver!!

I must say that I am loving the whole holiday thing.

Yippe, we are here!!

2011-06-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

250 miles and 6 hours later. The hardest part of the journey as we were just sick of being in the car. It was the most beautiful drive though, through the redwood forests.

Finally we arrived, at the beach house, just stunning. It was well worth the days it took to get here. Well worth the tears and the fighting and the lack of sleep. To be able to see the sea, to look out to the ocean, to hear the seagulls and the crashing waves.

I think we may have found Paradise. This evening we decided that we would leave Denver and move up here forever, become California Beach Babes. Catch all our own food and spend our days exploring the land.

I love holidays, already I have decided to give up my normal life and move into Disneyland and now I have decided to move to the beach. I wonder how many more places I will decide to move to before we go back home!!!

Road Trip Part 2

2011-06-06T22:08:00.004-06:00

On the road again, heading North through California, thanking my lucky stars that someone invented the car DVD player, not sure what we would have done without it.

We seemed to stop all the time. Someone always needed the bathroom or baby Oompa Loompa needed to be fed. Sometimes you just need to stretch the old legs. We also had to stop at EVERY Starbucks drive through, nothing like a Latte to keep you going.

400 miles and 9 hours later we arrived at our destination. We had driven from Los Angeles, past San Francisco to the outskirts of the wine country. We arrived at a little village called Petaluma, it was pouring with rain for all of our stay - I rather liked it. After living in Denver, it is quite a treat to have a bit of moisture in the air. Petaluma is a sweet little village, very green and lush and our Hotel had its own little marina.

Little Oompa Loompa and her new friend were very happy to be in Petaluma.

This was just a little overnight stop-off. We did have time to explore the town and stop at their local Starbucks. Then it was back in the car for our final leg of our road-trip before arriving at the beach house we have rented.

Road Trip Part 1

2011-06-06T21:42:00.009-06:00

3 Adults, 4 Children, 2 Dogs and tons of luggage in one Suburban.

1050 miles and 19 hours later. After driving in 4 States - Colorado, Utah, Nevada and California, we finally arrived at our destination.

We had one mission and one mission only............

To go and see Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. We kept it a secret from the children and just let Mickey do the talking when we arrived at the Hotel!!

Breakfast at Goofy's kitchen was a huge hit, there is nothing better than eating breakfast with Chip and Pluto.

Baby Oompa Loompa fell in love with Blue. So wonderful.

Everything at Disney is magical, even eating a chocolate cookie......

I am not sure who enjoyed it more, me or the children. The night time fireworks were spectacular, they took my breath away. Tinkerbell and Dumbo actually flew around the castle. It was at that moment I wanted to actually move in and live in Disneyland forever. However, it was time to say farewell and get back in the car for our next part of the journey.

Packing

2011-05-31T10:09:00.001-06:00

So............I am busy packing, we decided to get out of Denver and go see more of this beautiful country.

We are getting in the car and heading west, I hope to update as often as I can and am pleased that you can join me on this super, exciting adventure.

June Kits - Design Team Goodies

2011-05-31T08:12:00.008-06:00

The June kits are now live, so exciting. Each month I am totally blown away with the Magpie Girls Design Team. They really put so much effort and hard work into their creations, so creative and beautiful. It is a real honor to have them on the team. I thought I would share a bit of their magic...........

Katie made this fabulous mini book with the bits and bobs kit. It is AMAZING and really worth checking out the whole book on the website.

Just LOVE Sheri's layouts. This months Bits and Bobs kit is a lot of fun.

My Favourite part of the Bits and Bobs kit is the linen fabric that I got shipped over from Korea. I love how Carole made a little house out of it on her layout. So sweet.

Onto the Main Kit, Linda rocked the kit as per usual. I love her use of misting and lots of sewing.

Finally Donna, I love how Donna groups her embellishments. I also love her 12 x 12 photo that she embellished. Probably my favourite thing to do, I do love enlargements.

Thank you so much girls.

You may have noticed my new blog banner. There is an adventure on the cards, can't wait to share.

Main Kit Sneak Peeks

2011-05-27T07:08:00.000-06:00

Here are some sneak peeks of the Main Kit from wonderful Donna. I just love, love, love, this kit and can't wait to reveal it next week.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Bits and Bobs Sneak Peek

2011-05-26T07:41:00.002-06:00

The past 48 hours have been interesting. A little bug seem to enter our house and decided to make half of us sick, unfortunately I was included in the sick half. It has got to be the hardest part of being a Mum, when you are sick and your children are sick. All you want to do is lie quietly in a very dark room but you have to put your nurse hat on. Luckily Prince Charming was around but it is times like that, that you realise how difficult it is living away from your family. Not having that extra support system to call upon.

However, we are now all back on track and the bug has now left the building. I wanted to share some sneak peeks from Sheri from the bits and bobs kit - Little Red Riding Hood. It is a real cracker this month - well, it's only a cracker if you like the colour RED!!

Have a happy Thursday.

A Teacher's Gift

2011-05-23T10:17:00.004-06:00

Last week, eldest Oompa Loompa graduated from Kindergarten, (proud Mummy moment). By the time I got a photo with him, he was into pulling funny faces - just LOVE that!!

His teacher has been an absolute star, we all love her to bits and are going to really miss her.

So, I wanted to make her a little something to say a big thank you. She was over the moon with the gift.

It was pretty simple to make. I found this canvas flower oil painting at the thrift store for $3. I thought it would be the perfect starting point for my creation.

I then added some paper to the edges - trying hard not to cover up the flowers, painted it, stamped it and added tons of butterflies with good old glue dots.

I secretly got all the children in the class to write their name on a butterfly. Blue for the boys and yellow for the girls. I then cut up a class photo into the shape of a butterfly and added that too.

I was so happy with the end result. I just love it when a plan comes together. Have a happy Monday.

Mac and Wellies

2011-05-20T11:52:00.002-06:00

Oh dear, my blogging had to take a bit of a backseat this past week whilst I put my Mummy duties to task. I, like probably every other Mother in America, have been super busy getting things organised for the end of the school year. There have been things to make, parties to attend and things going on every day.

It has been raining a lot in Denver this week, it reminded me of being in England. It got me thinking to the differences in living here and there and one thing stood out. My rain mac and wellies. I would usually don these at least every week of the year back home, you don't go anywhere without a mac and wellies. Where as in Denver, I get to wear this set up once a year if I am lucky. It felt good to dust them off and get a wearing in!!

Normal blogging will resume next week, I have sneak peeks to share along with other good things. Have a wonderful weekend.

Feeding has begun.........

2011-05-11T08:59:00.002-06:00

I love this part of babyhood, the part when they start eating. I love the little faces they pull, their excitement and eagerness.

I love the mess that it creates.

However, I had forgotten that you can't eat anything yourself whilst holding a baby.

Layout LOVE.......

2011-05-09T02:50:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to share the wonderful work that the design team did for my new concept kit, the Bits & Bobs kit. They totally 'got' it and did wonders............

Sheri:

Katie:

Carole:

I think this is such a fun kit, you really have to get a little creative and boy, did they do that!! I can't wait to see what they come up with for the June Kits. Thanks so much girls, you did me proud.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:13:00.000-06:00

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Happy National Scrapbook Day

2011-05-07T07:20:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for supporting my re-launch. I am overwhelmed at the response I have had - thanks for having me back after my little break. I also want to thank my wonderful design team, I think they did wonders with the kits and am so happy that they are the Magpie girls. I thought I would just share some of their magic, today it's Linda, Donna and Audrey who worked with the Main Kit.

Linda

Donna

Audrey

Just stunning and all so super talented. Have a happy Saturday.

Free Things

2011-05-06T09:46:00.002-06:00

Somethings in life are free. Well, free-ish, you have got to pay for shipping. A new photo book company called Papercoterie has launched and is offering everyone $40 credit in their shop.

You could get yourself one of these.........

and one of these................

and still have $10 credit left.

They also do photo books, calendars, journals and recipe books. The only downside is that you have to get everything uploaded by today - although their website is now saying that they've extended it until Sunday, (apparently their site has been really slow due to the huge amount of traffic). You just need to use the code OPENHOUSE when you checkout. I am going to try to do mine now. Have a lovely weekend.

Baby Oompa Loompa

2011-05-05T10:52:00.002-06:00

Is already SIX months old. Seriously, how can that be? He's becoming a little boy, no longer a baby.

Thank heavens for scrapbooking!!!

My Brownie Uniform

2011-05-04T07:16:00.000-06:00

Last week one of the neighbourhood girls knocked on my door selling her Girl Guide cookies. I got so excited, it is such an American thing. They don't sell cookies in England and for years I have seen it in the movies. I was so thrilled that I was experiencing it myself, a real American tradition.

After looking at the cookies and buying as many as I could, I then bombarded her with questions about the Girl Guides. Asking her about her badges, camp, whether or not they had Brown Owl or indeed Brownies. I then told her to wait there whilst I ran upstairs to get my old Brownie uniform. Being a fellow Girl Guide of sorts, I was so excited to be sharing a bit of history, (they no longer wear this uniform in the Brownies). I flew downstairs with uniform in tow, gushing about each badge I'd achieved and what it all meant. She smiled politely, probably making a mental note to avoid the Mad English woman next time around!!

Can I just say at this point, I am not really sure what my brownie uniform is doing in America, let alone in my wardrobe. When we moved to America, Prince Charming told me to pack only the essentials. I can not tell you how something I used to wear when I was a wee girl slipped into the essentials pile!!

In England you can join the guides at age 4. It is called the Rainbows. Then from the age of 6-11 you are in the Brownies. The leader of the Brownies is called Brown Owl. Once 12 you can join the Girl Guides.

The uniform also consisted of a brown wooly hat and a brown leather belt with purse attached. So many badges, I was such a good little brownie.

The little white man denotes which pack I was in - I was a gnome. I used to be a pixie - green man. The two yellow stripes under the white man means that I was a sixer - I was the leader of the gnome pack. The white strip tells me which brownie pack I was in.

So sweet, I still have the original things in the pockets. A clean hankie, a plaster, a piece of string, a card of drawn maps, two pencils, a 5p coin incase I have to call someone and a little worksheet that I had filled in. All over 30 years old!!

I can still remember the little song we used to sing, whist holding hands and skipping around a toadstool........................

We're brownie friends, we're brownie friends, we're here to lend a hand,

To love our God and serve our Queen and help our home and land,

We're brownie friends, we're brownie friends from North, South, East and West,

We're joined together in this group to try to do our best.

Ahh, those were the days. I can't wait until eldest OL is old enough to get into cub scouts. I will re-live my brownie days through him. Meanwhile, any Girl Guide wanting to sell her cookies, please feel free to knock on my door, I might even sing my brownie song for you!!

Teacher Appreciation Week

2011-05-03T09:19:00.003-06:00

I wanted to do something nice for the Oompa Loompa's Teachers. They are all so wonderful and my little OL's love them to bits. SO I scoured the web to find a nice gift that I could whip up in a jiffy and found these 'thanks a latte' cards over here.

I downloaded the template and then got them printed 5 x 7 at Costco. I then went into my local Starbucks, got the gift cards, cardboard sleeves and paper bags. Did a bit of glueing, wrapped a bit of twine round and my cards were done.

I then placed each card into a paper bag. Sealed it with a bit of masking tape and wrote each teachers name on the tape.

Just stunning. They all went down very well and I am so pleased that I made the effort to show our appreciation to these truly fabulous girls. Yay, so lucky to have them in our lives.

The Wedding

2011-05-02T12:07:00.004-06:00

On Friday I was invited to a Royal Wedding party. We had to wear dresses and hats, (being English, I have hats galore). I dressed up in my English tea dress and was ready to go. Bella, (my niece) was my partner in crime, I didn't want her missing the wedding of the year.

I thought I should bake something rather English so went with a Victoria Sponge Cake - you can't get more English than that. Not too fancy but delicious in its simplicity.

My friend had taped the wedding and played it throughout the party. I LOVED every second, it reminded me of home. I used to live five minutes away from Buckingham Palace, passing it daily on my way to work. It also reminded me of my wedding, as I got married in central London.

I love all the Royal Family, Prince Charles, Princess Ann, Edward, Andrew and all their children. I thought the Queen looked beautiful and Kate was a true princess. I wish I had been there on the streets waving my flag.

Here's our own wedding party guests!!

And my good friend Heather, she lived in London when she was younger.

They put on an amazing English spread, full of English food and drink. It was a little piece of England in Denver.

A lot of people have asked me about all the hats that people wore to the wedding. In England it is common practice to wear a hat to a wedding. You can buy beautiful hats almost anywhere. I really loved seeing all the hats, I especially loved Fergie's daughters hats. Princess Beatrice and Eugenie. I thought that Beatrice's weird octopus/bow hat was stunning.

Kits have launched

2011-05-01T10:39:00.007-06:00

And I just thought I would share the layouts that I made with the main kit. I managed to get a whopping 8 done and still have tons of product left.

I had the most fun with this one - so sweet.

I love this one, I thought baby OL's hospital tag was the perfect thing to slip into the plastic name badge holder that is in the kit.

I also managed to include the lovely butterfly coaster that is also in the kit.

I cut up the large piece of butterfly fabric and made it into little flags, which I sewed onto my layout. I also managed to include the butterfly on a wooden stick.

I managed to use up all my little scraps on this one.

I am very happy to use pink on my boy layouts.

I just LOVED working with this kit. So many fun things in it and such pretty colours. I can't wait to share what the design team came up with. Have a happy Sunday.

I am getting kinda homesick.....

2011-04-27T12:18:00.002-06:00

Can't believe that I am going to miss this......................

I love London town, especially when there's a good old party going on.

A Lovely Weekend

2011-04-25T23:20:00.005-06:00

I do love a bank holiday weekend, (in England that is what we call a public day off). Easter weekend is especially lovely back home as you also get today off - Easter Monday. Although I must admit that there is not as much emphasis on the egg hunt back in England. I love the old egg hunt, as do the wild Oompa Loompas!!!

We then all dressed up for Lunch, baby OL looking fine and dandy in his Sunday best......

My brother-in-law, Cameron, is a budding photographer and we decided to take a few portraits whilst everyone was in town.

One of all the cousins for Granny - lots of cousins missing but we worked with who we had!! Loving middle OL in his bow tie, he reminds me off a mad scientist!!

Then a good old fashioned family portrait, a very rare thing in my house, especially that we managed to include both of our dogs.

I ate far too many Easter Eggs though, can't get enough of those Cadburys Caramel eggs. I am quite pleased they are only available once a year! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

Happy Good Friday

2011-04-22T09:14:00.002-06:00

I couldn't resist sharing another sneak peek of a layout I have completed with the upcoming May Main Kit. I found these wonderful butterfly coasters that I knew had to be included in the kits. I must say I struggled a bit to begin with, I wasn't really sure how I could incorporate it into a layout. Then I was totally inspired by the little words on the coaster...'here I am'. I then had a fab idea to find the smallest photo of baby Oompa Loompa and to stick it on top of the words. The rest they say is history!!!!

So thrilled with how it turned out, can't wait to reveal all on the 30th. Have a wonderful Good Friday. I am off to keep those Oompa Loompa's out of trouble!!

Someone had a Birthday

2011-04-21T07:20:00.000-06:00

Oh yes, we have been celebrating my birthday this week. Tea and cake with the Oompa Loompas.

Then cocktails and dinner with Prince Charming.

PERFECTION!!

Main Kit Sneak Peeks

2011-04-18T07:10:00.000-06:00

Hello Monday morning, I can't believe that you are already here again!! Anyhow, I am so thrilled to be able to show the sneak peeks of May's Main kit, (oh that's a bit of a tongue twister!!). I am soooo pleased with how it has come together and could not be happier with this as my relaunch kit. So without further ado, here it is.................

I am not on the Magpie Club design team, I really didn't enjoy the pressure of putting pages together each month. However, I think it is really important for me to use the kits. It really makes me understand what works and what doesn't. I might think that something would be perfect to go into a kit, then when it gets down to the nitty gritty of actually trying to incorporate it into a layout - it just doesn't work. I then know if I haven't been able to use it and the designers haven't touched it, it was not such a good idea and not to go there again.

So last week I attacked this kit and have got to say that I loved every single thing in it - oh yes, a very bold statement but it is the truth. Here are a couple of sneaks from some of my layouts.....

Oh yes, I am LOVING it. I have got some sneaks from Donna and Audrey which I will show you later this week. Have a very happy Monday.

First Sneak Peek

2011-04-15T10:23:00.002-06:00

I am so excited to finally be able to share some sneak peeks of my new concept kit, I still haven't got a name for it but it's like a bits and bobs kit. Full of fun little bits and bobs to get a little bit more creative with your layouts. It's got paper, fabric, tags, vintage finds, buttons, ribbons and so much more. The BEAUTY of this kit is the shipping price, it will only cost $2 to ship anywhere in America - yippee!!

I have been wanting to put together a kit like this for ages. A kit full of non-traditional scrapbooking goodies, that will totally jazz up your layouts - LOVE IT!!!

So there we have it, the first sneak peek. I will be doing the sneak peeks for the Main Kit on Monday - lots to share.

SMASH

2011-04-14T05:13:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that I got my hands on a mini-smash journal. I just so happened to be on their blog and they were giving these away to the first 400 people who emailed them. This is quite remarkable as I have never won anything on the blogsphere but I suppose the odds were pretty good. I LOVE what Amy Tangerine did with hers, she turned it into a mini travel album about a weekend trip away.

There is so much hype about the release of the big smash journals. Apparently they have already sold out of their first two shipments. I will definitely be trying to get my sticky hands on them, I think they will make the perfect gifts for my nieces back home.

Everything is on track in the Magpie World, I am so excited about the May re-launch. Yesterday I had a chance to play with my kit and I must say that I am loving it. Tomorrow I will do some sneak peeks. Until then, I will enjoy the rain in Denver - coming from England where it rains most days, I never actually thought I would enjoy rain. But it is such a rare thing in Denver and it is quite a treat to have some moisture in the air!!!

How Old Am I?

2011-04-13T07:49:00.000-06:00

I was just going though my photos and found this little number and I had to share it. I was with one of my brother-in-laws and I saw this chap with a gold handbag. He was obviously being a dutiful husband and looking after it for his wife but I thought it was soooooo amusing. It was the fact that he had the strap around him and was happily walking around with this shiny gold handbag.

Magnus and I could not stop laughing and I made him pose to look like I was taking a photo of him when really my eye was on the chap with the man-bag!! It was a sweet little moment that firstly reminded me of being 12 and secondly, brightened up my day.

One Little Word

2011-04-12T07:42:00.000-06:00

I had a little window yesterday, whilst baby Oompa Loompa was sleeping. I thought I better get on with my one little word as it has been slightly neglected these past two months. I really LOVE this project, it is very do-able and really makes you think about what it is you wanted to achieve at the start of the year.

My new favourite trick is to print photos onto card stock. Sometimes I really can not be bothered to go to Costco to pick up just one or two photos. I have tried countless times to print photos onto photo paper and am always soooooo disappointed with the end results, the ink always seems to rub off on my hands. So now I just grab some plain, (not textured) white card stock and merrily print away. That is what I did for these pages........

Eagerly awaiting May's prompt, although really not wishing the month away. I have my birthday next week to look forward to, Easter, two of my OL Spring Programs among many other little things happening in April. Yay, I do LOVE April.

Playing around with Photoshop

2011-04-07T07:38:00.000-06:00

I know that lots of people use 'actions' in photoshop for their photos, it has been on my must-try list for a while. Last week I finally got a chance to sit down on my computer and have a little play. This was the end result.......

Just LOVING baby Oompa Loompas chubby thighs, wrapped up tight in his doggy dressing gown. I'm rather liking the whole action thing - I can see why it is slightly addictive. Have a happy Thursday.

Wish List Wedenesday

2011-04-06T07:01:00.000-06:00

The new Fujimax 50s camera is out. It is sleeker, slimmer, lighter and has an improved digital counter on the side. I am sure it has my name on it!!!

As many of you know, I am obsessed with Emma Bridgewater pottery. Excitingly, they have bought out some wonderful pieces in honor of the Royal Wedding. They have made a few cups and plates, this one is rather nice of Westminster Abbey.

I think the plate is rather wonderful but it's not something that I would really want in my collection. I would however buy this smashing tea towel.

I have just found this fantastic little company which sells perfume, hand cream, lip balm etc. I just can't get enough of it, love the smells, love the packaging. It is a company called Love and Toast and this is something I am coveting at the moment - the pomme poivre perfume.

Lastly, I read about a cupcake in a jar from a company in CA called Yummy Cupcakes. I must say that it does look rather yummy and I am tempted to order a few for my birthday.

I think I will be emailing this blog post to Prince Charming, what with my birthday coming up!!

Man of the Month

2011-04-05T08:08:00.000-06:00

I haven't done man of the month for ages, I had sort of forgotten about it until my brother-in-law asked me about it. If you haven't got a clue what I am talking about, here is an earlier post with an explanation.

I have decided this month to make my brother-in-law.......Cameron - man of the month. I love this photo of him. He is on the tube, (London underground system) wearing an orange suit which nicely matches the orange on the seats!! He looks so dapper, might I add at this point that people in London wouldn't give his suit a second glance, anything goes in London.

Cameron is the only one in the family who is not yet married. Unfortunately he is unlucky in love and has not found the girl of his dreams as of yet. He hasn't had much luck with London girls, maybe it is the orange suit after all!! Here's to you Cameron - you are my man of the month. Good luck on your quest and hurry it up, I quite fancy a family wedding!!

My Favourite Wall

2011-04-04T07:38:00.000-06:00

I'm afraid I have an obsession with baby hand and feet impressions. It is HUGE business in England, everyone and their sister seems to offer some kind of keepsake impression. None of my friends scrapbook but nearly all of them have their child's framed footprints on their walls. It was on my list of must-dos when I was pregnant with my first Oompa Loompa.

I lucked out big style, as they offered it as a service at the hospital I had him in. They came into my room when he was four days old and quickly stuck his feet in some clay and voila... this is what I received a few weeks later................

When I had my second Oompa Loompa, I thought it would be really nice to get their hand prints done as well. One of the baby and one of eldest OL . I then repeated this pattern when I had my third OL.

I tried to use different people each time, just to mix things up a bit.

So, when I was pregnant over here with baby OL I thought I better get on the case and find a 'feet impressionist' service. Well, I looked and looked and really struggled to find someone. I rang the hospitals, did hundreds of google searches, looked in the yellow pages, etc. There were lots of DIY kits but I wanted someone to come in and do it. It does not seem to be big business over here, especially in Denver.

After weeks and weeks of searching I finally found someone in Colorado - who happened to live nearly 2 hours away. I begged her to come to my house the day after I got home from hospital. I told her that she was the only person I had found and that I just had to have it done for this new baby otherwise it would feel left out. I sent her photos of my other feet and promised I would make her lots of cups of tea and order Christmas hand print decorations as well. She finally said yes - yippee.

She was good to her word and arrived at my house when baby OL was five days old. She was just wonderful, I told her about how huge it is in England and she said that she doesn't do many newborn babies. She mainly does school age children. I made her lots of tea and ordered anything I possibly could to make her trip worthwhile. Anyhow, I received the finished product a few months ago and could not be happier, she did me proud. They are slightly different to what I have had done before but I really like that.

I now just need to frame these babies and get them on that wall. Yay to perseverance!!!

But I have Finished....

2011-04-01T07:31:00.001-06:00

My little baby art journal. I really wanted to do an album about the first seven days of baby Oompa Loompa's Life. Those first seven days are just so precious yet always seem to blur together, most probably because I am drugged up to the eyeballs with painkillers!!! I didn't document this period with the other three, so I knew that this was something I really wanted to do.

I do LOVE mini albums, I love the fact that they are for a specific period of time or for a specific event. I love the fact that there is an end, that you know when you are done. It is so wonderful to actually finish a project - YAY!!!! Have a happy weekend.

A Day in my Life

2011-03-31T06:50:00.001-06:00

One of the tasks for my Yesterday and Today class was to do a 'day in your life'. I have been putting it off for weeks and then on Monday decided to gracefully accept my mission. It was actually far more fun than I thought it would be and looking through the photos and my notes, I have learnt quite a bit about myself.

I learnt that I drink a lot of tea, I put that down to being English.....

I learnt that I have a good enough relationship with the vegetable chap at the supermarket to ask him to take a photo of me inspecting the carrots!!

I learnt that I can take 'Ali Edwards' style self-portraits......

I learnt that I always seem to be either packing or emptying the dishwasher - probably due to all those cups of tea......

I learnt that I can't stop myself taking photos of this little man, baby OL. LOVE HIM to bits..

I urge you to give it a go. It is so interesting to learn these little tidbits about oneself.

Nearly Finished

2011-03-30T07:21:00.000-06:00

I know that no one really wants to think about Christmas but I am trying to get my December Daily finished. I can never get it done during December but I make sure that I take lots of photos and make a few notes so that I don't forget. I am nearly there, I just have 3 days left to do. I am hoping to get it finished today, I will be so pleased to put this project to bed and finally be able to put my Christmas supplies away.

I know that it will be worth that final push, even though there are a hundred different things that I SHOULD be doing!!!

Glorious Colorado

2011-03-29T14:58:00.004-06:00

The weather at the weekend was glorious. It reminded me of an English Summers Day, not too hot but perfect for being outside. We decided to go to one of my favourite places, I like to call it Pooh Stick Bridge, (in honor of Winnie the Pooh's wonderful game). Interestingly, in England we lived in Ashdown Forest, East Sussex. That is where Winnie the Pooh lives or at least where A.A.Milne, (the author) decided his adventures would take place. They have a Winnie the Pooh shop in the village and the local Hotel does Winnie the Pooh afternoon tea - honey sandwiches and lemonade. Anyway, I digress.......we went to my new Pooh Bridge, with bikes in tow and had a lazy afternoon just enjoying the sun.

There was some paddling........

There was a bit of pondering.......

There was some bike riding.............

There was some perfect photo ops.............

Whheeeee.............

And there was some perfect 'just being' time......

Will I ever be able to give up the big, blue skies of Colorado. Will I ever be able to return back to the grey, cloudy skies of London Town. I am not sure.........not today at least!!

Is it really Friday already??

2011-03-25T07:34:00.002-06:00

I am not really sure where this week has gone, it has zoomed on by and I can't believe that it is Friday already. Nor can I believe that it is the 25th, which means that baby OL is 5 months old today. This week........

...........we had 'Fun Week' at school, meaning that they had to dress up differently every day. On Wednesday it was crazy hair day and they let me loose with blue hairspray.

..........my brother-in-law and niece arrived from England. We have totally run out of bedrooms so I had to get creative. I had to turn this mess of a playroom...

......into a peaceful sanctuary!! Yes, I did make the quilt on the bed, (many moons ago when I was going through my quilting phase!!).

This is my favourite photo of the week. I had put baby OL on the pavement, whilst I put the other children in the car. Middle OL has been learning the letter Q this week, I turned round to put baby OL in the car and this is the sight I saw. Middle OL decided that the perfect place for his letter Q was on baby OL's face. I just LOVE it, the things children do just crack me up.

Well, I best get ready for the weekend. Have a good one.

Only in AMERICA...

2011-03-22T09:46:00.002-06:00

Could you buy two Mattresses at lunch time and have them delivered by supper time!! If we were in England, you would be lucky if you got them that week!! Gotta love the USA.

I read somewhere that you should air your mattresses before putting them on the beds. You should take the plastic off and put them outside for a couple of hours. Something to do with the flame resistant chemicals. Not sure if airing them helps one little bit BUT at least my neighbours think that I am in the middle of some serious spring clean!!

Introducing the Design Team

2011-03-21T07:38:00.000-06:00

I am really happy to announce the new Magpie Club Design Team. As you know, it was super tricky picking the team, there is so much talent out there. I really feel that I have picked girls with totally different styles, there should be bucket loads of inspiration for us.

So, please let me welcome our new Magpies.

The Main Kit Designers:

Linda Abadie

Donna Bryant Durrand

Audrey Yeager

My New Concept Kit, (which I have yet to come up with a name for!!):

Sheri Twing

Carole Stirrat

Katharina Turner

For Mini Album and Project Kits:

Sophie Crespy

Ruby

So that's it. The new Mapie Club Design Team. I can't tell you how excited I am to get going, I am shooting to have the first kits ready for May. I am busy hunting and gathering for bits and bobs, I am also trying to design the new website, it's all busy, busy, busy - gotta be loving that!

Magpie Club Design Team

2011-03-18T12:04:00.003-06:00

I am sorry it has taken me so long but I have finally made my decision for the Design Team. I have chosen 8 people, (4 more than I was going to).

Main Kit - 3 Designers

My NEW Concept Kit - 3 Designers

Minis - 2 Designers

I will be sending out emails to everyone this afternoon. Have a wonderful weekend.

This is Tough......

2011-03-16T21:58:00.002-06:00

Have managed to whittle it down to 15 but now I am stuck. So tricky!!!

Decisions, Decisions!!!

2011-03-15T09:54:00.003-06:00

The Design Team Call is now closed, I would like to say thank you so very much to everyone who applied. I was totally blow away with the amount of entries that I had, well over 200!! I have been like a busy bee going through each and every one, there is so much talent out there. I have managed to whittle it down to 31, now the hard work begins, getting it down to 4.

Meanwhile I thought I would share another she-art girl that I just finished. I was totally pleased with myself for finding this canvas at the clearance section at Jo-Annes, for $3.95.

I then worked a bit of magic on it and transformed it to this.......Ta da...........

I know you probably think I made a spelling mistake, (as you most likely do with all my posts) but we do spell things differently over the pond. Grey being one of those words.

I have sort of veered off course with the class, (as I often do) and have gone along my own little path but I really wanted to use the lyrics from the song. Anyway, I must get back to the DTC and will hopefully have a decision in the next couple of days.

A Walk down Memory Lane

2011-03-10T07:14:00.002-07:00

I have been working on a new website for the re-launch and thought I should possibly put some photos of past kits on there. So I went a digging and found some of the old kit photos, I couldn't find them all but did find the majority. It is kind of interesting seeing them all together, looking at things I obviously LOVE as they seem to be in nearly every kit. I thought I would share them with you.

September 2009 - my first ever kit - ahh...

November 2009 - I didn't offer subscriptions then and this kit sold out in less than 15 minutes. I must have had at least 50 people wanting to go on a wait list.

December 2009

January 2010 - I had my first ever male client, a chap in England was loving my kits. I couldn't believe that he actually scrapbooked.

February 2010 - My all time Favourite kit. I think I made a record 11 layouts with this kit - loved it soooooo much.

April 2010 - Not sure what was going on with my photography skills.

May 2010

June 2010

July 2010

August 2010

October 2010

I have started ordering bits for the new kits, I am so excited. I have also come up with a new concept for a kit, I will share more in the weeks ahead but it is a lot of fun. Better go now as I have more work to do on my new website. Thanks for looking.

First Day of Lent

2011-03-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

So, have you given anything up for lent? I much prefer giving something up for Lent rather than at the New Year. I think 40 days is far more obtainable than 365. I am definitely giving up pancakes, I ate far too many last night!!

I only dropped one, lucky for Hooch, (one of my dogs)!!

Prince Charming was loving them.........

Little Oompa Loompa was loving them............

Eldest Oompa Loompa was loving them........................

Middle Oompa Loompa was loving them..............

And Baby Oompa Loompa just looked on in bemusement...............

Oh, happy days, until next year pancake day.

English Pancake Recipe:

150 gms of Flour

325 ml of Milk

1 Egg

30 gms of melted butter

Chuck it all in a blender and whizz away. Heat your pan, (not too hot) put a bit of butter in to grease it and then pour some of your mixture in. Swirl it around so that you get a large, thin circle and when it starts to brown - flip it in the air to turn it over. Brown the other side. Put it on a plate, pour some lemon juice on and sprinkle some sugar, roll it up and enjoy.

Happy Pancake Day

2011-03-08T14:46:00.002-07:00

Today is Shrove Tuesday, which in England means one thing........Pancake Day. Pancakes are not a big thing in England, not like here. We have them one day a year, today, on pancake day. When I was a child, we would have them at school for lunch and then my Dad would make them for us in the evening for supper. It was such an exciting day, I have very fond memories.

So today I am getting ready for the Oompa Loompas to get back from school so that we can make them for supper.

They are very different from American pancakes, firstly they do not rise, so they are very thin and flat, (more like a crepe). Secondly you have to flip them in the pan, a few always end up on the floor and thirdly, we put lemon juice and sugar on them or a dollop of Nutella. So exciting, can't wait for them to get home.

A Bit of Painting

2011-03-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when I heard that Christy Tomlinson was going to offer an online workshop for her 'she-art'. I signed up straight away and could not wait for the class to start. We had our first lesson last week and I have got to say that I am loving it. Yesterday I managed to squeeze in a bit of art time and created my very first 'she-girl'.

Ta-da.......................

I am now totally addicted, it is such a great way to use up your stash especially all those random rub-ons we all seem to own. Along with some stamps I thought I would never use again. I have put her in my kitchen, next to my cooker to remind me to celebrate everyday.

On that note, I have to share my 'just stepped out of a salon' photograph. I went to the hairdressers last week, he always wants to use straightening irons and I always want big New Jersey hair. It must have been my lucky day as he finally got the curling tongs out and I was loving it. I took a quick shot in the glass, a super quick shot as people were starting to look at me rather oddly!!

I must say that I did feel rather glamorous, a bit too glam for the school run!!

Project Life

2011-03-02T09:10:00.004-07:00

I thought I would share a few pages of my project life 2011. This is my third year of doing this project and I have to say that it is my all time favourite. This year I have really jazzed things up, adding lots of extra photos, digital stamps and actually rounding the corners with my punch. Each week I spend an hour or so on it. If I don't have the photos printed, I just put a sticky note on what photo I want to use - that way I wont forget.

I find it the perfect place to put things in, things that I want to hold onto but don't really know where else to put them. For example the children's valentines cards, old store cards, little notes or drawings. It is just perfect.

I will be having a special section in my new store just for project life. Some things are terribly tricky to get hold of - especially some of the odd sized page protectors. There is also a product where you can stick a 4x6 flip-up page directly onto the pocket, that way you can add an extra two photos to that specific day. Jolly hard to find but I have managed to track them down and they are now on their merry way.

Anyway, must dash as I am off to the hairdressers.

My Little Cowboys

2011-02-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

Had a slight attack of baby brain, totally forgot to show you my finished cowboy outfit. If you remember, I was on a mission last month as it was cowboy month in Colorado. They do lots of fun things at school, including a wonderful hoedown for eldest Oompa Loompa. So obviously I was on the hunt for the best cowboy outfit I could find. After hours of searching on the internet, I finally found quite a nice outfit. I put it into my cart, was just about to click pay-now when suddenly I woke up from my crazy-mummy-moment and realised that it cost over $100 - not including shipping. Err, hello.........So I decided to blow the dust off my sewing machine, head to Jo-Anne's and get sewing.

$19 later I ended up with this.............

2 hours of sewing later, I ended up with this............

The outfit on the right, (modeled by middle OL) I bought a couple of years ago. I used this as my 'rough template'.

Not only was I $90 richer but I was super proud of my 'Martha' moment. It felt really good to actually make something that worked and that eldest OL actually wanted to wear. So........loving my sewing machine, loving Jo-Anne's and loving those two cute little cowboys!!

Just LOVING Colorado!!

2011-02-23T23:05:00.003-07:00

One of the best things about living in Colorado is how close the ski resorts are. Before, when I lived in England, snow and skiing meant hopping on a plane or driving 9hrs to get to the French Alps, (Chamonix being my all time favourite). Now we can just jump in the car and be at a resort in an hour and a half - just magical.

Last weekend we checked out Keystone, it was fabulous.

We couldn't have asked for better weather.

Baby Oompa Loompa was snuggerly as can be.

and the other Oompa Loompas were loving the whole tubing thing.

It was wonderful.

All this and back home in time for tea - lucky, lucky me.