MAWTT Challenge 42 . . . . . . . .

Good morning guys and gals. Hoping all is good with you.

Today its time for another challenge at MAWTT. Its Emma's first time as host and she has chosen the theme . . . . . . . . . . . . 

INTO THE WOODS

That should give you all lots of scope so hope you can join in the fun or at least pop over to the blog and see what the other gals have come up with.

Now, my first thought when I saw the theme was, Teddy Bears Picnic as that's how my weird thought process works (I can think of a lot worse things that could be going on in the woods that you wouldn't want to put on a card lol!!!).

I found this lovely image and worked the rest of the card around it.

Ingredients

White and yellow card

Image from internet (no credit or copyright info shown on it)

Embossalicious Tumbling Leaves embossing folder

John Lockwood sentiment

Memento Dew Drop Bamboo Leaves ink

Yellow organza ribbon

Bling

Simple but cute (a bit like Mr D lol!!!).

It would be lovely to see some familiar names entering the challenge so get yourselves over to MAWTT.

Well, I got in touch with the arrhythmia nurse who said I wouldn't get a follow up appointment for 3-4 months, unless I go back into A/Fib again. When I queried about the continuing fluid and breathless issues, she said things would take a while to settle and to get more water tablets via my GP.

Have to say, she had been tripping over herself to be helpful prior to the Cardioversion (probably as I had been emailing the consultant directly) but now it came across as a "you're in rhythm so bu@@er off and annoy someone else" so I did remind her they were supposed to be monitoring my haemoglobin and liver function (one of the tablets I am on is particularly nasty with its side effects) and I have now had a blood test form from her.

Other than that, I'm still getting the odd rogue beat and with the extra water tablet, my Usain Bolt like dashes to the loo have extended from morning/early afternoon into afternoon and evening. But, there's those worse off than me so I'll only grumble a little bit.

Jackie, I thought that McLaren's new livery was naff until I saw the pink Force Indias.

SuzzieQ, I do try and elevate the legs as much as possible but its not the most attractive of positions and not conducive to being up and down like a yo-yo to the loo lol!!! You and Darnell asked about the salt intake. No one has said anything about that but I try and watch that anyway. I have been munching on bananas to keep my potassium up.

Marion, my goodness you are going to be a busy gal. Click here and here to see 2 golden wedding cards I've done if it helps inspire (or is that me being cheeky poking my nose in lol???) 

That's me for now. Be good everyone.

TTFN

Ang x

Swirls and Snowflakes & Crafty Purchases . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. How is everyone today? Apologies to anyone awaiting an email or blog comment from me over the past few days as our internet has been playing silly beggars. Its been like Russian Roulette as to whether there is a connection. I will make amends in the next couple of days as it seems to have settled as I type this.

I still appear to be in rhythm (anyone whose seen me dance would never have thought I'd be saying those words lol!!!) but still got puffy feet and still getting breathless so will be getting in touch with my Arrhythmia Nurse today. May need the water tablets upping, which will be interesting as I may just need to just take a magazine, sandwiches and a flask with me and stay in the bathroom for 4-5 hours lol!!!

I did manage to get over to Daisy's to see John on Friday. I took him some lunch, so he was a happy boy and could just go home afterwards and crack on with his prep for his upcoming demos. I did go a bit nuts over the sales stuff (photos at end) but couldn't resist.

Now, today's card is all white (even in a Michael Barrymore sense) with just a hint of silver. Didn't think this one needed a sentiment, even though I'm always telling John off about not putting them on his cards lol!!!

Ingredients

White card

Silver mirror card

CE Frosty Swirls embossing folder

SB Snowflake Pendant 2013 dies

Silver Krylon Pen

Pearlage

There is a certain crispness about a predominantly white card, I think. 

FoxyG and Wendy, hope you enjoyed your get together surprising your Mum.

Maureen, you always make my cheeks quiver (the ones on my face, with laughter). Yes, Patricia, she is a one but in a good way, lol!!!

Jenny, you're quite right, I have enough bladder issues without jumping up and down lol!!!

Jackie, hope you had a lovely break with your Mum.

Ok, confession time. Here's what I bought on Friday . . . . . . . . . . .

And . . . . . . . . . .

I know, I know, I have the EEC First Edition pad mountain but I hadn't got these ones (well, I do have Family Ties but only the 12x12). I didn't mean to leave the prices on but those stickers were not budging easily and I wanted to get them photographed.

Now, the prices on the stuff is the 50% off price. These items were then half priced again so anything priced £5 was actually £2.50. You can see why I was like a kid in a candy shop now.

Everything in the 2 photos came to £26 . . . . . . now that did excite me!

Of course, Mr D surveyed my purchases with a quizzical look saying "Why have you bought all those pads when you don't use the shelf full you've got?" Crafters, forgive him, he's still learning, bless him.

A marvellous start to the new F1 season, especially not having to put up with a smug Hamilton in the post race interviews (sorry Wendy but I just can't take to the fella). 

On that note, I shall wish you all a happy week.

TTFN

Ang x

Even More Poinsettias . . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. Hope you are well and not experiencing minus temperatures.

We had a lot of rain and grey skies yesterday until about 5pm, then beautiful sunshine.

Still feeling tired at times but plodding along and hoping I awake this morning still ok as last time, my rhythm went loopy again in the early hours of the Thursday morning. Mentally, I think I need to get past this point to start feeling more positive.

Now, the Christmas theme continues with more poinsettias. This looks quite dimensional but was actually quite flat-ish, though I suspect that Mr Postie had those flowers flattened even more by the time it got opened lol!!!

Ingredients

Cream card

Rich red card

Vintage gold and gold mirror card

CE Frosty Swirls embossing folder

SB Layered Poinsettias

Indigo Blu sentiment stamp

Memento Dew Drop Rhubarb Stalk ink

Pearlage

In case you were wondering (and apologies if you weren't lol!!!) how I got the gap in the embossing, it was as simple as embossing the top and bottom bits of that layer. OK granny, stop sucking those eggs lol!!!

I think there are about 5 more festive cards to go. I thought I'd warn you before you start thinking, not another b#@@dy Christmas card lol!!!

Hoping to meet up with John tomorrow. He's doing a workshop at a local craft shop which is closing down to concentrate on doing shows and on line trade and bonus is they are having a half price sale too. As I didn't get to the NEC, it would be nice to get to look around some crafty bits.

Before I go, Foxyg, hope hubby is still doing well. I do check with Wendywoo now and again.

SuzzieQ, I think it helped me helping the other lady. My random act of kindness for that day lol!!! 

Jenny, you've sussed me out. I'm CEO of Foam Pads R Us lol!!! Seriously, before I left The Range, I made good last use of my staff discount and bought a load of packs of foam tape and pads. That was 2 years ago (blimey, where did that go ???) and I've still got plenty left as I only use enough not to get saggy bits (Maureen. . . . . .No!!!)

June, I could sleep for England at the minute lol!!!

Wendy (Yorks Butterfly), I'm super excited about the weekend. Will miss Jenson Baby but I think it will be an interesting season. Jackie D and Wendy will hopefully be watching too (unless Wendy is on her flight at that point).

Well that's me for now. Be good.

TTFN

Ang x

Festive After Fryday. . . . . . .

Good morning all. Hope you are full of the joys of Spring? (I know its Monday but try your best).

All went well on Friday and as of typing this on Sunday afternoon, still in NSR as far as I'm aware and hoping it stays that way. Only needed one shock this time and thankfully didn't feel it this time, so the burns aren't as bad, though the one on my back itches like mad.

There were 2 older ladies in front of me (one was 85 bless her, and the other was maybe late 50's). The 85 year old was quite jovial but I could tell the other lady was petrified. Her husband didn't have a sympathetic bedside manner either. In fact, I could have shoved his IPad somewhere that would have required surgical removal several times.

I didn't feel quite as nervous this time so I chatted to her about it and she seemed to calm down and settle.

Apparently, I was snoring when I got wheeled back, much to everyone's amusement but I blame the fluid lol!!! Finally got home about 7pm in time for John's last show.

As I couldn't take my water tablet Friday, I didn't sleep Friday night due to the fluid on my chest but with a 3 hour nap Saturday afternoon and a good 10 hours on Saturday night, I feel better now.

Thank you again for your well wishes, emails and cards and thank you Patricia for coming out of your blogging break to send good wishes. Keep up the positive thoughts so that I can hopefully stay in rhythm. 

Now, back to another easy batch, postal friendly card.

Ingredients

White and cobalt card

Silver mirror card

Crafters Companion Christmas Jumper embossing folder (Love this)

SB Heirloom Ornanments 2010

BeBunni snowflake embossing folder (on the baubles)

Dovecraft sentiment

Memento Dew Drop ink

Teeny blue bling

Pearlage

Well, that's me for now as still feel a bit tired.

Thank you again and hopefully all will still be well on my next post.

TTFN

Ang x

Poinsettias, The Sequel of the Sequel . . . . . .

Good morning all. Hope everyone's fettle is fine? Happy St Patrick's Day to those who celebrate.

Still running with Christmas but a more ornate one this time (and those pesky poinsettias and holly flourish again lol!!).

I love the purple card. It was from a craft show but no make/brand on the wrapper.

Ingredients

Cream and purple card

Silver mirror card

SB Labels 18

SB Layered Poinsettias

Cheery Lynn Holly Flourish

Sheena Douglass holly embossing folder

Crafters Companion sentiment

Memento Dew Drop Grape Jelly ink

Silver Krylon pen (for the veins on the poinsettia bracts and on the pearls)

Pearlage

I always thought purple and gold went well together but purple and silver looks just as good, methinks.

Well, today's the day again. Not looking forward to it (well, you'd have to be a masochist to be looking forward to it) but it needs to be tried again so try we must.

To be honest, if they told me standing on my head, butt naked, flower strategically placed, whistling the National Anthem, in the middle of Trafalgar Square, would help me, I'd do it (now that would get my own back on those bloomin pigeons lol!!!)

Bridget, they do it under sedation but last time they didn't give me enough, I felt it and screamed "Owwwwww" lol!!!

Marion, don't get falling over with your cross legged walk lol!!!

Maureen, I wouldn't dare be disapproving, lol!!! I do love the elegance of the DL but I'm tight as a fish's oojit and want my moneys worth out of Royal Mail lol!!!

Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers. I do thank you from the heart of my bottom.

Will let you know how it goes as soon as I can and apologies if I don't get round to visiting blogs for a few days.

TTFN

Ang x

Variations on a Theme . . . . . . .

Good morning lovely bloggers. Hope all is good with you and yours.

Warning, picture heavy post.

Have had an up and down few days but managed to meet up with John for breakfast yesterday morning. Had a great catch up and a nice chow down.

Now, today we have a threefer,  a variation on the theme of the last card but in DL format and a couple of others . I don't normally do DL cards and making these, I remembered why. You use pretty much the same amount of useful card to create a smaller card, that still costs the same as an A5 card to post!!!

You live and learn. . . . . . 

Ingredients

Cream card

Vintage gold and gold mirror card

Sue Wilson Snowflake Striplet

Dovecraft sentiment

Versamark

CE Gold Detail embossing powder

Pearlage

Ingredients

Cream card

Vintage gold and gold mirror card

CE Snowflake Lattice embossing folder

SB 2013 Snowflake Pendant dies

Dovecraft sentiment

As for the stunning card above, I cannot claim the credit for as it was sent to me by the lovely Wendy (Yorks Butterfly) for her paddle prize and showing part of her prize (the Grate Works die) to great effect. Wendy doesn't have a blog so I asked if she would mind me showing it. 

Isn't it a picture? Thank you again Wendy.

Well, who knew that wearing your jim jams to go shopping was such a popular pastime. 

Elaine and Nancy, it comes to something when a store has to put up a sign telling folk to not come in their nightwear and perhaps charging them will do the trick (Nancy, hope you got to the SECC or to see John if your'e in that neck of the woods)

Mrs A, she was wearing slippers (that shamefully did not match the pyjamas lol!!!)

Donna and June, thank you for bringing the images of Walmart shoppers in to my life. After viewing them on Google, I am seeking therapy to rid my memory of such hideous images lol!!!

Thank you all for your best wishes for Friday (or Fryday as John and I named it after getting burns on my chest and back last time).

Its a mixture of emotions (like watching your ex drive off a cliff in your brand new car) as not looking forward to it,but wanting to have it done to try and get me back to normal . . . . . . well, as normal as I can get lol!!!

Hopefully I should get a post on for Friday so hope to see you then.

TTFN

Ang x

Its Christmas Again . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. Hope the Sun is shining on you all.

Hopefully, I've got a line of washing bobbing about . . . . . it's the simple pleasures in life eh?

Now, talking of simple, it doesn't get any more simple than this card, especially for batch making.

It started when I cut the Holly Flourish out for this card here and then I thought, "what would happen if I cut them end to end to use up that scrap of vintage gold card?"

Ingredients

Cream card

Vintage gold and gold mirror card

Cheery Lynn Holly Flourish die

Dovecrafts sentiment

Pearlage

Scoring on my Hougie

The vintage gold layer is stuck directly to the gold mirror card and then this was foam padded to the card, making it another postage friendly card.

 I must report a funny sighting this week courtesy of The Flash household. This time, it was Mrs Flash who caught my attention.

I had popped out to my car about 10 in the morning to get something out of the boot, bumped into another neighbour and started to chat. 

About 30 seconds later, Mrs Flash drove past, parked outside their house and then got out of the car carrying a shopping bag and went into her house.

Nothing unusual in that I hear you cry, except . . . . . . . . . she was only wearing her pyjamas!!! Not only that, but she is a little on the large side with an ample chest and was not wearing a bra.

Well, as my dear late Dad would say, it was like watching 2 puppies fight under a blanket.

I can honestly say, I don't ever recall a shopping emergency that would necessitate me to leave my house in my pyjamas, let alone unsupported.

There again, another neighbour took her kids to school last week wearing a tiger print onesie, with the hood up, which had pointed ears.

Perhaps I just live in an odd neighbourhood??? (Still want to move next door Elaine? Lol!!!)

Before I pootle off, her is a snap of the socks Kate knitted and sent to me. Aren't they fabulous?

They are so toastie warm and I've had to repair the heel on one of them as I wore them so much in the Winter. Thanks again Kate.

That's me for today. Have had a good few days, even getting out for a meal on Monday with some friends over from Spain and trying not to worry about next Friday. Blood test today so hopefully the black pudding has done its thing.

Take care all.

TTFN

Ang x

Thank You Kate. . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. Hope you're all fine and dandy?

I have not been too bad this week. I think losing all that fluid has helped (certainly the breathlessness) and my check at clinic confirmed I'd lost 5kg in the week. 

I've always been relieved that the hospital scales aren't speaking ones or I'm sure they'd say "One at a time please" lol!!!

This time, I wouldn't have minded a "woo hoo!!!"

Blood test showed haemoglobin a bit low so got to have another next week. Been munching on spinach and moving on to Special K and black pudding next (not together, obviously lol!) 

Maureen, I wish I'd had good thighs before this all started, never mind now, although I may get a best in show at an agricultural event lol!!!

I have had my 2nd Cardioversion appointment through so that's being done again in a couple of weeks (Sandy, I'll give a brief description of what it is at the end of this). Fingers crossed it works for longer than 5 days this time.

On Friday, a few of us had lunch at a friends house and it was lovely to be able to be up to socialising again, so a great time was had with Nesta, Davey and a couple of other good friends.

Now, before I return to the Christmas cards, I thought I would show this card that I made for a lovely friend who had knitted and sent me a divine pair of socks last year (Hope you don't mind me showing it Kate lol?).

Ingredients

White, green and dark peach card

First Edition Boho Chic paper

SB Twisted Palm die (cut a few times to use as a frame)

SB Labels 28 and Decorative Labels 28

Inkylicious sentiment

Memento Dew Drop Pistachio ink

Pink ribbon 

Pearlage

Stupidly, I haven't photographed the socks, thinking that Kate had shown them on her blog and I could just pop on a link but can I find them on Kate's blog, no!

If Kate doesn't mind, I'll snap them another time and pop them on the blog.

Well, that's me for now except to say, thank you, as always for your kind words about my cards and about my health.

Here's hoping the coming week is kind to you all.

TTFN

Ang  x

P.S Sandy, Cardioversion (well, Electrical Cardioversion) is a procedure where I will be sedated, then given an electric shock or shocks with a defibrillator to try and get my heart back into normal sinus rhythm. This is what I had done in November but the normal rhythm only lasted 5 days before reverting back to Atrial Fibrillation. 

Hope I haven't put anyone off their breakfast lol!!!

MAWTT March 2017 Challenge. . . . . . . .

Good morning everyone. How are you all today?

It was very remiss of me not to welcome Jan back from her trip to New Zealand. Must be a wrench having to leave the family but hope you had a lovely time.

Now, today its time for another challenge at MAWTT and Terri has chosen the theme for this one, which is . . . . . . . . . . .

Rainbow or rainbow colours

So, that should give you lots of scope so it would be lovely if you popped over to the challenge and had a go. 

Ingredients

White card

Coloured card 

Crafters Companion Textures Elements Rain embossing folder

SB Classic Ovals small and large (to cut the layers of the rainbow)

Memory Box Alphabet dies

Quite CAS for me but a cheery little number, I thought.

I have lost 5 kg since I started the water tablets last Friday so just shows how much fluid I was holding onto. Still some swelling lurking so goodness knows how much extra I'll lose by the time its gone. 

Mind you, I've worn out a path on the stair carpet with all the extra trips up and down the stairs lol!!!

Back at the clinic today for them to check my progress and also a check up in anticipation of another Cardioversion in the next few weeks.

For those off to the SECC in the next couple of days, including my buddy Kate (cuilliesocks), have a fab time and go and say "hello" to Mr Lockwood who will be on Art of Craft's stand on Saturday and Sunday.

Thanks for visiting and don't forget to pop over to MAWTT to see what the other girls have come up with.

TTFN

Ang x

P.S . . . . . I managed to take a trip to B&M yesterday in search of lightbulbs (that's as exciting as it gets at the minute lol!!!) and they had these gorgeous pads in. Now I know I really don't need another pad but at £2.99 for a 12x12, 24 double sided sheets of 250gsm with lovely patterns . . . . . resistance was futile. I got mine in blue for £2.50 as the front cover was torn but they do a pink pad and a beige pad too.