BACK TO MY ROOTS

After much consideration I have decided to go back to posting where I started at 'The Ramblings of an Everyday Mummy'
I do hope you'll pop over and join Me, you can also keep up with Me on my Facebook page here, if you're on FB then do come and say Hi!

Thank you to all those who have left comments here but I must confess to really missing my original little corner of the Blogosphere!

Hellooooooooooooo

'Waves frantically'


I can't believe it's been 12 days since my last post, never, in my 3 years of blogging have I left it so long between posts.

The truth is....................................I've really not had anything to say.

We've had terrible sicky bugs here and just about recovered in time to celebrate my gorgeous little man's................................................

4th Birthday, 4????????????????????

How on earth did that happen?

I'm sure he was just a babe in arms 5 minutes ago!

We spent the afternoon at the beach with him and close friends, taking with us a picnic and of course cake, spending our time climbing rocks, searching for crabs and finding sea glass.

I'm afraid that's about as exciting as it gets here of late not unless you include my shopping trip where I spent most of my pennies in the retro sweet shop...................................

I think my family had their yearly sugar fix in one sitting 'hehe'!

We've been watching an awful lot of this...................................................

The wonderful new Studio Ghibli film.............................Arrietty, my little man is hooked on it, I've bought Ponyo and My neighbour Totoro in the hope he likes these just as much and we don't wear out the Arrietty disc ;o)

I've also been enjoying my latest read.......................................

I seem to read more from the teenage section than the adult lately but they do make good bedtime reading and instead of my usual vampires or werewolves, this one is about trolls.

I've got a little making in too and stitched a rather cute, snuggly, cuddly, pillow monster.................................................

He's a lot bigger than he looks in the pic, is called Hendrix and has been adopted by my gorgeous big boy, 22 years old and he still loves a cuddly!

I'm off to try and catch up with some of your blogs now before I head out to do the weekly shop, bet you're jealous of my exciting life aren't you haha!


B x

Things I'm loving right now

Happy packs.......................................

from the adorable Kittypinkstars, I'm a big fan of Kitty's puffs and have ordered not one but two of these Limited edition packs, one for moi and one as a surprise for a friend, pure happiness in the post!

New journalling e course........................................

from the Red Verlvet girls, I'm so signing up for this!


Playmobil.........................................

the chosen toy for my little mans birthday next Saturday, my girl and I had so much fun with this when she was younger, I'm hoping the little man does too!


Pink Sprinkles Plush Etsy shop.................................................. Gorgeous Monster Plushies at affordable prices and great postal rates to the UK, just wish I'd found sooner!


New dvds.....................................................

Zombies and Super Heros, what more could a girl want on a Saturday night!

2012 366 Challenge

Two days, that's all it took, two days of my little man being back at nursery and he's picked up another sicky bug.
It breaks my heart to see his sad little face, knowing there's nothing I can do for him, makes Me want to wrap him in cotton wool and keep him home with Me always.

Having decided to participate in the 2012 366 Challenge, I took advantage of the time he slept this morning and created my January layout..................................................

Grey seemed the most natural colour to use for bleak January, it always seems such a grey month don't you think?

That said,I do like greys though!

I played around with coloured papers for my squares but they really didn't seem fitting so stuck with the cold Wintery colours.

As next month is the month of love, I will play around with much warmer colours for February's layout!

I just need to catch up and write my journal entries now and go cuddle the little guy!

A little addictive

I'm not sure when I first fell in love with mixed media journalling, 2 maybe 3 years ago, I never had the confidence to attempt it, thinking I wouldn't be good enough.
After much reading and you tube watching on the subject, I realised that of course I was good enough as there is no right or wrong way to do this.

Yesterday I had a slight change of plan and instead of starting my journal, I decided to have a play on canvas first.

I feel a new addiction coming on, this was so much fun and even though there's always room for improvement and I have lots of techniques to learn, I was very pleased with my first attempt..........................................

I really enjoyed playing around with different paint techniques and can't wait to start playing again later!


Things I learnt.....................................


I loved playing with my stamps, something I've never really 'GOT' before

I wasn't so keen on misting sprays, maybe they'll grow on Me

I will need Gesso

I  am totally in love with mod podge


The beauty of mixed media is that although you need a few supplies you can use items lying around the house,a real bonus if you ask Me as starting a new craft/hobby can become very expensive.

I think I'm going to be a Miss Goody two shoes, get in there early and use this as Januarys Monthly Make!


I came across a 'New to Me' blog this morning with a challenge I'm quite keen to take on.

Do I really need another challenge?

Yes, I think I do as this one is such a great idea, take a look here.

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

I'm about to attempt some mixed media journalling.....................................

WISH ME LUCK!


You can see more work spaces here!

365+ 1

I'm joining in with...........................................

A photo a day throughout 2012 with a daily prompt from Suzie!

You can read about it here!

I've only just joined in so a quick catch up with the first 3 days, I'm going to cheat a little with days 1 + 2, celebrate + New = I'm CELEBRATING the New Year with NEW moleskines.......................................................

Day 3................................UGLY.................................................

For Me, it doesn't get much uglier than the ironing pile, I despise laundry of all kinds, washing, drying, ironing, putting away, I struggle with it all and it's one job I can never keep on top of.


I've had my knitting needles out today and have been knitting some cheery rainbow tags .........................................................

for Kitty's Wishing Tree, I'm hoping one day to be able to go and visit the tree, such a lovely idea I think!


Have you noticed my blog makeover?

I'm really not sure about it at the moment, my lovely friend Victoria thinks it's a little bland for Me, I think shemay be right,what do you think?


TTFN

Happiness and Living with Less

Two great books .......................................................

to be starting the New Year with!

I've had both books for some time and this will be my third time of reading 'The Joy of Less' but my first for 'The Happiness Project'  (my heart just wasn't in it when I started before).


Will these books help Me in my quest to make my own happiness and simplify my life........................................I'll let you know!

I'm not normally the kind of girl to do things 'by the book' but both books make an awful lot of sense to Me and I think they will be 2 books that I refer back to often.

Whilst I find 'The Joy of Less' can be a little repetitive at times, it is still a very good read and offers some great advice for de-cluttering your home.
I am definately going with the 'Less is More' in 2012 and will have nothing in my home that is not useful or I consider beautiful.

A tidy home = A tidy mind = A happier Me!

If anyone needs HELP with organising their life..............................It's Me!

By reading 'The Happiness Project' doesn't of course mean that I'm not happy, I am very happy with my life but believe that there is always room for improvement and I'm enjoying this book so much that I've even signed up to
The Happiness Project Toolbox!

Bring it on!

A blank page...............................................

366 of them in fact, a PERFECT start to the new year!

All ready to fill with NEW (future) memories!

There seems to be so much positivity coming from so many for 2012, this is good, I like positivity!

I'm a firm believer in 'Life is what you make it' so let's make 2012 a good year!

I'm looking forward to folllowing Kelly in her new blog Kelly's Clutter  in the hope she'll have some tips for Me.

I'm also joining Pip in ............................................

Looks like I've set myself a couple more challenges, go check them both out, could be fun!


I hope you all had a great New Years Eve, weren't the London fireworks awesome!

My little man decided he was going to stay up and celebrate with us and was the first to wish Me Happy New Year and give Me a sloppy kiss, I really couldn't of asked for a better start to 2012!

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEARS EVE?

I borrowed this from Pip over at Meet Me at Mikes


It made Me smile


Of course if you follow Pip you would of already seen it, if you don't follow Pip then why not?


Pip is currently posting about her fave ladies, if I were to do a fave ladies post then Pip would be on my list for sure!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012 Goals

I gave up making New Year resolutions years ago!

Lose weight, get fit, give up smoking blah blah blah, I never got past New Years day!

I do find however that by setting myself goals I'm more likely to achieve them, so here goes......................................



Journal Journal Journal, Journal everyday................................................

Not only do I intend to start keeping a good old fashioned diary each day but a lovely friend has given me a link to some great journal challenges too!


Take more photos...................................not just bloggy photos but real life photos,my goal here is to keep my camera on Me at all times and take at least one photo a day to document LIFE!

Take some e-courses starting with this one!


Make a start on my Keri Smith books!


Continue and document with my Guerilla Art which became a bit of a non starter a few months ago!


Make sure I keep up with my monthly makes (see link on side bar)!


Join in with 52 weeks of mail

If you'd like some random happy mail then email me .................... bekimthorne@hotmail.co.uk


Finally and most importantly..........................................ENJOY life and make the most of every day!



Well, that's it.......................................... my goals for 2012!


Have you made any?

NEW GIRL

 Channel 4

Friday 6th January

8.30pm


She's funny, she's kooky and I like her a lot!


CAN'T WAIT!

THE BEST YET

Helloooooo, I hope you've all had as good a Christmas as I have, I can honestly say with hand on heart that this year was the best yet.
With my big boy and my Mum joining us for Christmas day and more family visiting Boxing day, it has been filled with love, fun and laughter.
We been so busy enjoying each others company that I totally forgot about taking pics, all though my little man has been rather snap happy with his new Vtech camera, I'm looking forward to loading his pics onto my laptop and seeing what he's come up with.

Finances were tight this year so a lot of cut backs were made when it came to pressies but we all (children included) appreciated what we did have a lot more.
That said, I was still thoroughly spoilt by my loved ones.....................................

Lots of my fave soap and glory smellies

Delicious Yankee votives.................................

Gorgeous print.............................................

from my big boy


Fabulous doodle books...................................................

from a very dear friend, can't wait to get my pro markers out and start doodling.


Books, books, books.............................................

What a great selection, these should keep me going for a while!


I feel a little sad that that's it, all over now for another year but I am looking forward to spending quality time with my man and kiddies over the next week whilst they're all home and catching up with my bestie, I've not seen her for 3 whole days, I'm getting serious best friend withdraw.

I'm hoping to even start crafting again, so many ideas whizzing around in my head, I'm really not sure where to start.

I'm off now to hide my girls 'Bop It', she has been driving Me nuts on it 'hehe'!



B xxx

Busy, Busy, Busy.................................

Still so much to do!


One mucho very excitable little man!


So from our house to yours, wishing you a  very ..............................................

I'm off to finish wrapping presents, marzipan and ice the cake, eat fancy macaroons, drink baileys and (hopefully) read the latest Mollie Makes!

See you all on the other side!


HAVE A GOOD ONE!



B xxx

Advent and Chick Lit

I am being thoroughly spoilt by Sue with my advent gifts, more delights have been opened over the last few days.................................................


Day 17

Gorgeous Dots and Spots magnets


Day 18

Fab Christmas knitting book


Day 19

Beautiful polka dot felt


Day 20

More Dots and Spots goodies, this time in the form of stickers, I love stickers!


Only 5 more gifts to open, I can't believe how quick this month has gone!


Whilst out finishing my Christmas shopping yesterday, I picked up a new book........................................................

I've been wanting to read this one for a while and I haven't been dissappointed, I alway know within the first chapter if it's going to be a good book or not and this one certrainly is.

I do love a good bit of Chick Lit!



B xxx

The Good Life

Imelda on the stereo, glass of Baileys in hand and a new book to read, oh and a date with my men to watch LionKing!


LIFE IS GOOD!
B xxx

Smelling Good

I lied, I didn't mean to lie, I'd never intentially lie!

I told you I was making my Christmas cake the other day!

Well....................................I didn't, life got in the way.........................Again!

So today was the day, I really could leave it no longer.................................

Now in the oven and smelling sooooooooooooo good!


More presents wrapped today, Jack Frost watched and now sat chilling in front of Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory........................................a good day!

I have to share with you this fab take on a Christmas Tree.................................

Found over at Punky and Me!


LOVE LOVE LOVE  IT!



B xxx

Simple Crafting

This morning, I needed a crafty fix, so with a yummy mug of egg nog .....................................

at my side, I began.

First up was a doily banner to hang my cards from...........................................

So simple, I just folded the doilies in half over bakers twine and glued and the red spotty doilies from Sue (see yesterdays post) fit in perfectly with my Christmas decor.

Beautiful handmade card..................................................

 from my dear friend Kandi.


Another..........................................

from another darling friend, Judith.

Both such creative clever ladies!

Next year, I will make my cards, I say that every year 'hehe'

Another thing I say every year is that I will make reindeer food, well this year, with a little inspiration from Twinkles, Tutus and Twirls, I have..................................

I am extremely happy with how this has turned out and think even my Girl at 13 will love this.................................................

Two very simple little progects but gave Me the crafty fix I needed!


Off to visit a friend now, just hoping I can dodge the rain!



B xxx

Feeling Christmassy

I'm feeling very Christmassy indeed now and spent last night getting on with some wrapping whilst watching GLEE, a lovely Christmassy episode and eating yummy macaroons.....................................

A treat from my man and a delicious one at that, such a shame they are so pricey but maybe that's a good thing as I could very easily overload on them.

I still have lots of wrapping to do but now that school's out I think I will rope my girl in to helping Me.
I do love the school holidays and can never understand these parents who moan about having the children home.
No, I'm not blessed with perfectly behaved children, I just enjoy their company, especially in the mornings when they're still snuggly and we can be lazy together.

My little Man woke this morning appearing much worse than yesterday but has now thankfully perked up and I'm very happy to say is pretty much back to his usual self, he's still full of snots and coughs but looks like he'll be all better in time for Christmas.

It's going to be a much simpler one this year and to be perfectly honest I'm quite pleased about that.
Money is tight so serious cutbacks have been made, less presents, more appreciation I think.
This will be the first year that the little man has a full understanding of what's happening so that makes it all the more fun.

I can't wait to see him open his Tower of Doom on Christmas morning and with his big brother being here too, we are going to have lots of fun playing with it.

I'm looking forward to a New Year too,  2011 hasn't been a bad one, in fact I will carry lots of happy memories into 2012 but it's not been an easy one, I think to be honest it has been quite tough for many.


Yesterday, I discovered through 'Dottie Angel' a new book.....................................

A real feast for the eyes by the looks of it but sadly it's not published in English untill June, still that gives Me plenty of time to save some pennies 'hehe'

Eline also has a beautiful blog and if you've not already visited her then I urge you to do so, such eye candy.


I have had fun opening my next 2 advent gifts..........................................


Day 15......................................


In the words of 'Dottie Angel' herself.............................a perfectly peachy DA notebook.......................................

I think I will use this one for all my bloggy notes.


Day 16..............................................


Beautiful polka dot doilies...........................................

You can see what I sent Sue here.


I'm off to make Christmas cake now, a little late I know, I wasn't going to bother but am cheating 'hehe'
The 'Mary Berry' bag with everything (well nearly everything) included was on offer in Tescos for only £3 (cheaper than my macaroons) so I bought it as a little treat for my Man as he's generally the only one who eats it.

I am looking forward to the smell wafting around my house later.


Have a wonderful weekend, I have fingers crossed for snow here!


B xxx

Love is all around

Last night was our annual viewing of ............................................

I say it every year but I forget just how much I love this film utill I re-watch it!


My top 5 reasons of why I love it so.....................................


1. Great soundtrack

2. The best wedding scene ........................EVER

3. Hugh Grant dancing

4. Colin Firth

5. A very talented young lady



My other 'MUST SEE' films of the season are.....................................


ELF......................... watched

It's a Wonderful Life

White Christmas

Miracle on 34th street


I just need to find time to watch them now!

What are your 'MUST SEE' Christmas films?



B xxx