The usual New Year post.... word heavy!

As you may know, I do a new year post each December, listing my Goals for the coming year, personal and craft.

These were my Goals of 2009... I will highlight them in RED if I achieved them...
2009 goals
1) loose the rest of this weight.
22Ibs down.. millions more to go!
2) To Paint the lounge
3) To get hold of the carpet cleaner from work and do the lounge floor!
4) To re-decorate Finlay's room, into a robot space ship!
5) To move house
And towns
6) To go back to work
Yuck!
7) To take Finlay to playgroup every week
or at least aim too!
8) To cook more meals for Finlay from scratch
9) To learn to Drive
10) To get my wedding photos printed and into a photo book.
11) To keep grow my hair into a lustrous mane!

2009 CRAFTY goals
1) Get really organised
As in, not shove all my stuff randomly into totes!
2) Write down my deadlines
Because I always miss them!
3) Actually complete my deadlines!
Because I always miss them!!!
4) Scrap more Memory photos
And do a Memory mini album for Lara
as well as just "moment" photos.
5 Start doing multi photo Layouts
Or at least learn how to do them!!!

6 Take inspiration from art

And print, fabric, scenery, nature......
7 To make time for Scrappy friends
8) To not loose my White Pens
7 in one year is not good!!! Why is it always my white ones!??!
9) To start painting again
Because it makes me happy!
10 To Get a new Lens for my camera

I love looking back - and realise that if I had applied myself properly I could have completed a lot more of those goals!

My word of the year2009 was :NURTURE
my word of the year 2010 is: RENEW
I feel like my soul is going to have a detox this year, go on an adventure of self discovery and realising my true worth. I really think 2010 is going to be a busy year!
I held on to a lot of negativity in 2009, but as the year developed, I felt like I was working towards gaining better self perspective, I hope I can carry that on into 2010.
I am a firm believer in numerology - and I am entering into a number 1 year (First year of a nine year cycle, which is always a good thing!)

Personal Year 1. . . .A New Beginning In Your Life

The current year is the beginning of a new nine year cycle for you. It holds the promise of being an exciting new adventure, with life taking on new challenges that pave the way for the next cycle of nine years in your life. This is a time to clarify your goals and it is a time to act on them. Hard work may be necessary to get a new venture moving. Your physical strength will be up during this year, perhaps higher than it has been for some time, as you have some special needs for this extra energy. If you are unable or unwilling to answer the call to change and make the move in your life the appears necessary now, your prospects may be delayed until the next cycle begins in nine years. Because of this, you feel like an adventure, a major change in your life, something new. New goals should be clearly set and worked toward, as this is really a new beginning of a nine year cycle and it is best not to dwell on the past at this time. This will be fairly easy for you to do because most of the problems and disappointments of the past will tend to disappear, leaving the way open for these new challenges. This is a great time; use it to its full advantage.

IF you want to work out your own year number and see its definition - look here its easy and interesting! So. onto the bit that makes me think:

What I have learned in 2009:

• That having someone I can truly consider a best friend again is awesome and something I never knew I missed so much - thank you.
  
• That getting together with scrapping friends is one of the most cathartic things you can do, and that laughter really is good for the soul
• That to appreciate something, you have to let it go and miss it for a while.
• That LOL cats are the funniest thing on the interweb
• That I love crumpets - and wish I didn't, mmmmmmm buttery goodness!
  
• That moving wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, and I don't miss the flat at all! (apart from my wall paper and new carpet )
  
• that having a garden is all I hoped it would be
• That I NEED to learn to drive
• That I am paranoid at least once a month - and I should think to myself "what date is it?" before deciding someone hates me LOL
• I learned how to make awesome cupcakes
• And that I love Snow Patrol best of all bands.
• That family is important, but sometimes you have to go with the flow.
• That I can't make everyone happy all the time.
• That faith in love is imperative when feeling fragile
• That rain on a conservatory roof is irritating, and not the wonderful sound of nature I thought it would be!
• That compost bins STINK
• That having long hair again rocks.

I think I could type forever - but I doubt half you reading have made it this far already LOL (if you have leave a me a message!!!)

My personal Goals for 2010:
1: To practice better self control financially, and to add up in my head what the total should approx be at the tills, so I don't have to que up again to get the bill rectified!
(happened to me twice this week!!!)
2: To lose weight and get healthy
I failed miserably at this after the summer this year... I think I've put a stone back on from the 22Ibs I lost!!
Gutted.
3: To get Finlay enrolled in a nursery and to join the library sing and read group. This is really important for his social development, as currently, when with friends his age, he tends to be easily picked on, due to his laid back nature.
For this to happen, I will have to work on my own self confidence and "Mummy group" loathing that I have inbuilt!
4: To decide on a hair colour and stick to it ALL year.
lol - or to try at least!
5: To become a domestic goddess
For Ben's sake!
6: To get Finlay sleeping in a "big boy bed"
Its arriving today - I am NERVOUS!
7: To make "me" time
8: To get the qualifications I so desire, and also, maybe take a class or two :-)
9: To make more mini books/albums
with the aid of Shimelle's classes! I have LOVED JYC
10: To scrap old photos that are piling up!
11: To think "What is best for me/Ben/ Finlay" before making choices in life!
12: To learn to drive
This one is the one I want most of all to complete!
Craft Goals 2010:
1: To learn all about photoshop
complicated little so and so!
2: To keep the stash SORTED
Actually - I might as well add "To sort the stash" and then keep it sorted!
3: To page kit more
Laura does this TOO well, I aim to be as 50% good as her.
4: To learn to sew properly!
I crave to be slimmer by summer and make my own pretty cotton skirts/dresses.
5: To create order in my life and not chaos.
6: To have fun with craft!
This last one is very important - I think we should all do this more!

If you have read this post - you are a trooper and obviously bored - thank you for listening to me ramble on and on!
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One of those inbetweeny days...... digi freebie

Fancy another digi freebie? here is a set of four frames, which have a sewing theme.
You can download the zipfile of PNG's here:

Its one of those days, in between Christmas and new year. It feels like limbo - do you know what I mean? Ben has been back at work since Boxing day- but has today and tomorrow off work. I've noticed something in my kitchen, which I would imagine most of you can relate too, the fact that I have an abundance of chocolate - and yet very little else.
Food shopping of the "Non nut - chocolate" variety had to be ordered today.
The rain was harsh, so we decided to stay local. Popping into our local town to exchange incorrect sized gifts and duplicate toys etc, and then coming home, to the warm and dry to don our PJ bottoms(or as you US girls say "pants") and chill as a family.

We have house work to do, but to be honest with you, neither one of us could face it. Instead, we decided to gather together ALL of Finlay's happyland toys (The only plastic toys that I truly like) and set up his little world whilst he had a nap.
We had a lot of fun, which blew away some hefty adult-problem-cobwebs that were hanging around in my mind!
Finlay was gifted the fairground and vets and toy shop for Christmas, I love how it all looks set up. So cute.......

When Finlay woke from his nap - he clearly remembered us taking the toys from his bedroom, as the first words from his mouth were "Wheres my toys?"
We led him to his play room.. and he was suitably impressed. In fact, he said "WOW" twice.

And then set to, destroying everything we had created LOL.
I love this photo.....It wasn't long before the whole scene resembled something from Flash Forward (google for the reference if you don't watch that show lol!)

All in all - you will no doubt agree, an afternoon well spent!
Also, we watched Miss Potter = HEART - what a truly gorgeous film.
I hope your Tuesday has been equally random.

a little new year spell......

When I was in my late teens, early twenties, I used to do a little new year spell every new years day. I haven't done it for a few years, but for some reason I can't stop thinking about it, and so today I have decided I will be starting it up again, carrying on my own little tradition.
It's very easy, a wish spell, I say spell but don't get me wrong - it came from a book about Angels and is very harmless (unless it works, in which case, its the most powerful thing ever!)
You don't need herbs, or a cauldron, or chanting... lol.. you simply need:
A pen
White paper
and a clear glass of water.

Write down, as simply as you can, your biggest hope for the year.
Be it - NEW JOB
or TO SAVE MONEY
or TO FALL IN LOVE
etc etc.
Write it down on a piece of plain white paper, so that the writing fits under the base of the glass.
at 11:11am on new years day place the glass, full of water, over the writing, and leave on a window sil/ledge.
The theory is, that the water will magnify your hope, making the universe aware of it - and legend of the angels say that it will come true.
well.. it can't hurt right?

what will you wish for? - shhhh don't tell me!
xxxx

Christmas catch up and another digi printable freebie... (another??? really....yawn! ... yup!)

Ok - lets kick things off with a quick bunting freebie, just click on the image below, then when its opened in large, right click, save and print and you can print off as many as you like to decorate your home if you are having a NYE party.
Paper bunting is awesome, and if you print it onto card, and attach it properly to ribbon, you can reuse it! (although... unless its 2010 next year as well this one is pretty much a one night stand arrangement!!!)

So, moving on to Christmas,
I HAD AN AWESOME TIME! I love Christmas at the best of times, everything about it (apart from financial ruin) makes my soul leap with joy... but this year it increased its wow factor for me by 100%, having a two year old to make it magical for.
I cannot express to you how happy it made me to see how "mind blown" Finlay was on Christmas morning, when the mince pie had gone, and all but crumbs remained, and the milk drunk. In its place was a stocking he could fit in, FULL to the brim of little presents from Santa.
Literally heart melting stuff. My photos from this moment came out blurred, all because I didn't prepare my settings, something that some of me will regret, but the rest of me rejoices in, because the blurriness totally reflects how he was acting - ripping at the paper with utter joy!I got to see it first hand, and fill up a new chamber in my "Mummy heart" of experiences I will never forget.
And then, if that wasn't enough, I was showered by my husband and family with gifts that had me often squealing with delight!
Including this bad boy - which was presented to me today!
WHOOOP!!!
I can't wait to finish off my quilt that I started MONTHS ago, and then move on to funky stuff, or sewing on my scrapping more, etc etc = fun times!
***
I also got this ladies book.
I have a chef crush on her cooking - and the way she explains things is perfect, her recipes and family friendly cooking style never fails to inspire me.
Plus, the book is pretty, and has a pink polka dot scallop spine!!!
CUTE.
This also made my Christmas... not a present for me, but seeing Finlay's joy at his camera. I know he is only two, but seriously, this boy has grown up with a camera in his face ALL the time, and he loves it! He loves seeing the pictures, looking at photos when printed, holding the camera and looking through..
I captured him here, taking a photo of the necklace we gave Ben's mum today - look how happy having a camera makes him!
I am 100% satisfied in my decision to buy him this!Look at this face!!!

I got this charming blue lace agate necklace - which is pretty pretty...

This plethora of goodness.......

this dotty cake stand!! LOVE IT

This awesome card organiser!!!

A selection of awesome knitwear..
scarf 1

socks

scarf 2 (My fav)

This cute sewing box from Boots (I wonder how many others in blog land got something from this range this Christmas?)

And my coveted BAKE book ends!!!!!!
HEART
Already in the kitchen holding up my cook books! wooo!

I got tonnes more cuteness, including a knitted hat, which I will photo in day light.
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So - I guess I will sign off - with one last thing to say...
HAPPY BOXING DAY EVERYONE!
XXXXXXX

Christmas eve............ digi freebie etc

Time for one last digi freebie before Christmas... three clear overlay doodle frames for your festive pages/photos. (They also go well with the sketched words I gave away the other day too!) If you like, you can download them here:

JYC:

Wow. I can't believe that the last lot of JYC I shared was the 16th! Sorry about that. I have however kept up to date! I am extremely proud of that fact. (Its the first project of its kind I have kept up with. I joined up for LSNED (another Shimelles class) and failed on day 16) Anyway - Here are my pages till today ( I will upload the 23rd when its better light - as the first few pictures here are done in the evening and look a bit rubbish!)
Things to do:

Right now:

An unexpected letter:

Dear Santa:

The only snow:

Thus years hat:

Gift list:

Well, Its Christmas eve, a time of tradition and love. It has become a tradition in my family, that on Christmas eve, Santa's top Elf takes a little time out of his busy schedule to leave a Book on the doorsteps of the Children of the family. He wraps it up, with a little note, leaves it on the step and rushes back to finish packing the sleigh for Santa.
Finlay will be part of this tradition this year, as he is old enough to understand what is going on.
I cant wait.
:-)

Later, I will venture into town to get swept up in Christmas eve panic buyers (happily safe in the knowledge that I am 100% DONE!) I hope to get Finlay's hair cut, buy mini cake cases for my chocolate peanut butter cups - yet to make, get some last minute make up at boots, and get the ingredients for butternut squash roast.
Then, this evening, we will be cosying up with Christmas movies - and reading Finlay "The night before Christmas" before bed, when Finlay has gone to sleep (if he can manage it!) we will be wrapping the final gifts, decorating the lounge with "Santa evidence" and drinking baileys! - probably to the sounds of All Angels and Christmas hits.

I am excited - I literally am!

So, I will sign off for a few festive days, and wish you all in blog land a Merry Christmas.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

things I have loved........

I have a photo folder on my Pc called ART INSPO and over the year, I save images that make me go "oooOh pretty!" every now and then I will flick through that folder and admire others talent, bask in the prettiness and generally admire the gorgeous.
I every year, I start a new folder, for the next years worth of pretty.. so, here are a few of my favourite images...

Happy Christmas eve eve!