Big Brother 8 has begun

and OMG what a bunch!
If you didn't see the kick off show here's a recap.
First in were twin sisters Amanda and Sam, a pair of squealing hyper blonds who love anything pink and fluffy. Think Malibu barbie on speed and you might be getting close. Nice enough so far but the high pitched squeaks of over excitemnet are going to get on my nerves fast. Kind of remind me of the infamous Nikki from last year.
Following them was 60 year old Lesley who doesn't look a day over late 30s early 40s and is a retired head hunter. She's a member of the WI (women's institute) and I think she will be the first to walk this year. She's obviously very intelligent but I can imagine her being frustrated by the other ladies in the house, she has already shown a fantastically dry sense of humour but unfortunately I think that will be lost on the majority of the household.
Next was Charley, she was a lap dancer but is currently unemployed (yet still manages to go out clubbing 4 nights a week minimum ), is money celebrity and clubbing obsessed. her cousin is a professional football player. The crowd booed her like I have never ever heard before, she got a worse entrance reception than sezar got when he was evicted last year with the highest percentage ever! She entered the house to various chants including out, out,out and get a job!
Personally I can see her being evicted rapidly, she doesn't really make me want to batter her but she's very conceited.
After Charley came pink haired peacemaker Tracey, very down to earth and nice enough but also a bit odd. Reminded me a lot of Pete from last year. She came across a bit like she was stoned.
After her I cant remember the exact order because I was doing something lol so they are in an approximate order lol.
Chanelle is a Victoria Beckham lookalike (or so she thinks) who is sad enough to admit she scoured the internet for both of victoria beckhams albums. Very uptight and someone I cant see lasting long, but no doubt I will be proven wrong. Its a shame she chose the dress she did to go into the house because her intro video showed her in her bra and knickers and she has an ironing board flat stomach the dress made her look pregnant!
Then came Shabnam, whose entry I didn't see in it's entirety so I can't make any judgements. But no doubt I will after watching for a while.
After Shabnam came Emily, someone who values intelligence but started off her video with a comment about making her hair bigger, she said she's been told she looks like Peaches Geldolf, since I don't read gossip magazines I haven't a clue if she does or not, I think it will be interesting to see if she really is as intelligent as she says.
This one I missed completely, her name was Laura, a nanny from wales, it was really nice to see a girl of more normal proportions in the house. I am really interested to see what she's like as a housemate.
The final two (well for now anyway) were Nicky a stunning looking girl who was born in Bombay, and then moved to England, her mum's family are Irish Catholic. She's ballsy and I have to say she was by far my favourite of the bunch. Lastly there was Carole a very loud 53 year old who is a politcial protestor, against the war and many other things, the crowd loved her, personally I wasn't so entranced but that's just me. I was put off a bit by her waving her arms about like a loon and shouting woo woo. Very odd.
In true Big Brother style the house was full of odd little quirks, I have to admit this house tops anything they have done before on the weird scale, the oven is in the bedroom, the bath is in the living room and the fridge is in the garden. There's going to be a guy chucked in with them on Friday night which should be entertaining. All I can say is god help big brother if they are all on their periods at the same time 11 women (or maybe 9 I don't know if 60 year old Lesley or 53 year old Carole still have them) can you imagine how fun that would be to watch though a house full of women with PMT roflmao.

Layouts to share!

I love my son, he's such an angel in this chaotic house. He's been busy playing and watching a bit of TV and I have managed 2 layouts. He's currently busy making me giggle by winding up his daddy lol.
First is another layout about the beautiful Zoey.

Credits:Always with you and Always with you addon by Maria LaFrance, On the border 2 by Janet Phillips and Calligraphy Alpha Brushes by Carla Gibson.Actions are: Traci Murphy Dropshadow actions - Paper Dark and Photo Dark. Atomic Cupcake Embroidery action.Fonts are: CS Funkybet by Carrie Stephens,Freestyle Script and CK Handprint.

Next I have this one, a layout about Lukas painting.
Credits: Got Landscapes Layered templates, August Sun, Got Frames and Mix and Match Chipboard by Shandy Vogt.Traci Murphy Dropshadows actions - Paper Dark, Chipboard Dark and Alpha Dark. Font is CK frosting.

I have a real bad headache, and I feel a bit sick so I might not be back today.

Do you ever have one of those days where

you wonder why you bothered getting out of bed? That was what yesterday was, especially when the house was once again turned into something reminiscent of a world war. What caused it this time? well you will probably be rolling on the floor laughing at this - the sandwich toaster!
Nan started a massive row because we were making dinner (toasted sandwiches) at wait for it 6:50pm. When I stupidly responded that she hadn't even done Conor's dinner yet (he stayed again last night) all hell broke loose. She dragged up stuff that was completely irrelevant, and ranted and raved about the mess she had to clean up. Firstly the "mess" was two plates, and she's the one that wont let us do the washing up or anything else for that matter in "her" kitchen. Secondly the sandwich toaster lives in our room because she doesn't like it on the side, so we could have dragged the butter, cheese and bread up here and made them but that would have been wrong as well. According to her dinner should be finished with by 6pm but the problem with that is simple eating that early when you go to bed as late as we do inevitably means we are hungry again later which leads to making a sandwich and winding her up again it wouldn't be so bad if we were able to cook a meal at 6pm but we aren't allowed to cook, we basically live off sandwiches, junk that gets cooked in the oven and junk that gets cooked in the microwave and whatever crap we keep upstairs, think crisps,biscuits,chocolate all the stuff that makes you feel shit. As if that wasn't bad enough she even moans about us buying certain ready meals (for that read almost all of them) because she doesn't like the smell or various other reasons. See I am in the unfortunate position of being piggy in the middle all the time. I lost my family when I married Mark, my mum doesn't speak to me, neither do any of my brothers and sisters, my dad doesn't bother, and there aren't many other family members we had anything to do with anyway, so basically all I am left with is Lisa, Conor, Ella and Nan. If I walked away from Mark tomorrow, I would still be in the same position. On the other hand I lost my freedom being here, I feel like I am constantly walking on eggshells, I have to watch everything I say or do, if I walked away from Nan I would be left with no family at all, a husband that I fight with all the time and a huge amount of guilt. When I was at Marks I was constantly made to feel guilty that Nan was in the house on her own, at that point she had my mum and Lisa she could call if she needed anything doing like changing a light bulb etc. Now she only has Lisa who really cant be bothered to do anything for her, leaves the kids here constantly and is generally more trouble than she's worth. So as you can see I cant win, I can't move out and I can't run because there's nowhere to go. I try and minimise the issues by staying in my room as much as possible. But the problems arise there because when I am in the room with Mark all the time he gets on my nerves. My biggest problem comes from the fact that I often feel too ill to sort out the problems between them, the screaming, shouting and general bitching makes things worse. I can't ever see how it will improve, because of me being ill when Mark goes back to work the only viable option for financial and also practical reasons (so he can take Lukas to school) is for him to work nights. That will of course spark a whole new set of arguments from Nan, because as far as she's concerned Mark should doing stuff because "he's a man!" but if he's working at night and sleeping in the day its not going to get done. Before anyone suggests this No I can't just do the stuff he "should" be doing because that causes an even bigger row because it's "his place" to do them. Also knowing Mark like I do he still wont do them when he has a day off, he's been off for months now and they haven't been done without rows after rows after rows about them. *sigh*
Lukas is watching Dora the Explorer (it's half term this week) so I am going to try some scrapping. back later xx

PMT?

I was thinking earlier about why I might be miserable, and I got to thinking about something. This is around the date that I usually get my period, I haven't had one since November when I had a Depo injection, they usually last for three months and the reason I chose to have one was because I was worried about the date of our wedding, blood on wedding dress not a good idea lol. Shallow aren't I, it's just that it was an expensive item of clothing and with how heavy my periods are I would have wrecked it. Anyway so I got to thinking that maybe I am having those monthly blues without the actual period. I always assumed that it was the whole bleeding, feeling gross and cramps that made me feel miserable. Before you ask no I am not pregnant that requires that you actually sleep with someone, but since Mark sleeps at night and I am a raving insomniac, thats a very rare occurence. Admitedly in normal baby making there isn't much sleeping involved lol but when you both feel miserable, and one of you is in constant pain it's impossible to get into the mood. I have just had an idea for a page, be back in a bit.

I love it when you call but you never call at all

or maybe that should be comment lol. I feel really lonely over here, I don't think anyone reads this blog except me. I know that I write my blog for me, but sometimes even I need some reassurance that what I am rambling about is reaching someone lol. Im a little down this morning its raining and my hands are hurting bad, I have a fever again and I can't make my mind up if I am hot or cold. I am currently sitting here listening to the radio and wondering what I can be bothered to do today. All I really feel like doing is sleeping, crying and being cuddled. Some days I just feel so sad for no reason and that makes me feel pathetic. *sigh* normal doesn't seem like to much to wish for, i'd settle for just one normal day.

Incase you are wondering

I am scrapping a lot today so I don't smash anything. We received 2 letters this morning the first one was a letter from our store card, because we got married and Mark took my name we had to inform them so that the replacement card (it expired a little while ago) would have the right name on it, today they informed us that they wont be issuing another card, when asked why they replied that they had re-checked Marks credit and he was too much of a risk. If we had lost the card, not gotten married or anything like that they wouldn't have bothered. I wouldn't mind but we have nearly £100 available on it, have never ever missed a payment and basically they are just gits! Im sulking because Mark was going to use it to purchase my new office chair because this one makes everything hurt worse and the two printer cartridges we need this month. So now we need to find that £50ish in cash, and we just don't have it this month, so that means I am either going to have to pay to get the Father's day gift printed or find the cash and have to make do with this chair. That was midly irritating what got me completely furious this morning was the other letter we got, it was a letter from the local council informing me that this stupid man had carried out an assessment of Lukas with the school social worker (just dont ask it's on here somewhere I will look for the link later). In a nutshell the report says that Lukas can't do anything, what I would really like to know is how the hell can you trust the educational judgement of someone who can't even spell the kid they are reviewings name?

Since Lukas is on half term now I have over a week to stew over the contents of the letter, hopefully with some shopping, scrapping and blog writing I will be able to restrain myself when I see the teacher, because right now I could happily thump her!

I just finished off this layout

Credits: Just Punk-y and Angel baby by Royanna Lea Fritschmann, Layered template 30 by Renae Nicholson. Traci Murphy Dropshadow Actions - Paper Dark and Thin Wire Dark. Font is DB Joy.

Check out my new videos lol

I found the one I wanted and my favourite song of all time Ronan Keating's Lovin' Each Day on YouTube. I dare you to listen to them while sitting still bet you can't lol. I have just finished this would be really interested what you think.

Credits: Just Punk-y by Royanna Lea Fritschmann, Templates with attitude 3 template 8 by Tracy Blankenship. Traci Murphy Dropshadows - Paper Dark, Thin Wire Dark. Font is CS Tootsie by Carrie Stephens.

Uh Oh

I am currently in the process of returning my computer to what I consider its working state, Mark had to do it from scratch again because its been driving me insane with stupid little bugs like closing ACDSee for no reason and refusing to open my email. After reinstalling everything it still wont open my email lol. I swear sometime I think its possessed and just goes wonky to annoy me. Never mind Mark did all the techy junk while I was sleeping I have installed all my must have programmes back onto it, i'm learning I made a list before we formatted the drive this time lol. I have one more thing left to install and then I am done but I have to find the cd with it on first (sounds fun lol). I got a very sickly feeling when ACDSee didn't want to install my database but luckily it was just being slooooooowwwww lol. Stupid computer seems to be running everything slowly. Oh well never mind at least it doesn't appear to be throwing a hissy fit every 5 seconds and making me want to smash it into little pieces. Strange though because normally after everything being reinstalled it runs like lightning for a few days at least. I am totally adoring my sky broadband today though all the updates/ other boring downloads for the machine were done in a couple of hours rather than the usual day or so. I decided to register for a ScrapWow account I have been considering it for a little while but they were an extra 20% off today. I wonder if I will ever bother setting it up lol. It's worth it for the free kit each month though right off to hunt for that disk catch you later xx
Oh I forgot to mention that I never ended up going shopping, I shopped online at Tesco.com lol. Mark usually pays for the shopping but they dont take his debit card which I why we normally drag around the store, I traded him cash for stash lol he transferred money into my paypal account and I paid for the shopping. I hate buying through his accout he can see what I bought lol. Paypal are cheeky sods though they charged me nearly £1 to receive the payment, I was always under the impression they charged if it went into your bank account but you didn't pay anything if it was in your paypal account. *sigh* if I verified my own account I wouldn't have this problem but I can't bear the thought of the endless phone calls it would take because my bank account is registered with a different account that someone hacked and spent a lot of money on and I refuse to pay for someone else's transactions but according to Paypal I am liable. I so wish more stores would accept my debit card and then paypal could just go jump lol. I might go look for a music video for here I am loving a song called "everybody's going to love today" by Mica (sp?) it's one of those songs you can't resist smiling when you hear it playing.

Some more layouts of the beautiful Zoey

Credits:Mother's Love Collection by Amanda Rockwell, Layered template 2 by Renae Nicholson and Floral Stamp Alpha Brushes by Eve Recinella, Font is Pea Superamy
Credits:Holiday Chic, Love, Mom, Laundry Labels Girls Addition, Spring Fever, Amy's Texas Princess and Simply Sweet all by Traci Reed. Layered template 3 by Renae Nicholson. Fonts are Pea Beth R andTafelschrift

Credits: Bella by Retrodiva, Floral Stamp Alpha Brushes by Eve Recinella, Sponge Stamp Alpha Brushes by Toni Berman. Font is Pea Beth R.

I have a little man home from school today, he had a bad night last night lots of crying. The kid is covered in bruises and has a really really nasty one on his thigh. Last night he said he fell over, but I still told him that if anyone's hitting him he needs to tell his teacher if the little monster hits him after that to wallop them one back! As someone who spent the whole of her school life being bullied I really wish I had hit back once and then maybe I wouldn't have been so miserable when I was at school. Nan has always had the opinion that hitting back is sometimes the only solution that gets across that you want to be left alone. I took pictures of his legs so if he comes home with a lot more bruises I have something to show the teacher. Kids get hurt but even with my klutzy genetics he shouldn't be getting hurt that badly that often. Right off to scrap something then we have to go food shopping *sigh* I hate shopping unless its online lol

First layout of the day

Credits: Sock Drawer, April Doodle Kit, Funky Town, Spring Time Fun, Beach House, Fabalicious, Let's Hear It For The Boys, Spring Fancy, May 06 RAKScraps Mega and Layered Template 5 May all by Tracy Blankenship. Hand Stamped Alpha Brushes by Michelle Coleman.Traci Murphy Dropshadow actions - Alpha Light, Paper Light, Paper Dark, Button Light, Felt Light and Flower Light. Fons are: KGD Lori and KGD Emily Script by Kimberly Geswein. Journalling reads: Hanging from the bars like a monkey obviously wasn’t scary enough for Lukas he tried to give me a heart attack by using one hand and turning around.

Hello, is this thing on?

or am I just talking to myself lol.
I have pictures to share from this morning if you are interested?

ok picture singular because I am too lazy to remove the other little kids from the picture right now lol. See how cheeky my little monster is? He can't even stand still long enough for a picture he has to peer over the top of his mask lol. Did I mention he was the only child to be told off because he decided signing was boring so turned completely the other way to have a conversation with his mates I'm such a bad mummy I was giggling at him lol. He also nearly choked the poor little girl in front of her he kept playing with her wings (which the dumb parents had attached by tying them with ribbon around her neck). What else do I have to tell you? I am working on a secret project I will tell you more about it when I have done a bit more planning and worked out a few details. The decorators are painting the exterior walls/doors/windows etc so for the whole day the house was freezing because they had every window open, and the whole house stinks of gloss paint yuck. I don't think I have anything else to say, I have no layouts to show you. Pretty boring really aren't I lol. Would you like another blog prompt? Ok then I picked this one - How has your scrapbooking (layouts, skills, attitude, likes/dislikes, etc.) changed or evolved since you started? If it hasn’t changed, should it? Has scrapbooking (or its evolution) impacted your life in any way?

OMG I cringe at my earliest layouts, I never knew photoshop existed, I had this tremedously bad habit of not working on a copy of the photograph. I made a lot of errors and they were generally badly composed. I don't have any copies of them because they all went with the first computer failure. Nan has a few printed, she likes them but loves the ones I do now so much more. I think I have improved a lot as a scrapper as I have learnt more about my programme and what I like. But I have to hold my hands up and say the biggest change is layered templates, how on earth did I manage before them? I seem to be lost now without using one, everytime I try and do a layout from scratch I end up deleting it in frustration. But then I have so many (and buy new ones occasionally *insert innocent angel look here that translates to I buy a lot more than "occasionally" lol). Things really clicked for me when I worked out brushes, blend modes and layer masks, my layouts are a lot more pleasing now, (at least to me). I am more adventerous in trying new techniques and styles. I love scrapping but I also love the other elements to it like designing my own items and obviously buying new things lol. Scrapping for me is better than therapy I have got over a lot of overwhelming days and emotions because of it. I only wish I felt well enough to scrap at the speed I used to so I could try out more things. My head is always buzzing with ideas and inspirations and I dont feel well enough to try them.

I have a lot of 360 degrees of inspirations layouts to do, just don't feel very motivated to do them lately. I have been having fun doing some layouts that are nothing important or too deep and meaningful. Right I am off to scrap or maybe sleep.

I scrapped!

Credits: French Provisions by Royanna Lea Fritschmann and layered template by Tracy Blankenship. Traci Murphy Dropshadows - Chipboard Dark, Paper Dark, Doodle Dark, Photo Dark, Metals Dark and Thin Fiber Dark. Font is JPaige_Crystal by Jeanelle Paige. Journalling reads: Lately it feels like nothing I do is right, I always seem to be upsetting someone. I feel like I am on everyone’s side and no-one’s on mine. It’s gettingto the point where I have had enough of all the petty fights and everyone wanting me to fix them everything when I cant.

If you are wondering why I am awake at 5:44am its because I haven't been to bed because Lukas has the "Ugly Bug Ball" thing at 9:15am in the morning and with how bad mornings have been lately for me it's easier to stay up and sleep afterwards. Want to see his mask?

Mark did most of it, Lukas helped, I supervised lol. The green bit is what attatches it to his head. I think I will go and make Lukas's lunch be back later.

No Layouts, No Love, Just Life

and how overwhelming it is. Does anyone else ever feel like they are living in a warzone?
I feel like there are warring factions on every side and no matter how hard I try and stay impartial I get drawn in and have all the shit thrown at me. Take today as an example. Nan came upstairs to lay down hardly able to breathe because she had a row with Mark got herself overly worked up over nothing and then wanted to rant at me (who had witnessed none of it because I was up here nursing a migraine again and feeling like crap) turns out it was over Mark thowing away a piece of rubbish that Lukas had wanted. Mark doesn't think he did anything wrong because it was rubbish (but he'd stamped on it and put it in the recycling bin while Lukas was screaming for it). Nan had then gone through the bin to give it back to him. I'm on nobody's side because in my personal opinion they are both in the wrong. Mark shouldn't have thrown it away in front of Lukas, but Nan shouldn't have gone through the bin for it. Actually the one whose in the wrong in the first place is Lukas for screaming to get his own way instead of asking Mark for it back or just accepting that he had been told no. But now the situation is Nan's sulking because she doesn't like that I told her she shouldn't have gone through the bin, Mark isn't speaking to me because I asked what had happened and he thinks I am siding with Nan over him, Lukas is playing in the garden even though I said he couldn't because he had already been bathed and the piece of cardboard is lying in the front room forgotten about! As for me I tried to have a bath and ending up sobbing on my own in their I have a rotten headache and I am throughly and utterly miserable. I am fed up with always getting dragged into stuff I had nothing to do with. Tomorrow morning I have to go to Lukas's school because he has an "ugly bug ball" so I have to go and pretend that everything is ok and be all false and nice to everyone. I really want to just get away from them all for a while but I can't even do that because I feel so shit. Now I have to go and make Lukas go to bed, which he's not going to want to do because Nan has Conor here again so there will be all hell let loose because Lukas will want to know why he can't stay up with Conor. It's not like I could even move out of here because then I would be made to feel guilty for leaving Nan on her own in the house. I can't win i'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. I think I am going to pour myself a large glass of vodka and coke, put my headphones on and they can all sod off and leave me alone.

I just couldn't resist

I had to use my newest Traci Reed kit lol.

Credits: Layered template 26 by Renae Nicholson and Graphically Grungy by Traci Reed.Traci Murphy Dropshadow actions: Button light, Flower light, Ribbon light and Paper light.Font is: KGD EmilyScript by Kimberly Geswein.

Now I am off to find something fun and bright to scrap of Lukas. It's kind of grey and dull outside (so everything hurts) I have a killer headache and toothache as well. I need something to concentrate on back later x

Another RAK layout

I adore doing these, I seem to have this urge to use glitter and flowers and pink lately lol. RenaeNicks's beautiful Zoey again.

Credits: Layered template 30 by Renae Nicholson (RenaeNick) and Beauty of Reflection by Royanna Lea Fritschmann. Fonts are: KGD Bee by Kimberly Geswein and Pea Lacy Chunky.

What shall I scrap next?

I managed to make next month's desktop

here it is

Credits: Hello Sunshine by Traci Reed and Kristin Cronin Barrow and Desktop Cheat Sheet by Victoria Feemster.

Now I am off to watch the wrestling catch you tomorrow. xx

Another wedding brag book layout

how long has it been since I did anything on that? lol.

Credits: Shout it out launchpad 2 by Bree Clarkson, Imagine, Easter Fun and Tread Softly (recoloured) by Rina Kroes. Traci Murphy Dropshadows - Paper light, Photo light, Vellum light, Brad light, Ribbon light, Metals light and Dark stitching light.Font is JPaige_Crystal.

Half an hour until WWE Judgement Day starts what can I say I am a sucker for men in tiny shorts beating each other up lol. Plus I am recording it for Conor. Wonder if I can finish another layout before it starts?

I have a layout to share and a blog prompt

Because I have nothing else to talk about today lol.
Firstly here's the layout

Credits: Jumperoo, Jams, Cardboard Cutouts, Mix and Match Chipboard blocks, Barcodes and layered template 12 by Shandy Vogt. Traci Murphy Dropshadows - Cardstock dark, Popout dark, Cardboard Dark and Doodle Dark.Fonts are JPaige_Crystal by Jeanelle Paige and Tuna and Hot Dogs on Rye by Kimberly Geswein.If you want to check out Shandy's Designs you can at her blog or her store.

Now for the blog prompt, I used to do these every day and then I got bored and depressed and stopped bothering, I found the list today while trying to sort out the bombsite that is my computer. So I decided to just pick one at random and blog about it. So today I picked:What are your scrapbook ‘buttons’? What item(s) do you find you can’t enough of? Can’t find ‘the perfect one’ of? What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
As I am sure you are all aware I have a major addiction to digital stash, I have more than I will ever use in a million years but still keep adding to my collection. My biggest weakness is layered templates I often wonder how I scrapped without them. It takes all the planning part out of the layout which is the bit I struggle with. I love having a starting point often a template layout ends up looking nothing like the template I used lol. I have a big weakness at the moment for alpha brushes. I am always looking for new ones and adding more to my kaboodle list/my collection (if they are on sale or just a bargain lol). The advice I would give to someone starting out is the biggest advantage digital has over paper scrapbooking is you can nearly always try before you buy. There are freebies everywhere that allow you to sample a designers work. Never assume that because a designer is talked about a lot that you have to have the items because they are the "in thing" trends will change look for things that you love, that will be used over and over again (maybe lol) dont just buy because everyone else has it. Experiment try new things if you dont like it you have the undo and delete buttons at your disposal and lastly if there's something you don't know, don't understand or just have questions about ask. The digital community is full of people who will be more than happy to help you, dont ever think a question is too silly to ask. I am off to try and get something else scrapped, catch you later x

Back with layouts

First up the one I have just finished this is for the Sketch Challenge @ Digital Freebies

Credits: Fresh Fusion and Good Friends Collection Gregory by Eva Kipler,Educated Mind Bonus by Eva Kipler and Bannerwoman, Stamped Grunge Alpha Brushes by Faith True.Traci Murphy Dropshadow actions - Doodle light, Lift shadow 2 light and Dark stitching light. Font is KGD Kimberly Script by Kimberly Geswein.

2nd I have another RAK layout of RenaeNicks beautiful grandaughter Zoey

Credits:Just Punky by Royanna Lea Fritschmann (found in the May Grab Bag at My Digital Muse), Layered template 31 by Renae Nicholson, Peeled and Revealed templates and actions by Marcie Reckinger and Traci Murphy. Traci Murphy Dropshadow actions - Paper light, Popout light, Alpha light.Fonts are: king cooL KC by Kimberly Geswein and MTF Messy by Miss Tiina.

I adore scrapping little girls, gives me a chance to use the vast amounts of glitter and flowers I have bought lol. If you would like me to scrap your little one or even your pet email me address is to the right. I always welcome the challenge of scrapping pictures that dont include my little angel lol.

What else have I done that you haven't seen? Let me have a quick look lol
I can't remember what I have showed you lol. I am going to go make a new desktop for June and then I might be back again lol

What a difference a day makes

Even though I spent most of the day in bed poorly, I feel a lot more positive, a lot more cheerful, today I feel content with my life. So what changed between last night and tonight?
Well for a start the weather was better today which means I can actually type without too much discomfort. We had chinese takeaway for dinner, I bought a little bit more stash and I have scrapped some layouts that I really like. We have changed all Lukas's bedding and curtains so I feel like I did something a mother should do, Lukas and Mark went to the park for a little while earlier and things just dont seem as bad as they did last night. Which is one of the reasons I am so greatful for this blog, I just needed someway to let it all out. I dont have anything planned for tomorrow but I would like to get the room tidier and organise some of my digi stash and maybe make a few more backup dvds. Mark will be watching the motorbikes in the morning and I will probably be sleeping lol. I will be back in a bit with some layouts to share xx

*Warning Rant Alert*

If your here for the freebie you need to go here, please feel free to go directly there and ignore this post, because it will probably contain a lot of moaning, whinging and probably crying. So by all means skip it, I just need to get some of this off my chest and no-one's awake. Now I just have to decide where to start. Tonight I am feeling very down and depressed. I hate that I have spent nearly the whole day in bed with yet another migraine. I hate that I can't remember the last time I took Lukas to school nd had to ask Nan the other night what went in his lunch because I couldn't remember. I hate that I haven't been out of the house for nearly a month and the time that I did go out was a shopping trip to Tesco's that left me wiped out and useless for nearly a week. I hate that I seem to have no real purpose on this planet anymore, Lukas sleeps in his own bed, in his own room, with no bottles and he is completely dry all night long. I should be ecstatic that he's so independant but I feel like I have made him grow up too fast because of being ill all the time. I feel like he has had to learn to take care of himself because I haven't been able to do it. I want to be able to play with Lukas and take him places. I want to be able to use a pen to write with and not be crying because it hurts so bad, I want to be able to type 100+ words a minute like I used to and scrap 100's of layouts a month. Most days I can barely manage one. I want to be able to do my own buttons up and have a bath without Mark having to sit there, I want to be able to sit on the floor like I used to and not need help getting up and I want to be able to sleep at night. Basically I just hate the existance that is my life. I want the life of a normal 22 year old mum. Im tired of being tired, Im sick of being sick. The thought of being like this for years just makes me want to die now and safe myself the pain. It never used to be this unbearable, I used to have a life that tired me out more than most people. I suppose what I really dont get is why its one thing after another all the time. If I read about it happening to someone else I would think they were exaggerating at the very least. I'm sat here in floods of tears because I have lost the faith that one day everything will be ok. Whenever I think things are getting better something else is thrown at us and I have just had enough. If there is really some kind of God/Karma out there then why cant he/she/it just leave me alone for a while. Enough already I get it that you dont like me, just tell me what the hell I did to deserve this miserable existance. I mean what have I ever done thats so bad, you win ok I am broken beyond repair is that what you wanted? Were you fed up that everything you threw at me made me stronger? Its almost easier to believe that there is a God that's making all the bad stuff happen because then there is someone to blame which is a lot easier of a situation to accept than the alternative which is there is no-one at fault and my life just sucks. Im not asking for a lottery win, or a perfect life all I want is to be able to get up in the morning spend my day actually doing something and then be able to go to sleep. I just cant take another day of living like this. I would be happy with one day where things were the way they used to be, when Nan was pleased to see me and didn't spend the whole time moaning about something Mark had/hadn't done, when Mark was attentetive and actually noticed when I didn't have the energy to get dressed. But most of all when Lukas actually needed me for something. When my layouts were full of my heart and my soul, not just fluff nice looking pictures. There's no reason for me to feel this low today, it's not one of the babies anniversaries or anyone else's. That's probably why it feels so pathetic taking the time and effort to type this even though its really hurting. If I was reading this I would probably think, Just get a life you sad cow, I'd love one thanks if you have one to offer I would be more than willing to trade with you, no offers no didn't think so. *sigh* off to try and sleep again and probably have another nightmare, I really wish I could remember what they were about then maybe I wouldn't have them.

Thank you's

go out to everyone who has downloaded my template and especially to those who have left thank you comments. Glad that it was of some use. I have no plans to take it down but I will move the link to the side when I have rambled a lot and pushed it down to far to read lol.
I will be back later I have a few layouts to share x

I have a gift for you.

I have decided that Lukas needs a reward chart so since I couldn't find anything that fitted what I wanted I made one of my own.

The one I am giving you looks like this:

Lukas's has been decorated and looks like this:

Credits: Moving Day Bleuz by Royanna Lea Fritschmann, Zoom Brushes by Genevieve Sass and One Funky Alphabet Brushes by Christy Lyle.

If you want it you can download it here http://www.4shared.com/dir/2733331/9dfe0320/Blog_Giveaways.html
Comments would be much appreciated thanks xx

Do you like my new look?

I made the blog header using a template by Kimberly Geswein, all the items decorating it are my own and the font is JPaige_Crystal by Jeanelle Paige (My own handwriting incase you are wondering). The pictures from left to right are Conor and Mark, Nan and Me and Lukas all taken on my wedding day.
You may also want to check the right hand side (unless you have no money lol)

The Good Samaritan

Did you watch it? The funniest thing I have watched in a long time, fantastically written.
Incase you didn't see it or you are in America and never got the chance. It's about a guy who receives a call from someone asking to speak to the Samaritans saying they are going to jump off a roof, he thinks its a friend messing about and tells them to do it. Later he finds out his number is one digit different from the Samaritans and drives to the building where police are all around because of a traffic accident. He thinks he's driven this person to jump. What follows is a great mix of misunderstandings, and plot twists. I was laughing out loud at it. I'm so glad I dvd recorded it I plan on watching it again tomorrow lol. Lukas has now had his haircut again poor little man gets so hot unless he has it all shaved off. He looks adorable but his devilish side always seems to come out when he's had a hair cut. The extra weight on his head seems to spur more naughty ideas and cheekiness lol. Onto a completely different subject now, have any of you heard of Fotki? It's a service very similar to photobucket that allows you to share your items for download. It does take a little more thinking about to download from but I am in the process of uploading all the older things I have designed to it, contributions to Hummie's World monthly kits and just other stuff that I have designed. (just incase anyone would like to download them).
Anything new I decide to design I will share through 4Shared and when that gets full I will move them to Fotki. I am always open to suggestions if you would like something special designed please feel free to shoot me an email lukasmummy2@hotmail.co.uk. Remind me to add that to the sidebar when I get a chance (we all know how much I ramble and how soon this post will get lost lol). I might try and design something new this weekend but first I have to design an outfit for "The Ugly Bug Ball" isn't it lovely when teachers send home a letter telling you that the kids need a costume for some daft thing they are doing at school. Making the easter bonnet was bad enough I hate tangible crafts. Glue and Me do not agree! I always end up with more on me than on the papers and don't even get me started on glitter or those little squares of paper from the foam pads. Yuck!! Anyway Lukas has decided he doesn't want to be a bug, he wants to be a dog and no amount of begging, pleading, persuasion or offers of bribery will pursuade him otherwise. That should be fun when I send him with a bug something (masks are about my limit!) and he has one of his legendary Lukas meltdowns roflmao I so hope I am there to see his dappy teacher try and calm him down lol. *insert evil smiley here lol* I'm not at all fond of his teacher is it obvious lol. My latest gripe with her has to do with her "suggestion" that Lukas is "special needs" I obviously disagree especially with the things she put on his action plan.
1. To recognise all the letter shapes in his name and say the sound he makes.
I would love to spend the day in class with him just to see what he's like because he never shuts up when he is at home, he's rabbiting away all the time. He knows his whole alphabet and points out letters and sounds to me all the time. This is the same child that has been getting excited when he sees the Tesco logo since he was 2.
2. To count up to 5 objects and say a number for each object.
Again to my knowledge he counts to 20 without hesitating I haven't a clue if he can/does go higher because I taught him to count using our stairs and we only have 20.
3. To play alongside a group of children for 10 minutes each day.
When Ella's here they play together for hours. I know that when he is at school him, Mark's cousin Charlotte and our friends little boy Morgan form there own little group. They play all day long together.Whenever I read anything from the school it's almost like they have him mixed up with someone else, they say he's quiet and shy, I say he's loud, noisy and very very vocal lol. They say he doesn't play with others and I say this is the kid that talks to strangers on the bus, will go off with anyone at the park and loves nothing more than playing with Conor. They say he plays with the messy areas - Paint, Sand, Clay, Plasticine I say this is the child that had a complete meltdown because he had chocolate on his hands, also the same kid who won't paint without being covered head to toe, won't go outside if it's muddy and screams the house down if you try and get him to touch anything sticky/messy etc. So to put it as basically as possible I think they are full of it! I can't think of a single thing he has learnt from being at school I taught him to count, and his colours and ABC's etc, but I have to humour the silly requests they make, or at least some of them. I think some of the things they teach them at school are insane. The other day they sprayed shaving foam over the tables and got the kids to write letters in it. I can't be the only parent that would go mad if there child suddenly decided to spray shaving foam all over the bathroom can I? Before that they had covered the tables in flour to write letters in I know for a fact if he tipped flour over in our kitchen Nan would go mental. This whole being made to play with children annoys me as well. I remember when I was at school I was made to play with people, they didn't like me and made me miserable every single day. Im not saying thats the case with Lukas but I don't think kids should be made to play together, they should be able to pick their own friends. Conor is a great example. Lisa has a friend called Debbie, who has a little boy called Conner (same age as our Conor), a little girl called Bethan (same age as Ella) and a Baby Girl Called Lucy Because Lisa and Debbie are friends they make Conor and Conner and Bethan and Ella play together. Now Conor really can't stand Conner and everytime they are together Conor gets into trouble because of Conner. (Don't ask lol) Ella can't stand girls, she will play quite happily with Lukas because he's a boy and because he's older than her. The biggest problem with putting two girls together who aren't fond of each other is they fight. Ella is a big girl for her age she's alomost as big as Lukas (who as you know is massive) and she was only 3 this year - Lukas will be 5 in August. So when she whacks Bethan she really hurts her and then screaming and shouting happens followed by everyone ending up in a mood. But when kids choose their own friends you have a lot more harmony. Ella tries to hit Lukas and she knows that there's a good chance she wont hurt him and he will get stroppy with her and not play until she apologises. Conor plays with his friend Reece (Lisa's friend Lou's oldest) and peace reigns supreme. This is fast turning into a book, sorry about that lol. So I am going to sign off now. I will post the link to my Fotki area tomorrow when everything is finished uploading.

Not sleeping sucks!

It's another cold and miserable day outside so everything is hurting too much to do anything. Scrapping, typing, sitting, laying down all really hurts and I am really fed up with being so stiff and hurting all the time. This no doubt means I will fall asleep later when I can't stay awake any longer and then nothing will get done all day *sigh* I thought by May the weather would be nicer and I would have more of a life. I'm just sitting here listening to some music on the radio, actually I am sitting here giggling at what the DJ is saying every single time I listen to him the only thought in my head is how the hell does he get away with some of the things he says lol.
I have a Lukas update for you, since he went into his own room he has gone to sleep on his own every night and has slept right through until we have woken him up. He doesn't give a monkeys that he's in there on his own, doesn't want his mummy *sob* yes I know most parents would be overjoyed that there child had gone into their own room so easily but I miss him. He's slept in my room ever since he was born and it's horrible not to wake up in the night and see him there. Or to check on him every few minutes when I can't sleep. Oh well can't do anything about it. (Except perhaps kick Mark into Lukas's room lol). Off to try and get some sleep will be back later if I get up.

Sharing a "Cheeky" layout lol

I suppose I better add this little disclaimer.

*The following layout may offend some people, if it does feel free not to look*

Credits: Back in Black Funky by Amanda Rockwell, Layered template by Conny B, Distressed Alpha Brushes by Christine Smith. Font is Outer Planet Janet by Kimberly Geswein.

I am making a gift for his birthday and I guarantee he will love this layout, incase anyone's wondering that's Nan's "Baby" lol.

Another CT assignment layout

OMG I swear I thought I was going to be old enough to be considered vintage before this was finished lol. I redid it so many times before I got this one, so I hope you like it. Don't get me wrong I adore the kit, I just wouldn't usually do vintage layouts I think it would look fab all glittered up or with bright coloured pictures. I might have to do one just to show you what I mean.

Credits: French Flea Market Frenzy and Beauty of Reflection by Royanna Lea Fritschmann. Traci Murphy Dropshadows - Clear light, Metal light and Flower light.

Layout share (CT assignment)

I love writing the words CT assignments so much lol. I still find it really hard to believe that I am Royanna Fritshcmann's CT. Anyway I will ramble and gush more later lol.

Credits: French Provisions by Royanna Lea Fritchmann, Based on a layered template by Tracy Blankenship. Font is Punkyrara1 by Royanna Lea Fritchmann. Traci Murphy Dropshadow actions - Paper light, metal light and ribbon light.

Journalling reads: This is my mum with my great great grandmother (Nan). It's hard to believe my mum was ever that tiny.

More to share but not layouts

First I have a tag to share with you, created for the 2nd scrapping take me away challenge at Divine Digital.

Credits: SassySummer and Tag you're it 2 by Royanna Lea Fritschmann, and Atomic Cupcake copper verdigris action. Photograph is from my postcard collection.

The 3rd challenge was to create a postcard. I have combined both sides onto one layout because I am too lazy to upload them seperately lol.

Credits:Summer Sass and BCA3 by Royanna Lea Fritschmann. Font is Punkyrara1 by Royanna Lea Fritschmann. Traci Murphy Dropshadow actions - Lift 2 light. Other actions - Journalling Lines by Tandika Star.

I have something else to share as well, but it's not scrapping related - Lukas is sleeping in his own bedroom *sob*. He started out asleep in their last night but when we heard coughing I amde Mark go and get him, turns out it was Conor coughing oops lol. Lukas fell asleep in their all on his own and he wants to sleep in there. It just makes me sad because there will be no more late night cuddles, or Lukas begging for a story or a song. It also means I wont be able to watch him while he sleeps. I enjoy doing that sometimes, it reassures me that he's there and he's ok. He's growing up too fast for my liking. I don't think it would have been so hard for me if we still had Leo. I just feel a bit redundant because no-one seems to need me anymore. Lukas can do almost everything for himself now. Mark takes him and collects him from school because of me being ill all the time. I have been feeling sad a lot lately because I feel so useless. Oh well I suppose I just have to get used to it but it's really hard for me.

Layout share

I thought you might like to see what I have been up to today.

First up I have this one, for the 1st of the Scrapping Take Me Away challenges @ Divine Digital.

Credits: Layered template by Ashley Olson and True colours, Where I live and breathe and Red Haute by Royanna Lea Fritschmann.Traci Murphy Dropshadow actions - cardstock dark, cardboard light, paper light, paint dark and photo light. Font is JPaige_Crystal by Jeanelle Paige. Journalling reads: For me the only good thing about being on a tropical island would be the amazing views. I hate the feeling of sand and how it gets into absolutely everything.I hate the sunshine because of the headaches I have constantly the bright light hurts my eyes and makes everything worse. So if we were on a holiday and money was no object, I would be sat in that little house with my computer and internet connection, scrapping layouts while listening to the peace and tranquility all around, and admiring the beauty of the world all around me. That would be my idea of heaven on earth, to scrap in beautiful surroundings instead of at my cluttered messy desk. Guess we all find our bliss in different places.

The second layout I have to share was created for the Colour of inspiration challenge @ Divine Digital

Credits: One Woman's Treasure by Royanna Lea Fritschmann. Journalling reads: This is a photo of me and my mum when I was little. It must have been a very lucky shot, because Nan used to do almost all of the looking after me, because my mum didn't want to. Nan was always more of a mum than my mum ever was.

Just incase you feel like a little shopping I have linked up all of the items I used, with the exception of Ashley Olson's sketch because you can only find that included in the May Designer Sampler at The Digi Shoppe
I might be back in a while with some more.

Bliss

No Mark (he's gone shopping), No Lukas (he's playing at Conor's), No Nan moaning (she's downstairs watching the same stuff over and over on Sky News, if you are wondering she is watching all the bulletins about the missing 4 year old girl in Portugal, why she is so anxious to see news that upsets her is beyond me. I am quite content not to know anything about what's going on in the world. I like being ignorant about all the crap that exists outside of my bedroom.)
I am listening to my Boyzone CD's that I have just found, scrapping, checking emails, making ACDsee backups and just generally having a chill out day. It's so nice not to have sport blasting on the TV, or cartoons, or the playstation. It's also nice not to have them all arguing, bickering, moaning, whinging or just annoying me for a little while. I have a really bad headache and I don't feel great so the peace and quiet is the best gift in the world. Don't get me wrong more than an hour without them and I would be going crazy I hate being on my own lol I will be back later with some layouts.

No sleep

and ironically I am wide awake. Normally I have been asleep and I am struggling to stay awake. Being strange is fun lol.When Mark goes out I will tell you about the pennies (rofl) I have just spent at ScrapArtist. What else have I done today, oh yeah I scrapped 2 layouts so far and counting. I also registered at Kaboodle. If you don't know what that is the easiest way to explain it would be to say it's a web based wishlist facility. You register with Kaboodle, add the buttons (optional but easier) and then go to whichever websites you have seen "stuff" you want and add it to your Kaboodle list. Great way to get birthday presents you actually want lol. Or in my case actually get birthday presents, since I usually end up buying them myself because Mark always and I mean always (I have been with him over 5 years and I have yet to get a card on the actual day for anything). What else do I have to talk about?
Shall we talk about plans for the weekend?
There is a special event going on this weekend at Divine Digital, they are celebrating Mother's Day in the US this weekend.
Its the ScrapArtist 2nd Anniversary Birthday they are having a 20% off sale and have some events planned.
As for me, I plan on dropping in to a few sites during the day, scrapping a little, organizing a lot, and spending some quality time with my little man. It feels like I hardly ever see him anymore, either he is at school, playing with Conor/Ella/Mark on the playstation or in the garden, Downstairs with nan or one of us is asleep. I am so looking forward to the school holidays, I can't remember if it's 6/7 weeks they get this year but it doesn't matter because for that time he's all mine again. It will take me that long at least to get used to the notion that when he goes back to school in September he will be at "proper school" in year one, learning stuff and growing up way too fast for my liking lol. He was being a cheeky little monkey all evening yesterday. Did I tell you about the accident he had at school? They were playing outside and a gust of wind caught the playhouse and blew it over on him. The school rang me to let me know. Now is it just me or does anyone else's blood run cold when they hear someone asking "is that Lukas's mum" the first thing I said was "What's he done" lol. It takes all my restraint when he hurts himself at school not to go straight around and get him. I'm a big softie with him and he knows it. his latest trick when he doesn't want to get up is "I don't feel well". What I want to know is how does a 4 year old master throwing a sickie so fast lol. As much as I could ramble on all day about Lukas I have some more photos to scan, and then I have to find a certain one I need for a layout - wish me luck lol.

Warning Long Post!

Ok here goes but prepare yourselves it's a huge one. (I have gone back to when I last posted a shopping recap April 15th)
*Disclaimer - I accept no responsibility whatsoever for any purchases resulting from you reading this list, if your paypal account ends up weeping/begging for mercy that's not my fault lol. I should also point out I don't shop like this very often, it's strictly an ever so often thing rofl* So here goes in no particular order, (this includes everything I can remember buying not just for National Scrapbooking Day lol):

Firstly let's talk Grab Bags, since they are no longer available I will link you to the designers main stores.
Scrapbook Graphics - Janet Phillips,Sausan Designs.
The Digi Shoppe - Agnes Lahur, Faith True, Micheline Martin, Bren Boone.
OAKS - Heather Watson, Dani Engebretson, Sherri Tierney, Karen Lewis, Victoria Feemster, Rachel Martin, Faith True, Sarah Grimwood, Sara Ellis, Misty Maier, Laura Pitman, Jessica Gorny, Jennifer Barrette, Doreen Stolz and DC Designs.
Elemental Scraps - Grace Bennett
Sophia Sarducci - Sophia Sarducci, Antonio Rafaello
Plain Digital Wrapper - Rebecca Lynn, Sarah Grimwood, Amanda Heimann, Betsy Tuma,
Divine Digital - Tina Williams, Pamela Gibson, Julie Kelley, Cari Lopez, Digidiva, Clohie Watkins, Janette Padley (Dragon's Lair Designs), Kutnkudlys Kreations, Lemonaid Lucy, Melissa Daniel, Michelle Swadling, Ramona Williams, Silvia Romeo, Ilona Havenaar, DeDe Smith, Wetfish Designs, Becky Hansen and Caroline Brown (Nightwolf Designs)
Single Stores - Elaine Bittencourt - Meaningful Scraps, Jennilyn - Jennilyn Designs,

I dropped a lot of money at Funky Playground Designs:
Peeled & Revealed Template/Action Collection and Curled Border Template & Action Set 1 by Marcie Reckinger and Traci Murphy,
Chasing Rainbows collection of paper packs by Marcie Reckinger,
Drop Shadows - Sets 1 - 5 (can't seem to find the collection I bought), Such a Tulle, Rainbow Stitches w/bonus shadow action for PS, by Traci Murphy,
Bright Blooms, Bits and Pieces, Cute as a Button, Corky Stems 1,Corky Stems 2 and Paisley Bets by Corina Nielsen,
Graffiti Alpha Brush Set, Funky Watercolor Paper Pack and REALLY Funky Water Colors Paper Pack by Christina Renee,
City of Industry Alpha Pack by Kimberly Giarrusso,
Funk That SPRING-A FPD Collaboration,
I then got a very nice gift from Traci Murphy and went and got SwooshyBet Glitterfied, Sandbox Alpha, Skinny Minny, Brushed Alphas, Kraft Alphas - Glitterfied! Set 1, Kraft Alphas - Glitterfied! Set 2, Glitter Alpha - Pink and Brusha Brusha Alphas & Numbers.
I got the Lost and Found set for FREE! (Not available instore)

Amanda Rockwell was having a 40% off sale so I picked up Back in Black Collection 1 and Back in Black Collection 2. I also forgot to mention that before I purchased these Amanda was kind enough to RAK me a gift certificate, I used it to pick up Flirt. I just noticed her sale is still on it said ending the 10th so it must be until midnight RUN lol.

I picked up these at OAKS:
After Hours City Chick Elements,After Hours City Chick Papers and Kraftacular Clusters by Victoria Feemster
Clusterifics and Clusterifics:Neutral by Jeanelle Paige
The Girl, Mother's Love, Pre-School,Glittered and Austin's Plane by Jessica Gorny
A Doodle a day version 3 Commercial by Heather Watson (because I had a $2 gift certificate from her Grab Bag).
I accidently purchased Sarah Grimwood's Grab Bag at both of the stores she sells at and she was nice enough to let me exchange one for Ready Set Scrap Templates.
Then I got Warm Sunny Daze for FREE! (not available in store)

I got these at Sweet Digi Creations: Sponge Job Font, Tony Print Font, Kristin Cursive Font and I got Torn, Crinkled, Polkadotted for FREE!

I used my coupon for completing the first 15 layouts for the 360 Degrees of inspiration at Divine Digital to get:
French Flea Market Frenzy and Beauty in Reflection by Royanna Lea Fritschmann.
I also picked up, Moving Day Bleuz, 4 The Boyz Collection - SuperSTAR!, In Short Supply Too!, 4 The Boyz Collection - SEBS Dream, 4 The Boyz Collection - Exploring Alden's World, My Boyz All That! Brush Pack, Tag You're It [Two] - Commercial Tag Shapes, Gettin Dirty 1 Commercial Paper Overlays, Gettin Dirty 2 Commercial Paper Overlays, Gettin Dotty 1 Commercial Paper Overlays, Gettin Edgey 2 Commercial Paper Overlays, Gettin Fancy 1 Commercial Paper Overlays, Gettin Fancy 2 Commercial Paper Overlays,Gettin Funky 1 Commercial Paper Overlays and One Woman's Treasure by Royanna Lea Fritschmann.
Wetfish Textures Set One Commercial Use by Wetfish Designs.

Meredith Fenwick was running a very cool promotion at Scrapbook Graphics spend $5 in her store and get a free customer appreciation gift. This ran for three weeks I ended up getting: Legible Note Cards, Fancy Transfers, Hallway Graffiti - Bubble Font, Hand-Stamped Antique Alpha Stamps, Grungy Alpha Stamps, Fuzz Ball Flowers, and when I was a complete klutz and bought one item twice Meredith was lovely enough to let me swap it for Fuzz Ball Swirly, If you are wondering what the appreciation gifts were they are now available in store.
Week one:Doodley Doo Journal Spots - Stamps Only and Doodle Bird Page Kit,
Week two:Hand-Cut Scalloped Edge Mattes & Frames and Silly Flower Page Set,
Week three:Sweet Notions B-sides Backgrounds and Kraft Note Cards.
I also picked up In My Studio: Serene,In My Studio: Unbound, Pipe Cleaner Doodads, Sticker Scallops, Comfy Jeans Album and Linen Capris Album by Traci Reed,
Bohemian Peddler (now available as 2 half kits) by Krista Mettler and Jessica Bolton.
Artistry: Redux Art Paper Pack by Krista Mettler,
Home Life, Homegirl's Gettin' Frilly and Outnumbered Girl by Jessica Bolton,
Launch Pads Snail Mailers #4, Launch Pads Snail Mailers #2, Launch Pads Snail Mailers #1 and Landing Pads Workshop by Bree Clarkson,
Shimmer Shoppe: Five 4 Five (now available seperately for $2 each) by Kristin Cronin-Barrow,
Hello Sunshine by Traci Reed and Kristin Cronin-Barrow (when I bought it the album was FREE! and you also got the Yellow and Blue Glitterbet alphas FREE!)
and Love, Mom Template Album Bundle by Traci Reed and Bree Clarkson (Came with free Brag Book). I also can't remember if I mentioned buying Love Sprung a collab between Traci Reed and Dani Mogstead.

Natural Designs In Scrapbooking were having a 50% off sale so I got:
Art Journey Collection: Forest Stories, Art Journey Collection: Ocean Dreams, Art Journey Collection: Midnight Skies, Art Journey Collection: Heart of Fire, Art Journey Collection: Serendipity, Art Journey Collection: Painted Garden, Art Journey Collection: Dream Time, Art Journey Collection: Forbidden Fruit,Art Journey Collection: Overlays, Fortune Cookie, Paper Bag Corner Sample by Karin M (previously known as Karin McCombes but she's got married), Victorian Alpha Brushes & Stamps by Monica McClain,
Stamped Alpha by Loreta Labaca,
Squared Up! Alpha and Brush Set by Tammy Bankston and
Bead + Silver Rope Action by Lori Giles.

I got some mega bargains from the clearance area at Digiscrapz :
Angel and Silver Style Pack by Melissa Goerke,
I've Gotta Be Me Element Pack,
Brrrrrr! Mini Page Kit,Frosty Kit,Funky Fiesta Kit,Harvest Moon Kit,Jolly Holiday Paper Pack,Colorfully Unique Kit - for DigiBunch,French Country Kit,Get Happy Kit,Gracie Kit,Groovy Chic Kit,Happily Ever After Kit and Patchwork Garden Kit by Krista Mettler.

At the Digi Shoppe I picked up:
Safety Pin Alpha and Artsy Alpha Brushes by Faith True,
Tangy Mini Kit and Girlie Mini Kit by Bren Boone,
Colorful Duct Tape Stars, Colorful Duct Tape Strips and x's, Sequined Blooms, Puff Paint Flowers, Sloppy Paint Alphabet Set, and Boy Board Shorts Paper Pack by Ashley Olson,
Fused Bead Designs by Jen Beschinski,
May Designer Sampler and got Dress Up Your Memories Mega Kit for FREE!

I went shopping for goodies at Sweet Shoppe Designs:
One Funky Alphabet, Scribble Squares Alpha, Distressed Hand Stamped Ticket Alphabet by Christy Lyle,
Boxy Alpha by Fee Jardine,
A Sweet Embellie Pack by Laura Deacetis,
The Alphabet Is... by MandaBean
Extreme! Extreme Alphas By Shawna Clingerman & Lauren Grier
Smarties: Alphas Vol. 1 by Teresa Ferguson
Characters with Character Alpha by Robin Carlton,
Art Strokes Alphabet, Scratched Alpha by Angela Barton,
Date Brushes & Stamps by Paula Duncan,
Arrow Fun Brushes and Stamps, Boy Doodles - When I Grow Up, Boy Doodles: Planes, Trains & Automobiles , Linez Alpha, and Grunge Alpha by Shawna Clingerman,
2007 Sweet Shoppe Quarterly Assortment vol 2.
Digital Extras: Circle U Alphabet, Digital Extras: Floral Stamp Alphabet, Digital Extras: Hinterland Alpha, Digital Extras: Scratch N Stamp Alpha, Digital Extras: Spin Me Right Round Alpha, Digital Extras: Splash Alpha, Digital Extras: Squiggly Alpha, Digital Extras: Ye Ole Book Alphabet by Eve Recinella
Then I got this Scrumdidliuptious by Sweet Shoppe Designs for FREE!

I gave to a really good cause by purchasing Breath Of Spring - Entire collection at Elemental Scraps, while I was there I also got :
Snow Angel and
Definately Doodles by WendyZine

Rina Kroes had a 40% off sale at 3Scrapateers, so I got:
Shabby Little Springtime, Sprinkle of Spring, Friends Are Like Flowers Mega-Kit Collection, Delightful and Prismatic Petals.
I also picked up Rina's Season of Fruitfulness, Café Au Lait, Rejoice!, Contentment, Forget Me Not, Pocketful of Patches, Eclectic Blue Quick Page Album, Afternoon Tea, Harlequin Hearts alphabet set, Rejoice! Quick Page Album, Erin, Rejuvenation Quick Pages, Soleil Quick Pages as well as Plum Rotten, Plum Rotten Mini Album, Beautiful Soul, Beautiful Soul Album and Chocolate Strawberry by Jan Hosford in the Scrapbook-Elements close out specials.

From OScraps: (Freebies not included)
{Define}ing Words by Sue Cummings,
Zoom Brush Set by Genevieve Sass (Sweet Genevieve) ,
Hidden Treasures #2 and Scrapbag by Khristy Schmidt

From Plain Digital Wrapper:
Sponged Stamped Alpha by Sarah VanDyke,
Boxed in! CT Organiser by Mish Gasser, and I got "Everyone is a Winner" Raffle Kit FREE!

I picked up Open Up Frames, Naturally Krafty Paper Pack, Botanist Notebook Collector Cards No. 01, Defining Moments - Play Brushes-n-Stamps, Ledger Sun Print Paper Pack and Vintage Flashcard Words by Katie Pertiet for 25c each from Designer Digitals.

I won a free kit of my choice from Jen Ulasiewicz @ KB and Friends so I got Over The Rainbow.

I picked up some items at Scrappin Digi Kreations:
My Funny Valentine Element Pack by Kim Smith (VKimmyCat),
Journaling Fun 1, Commercial Use - Templates with Altitude 1 and Commercial Use - Templates with Attitude 2 by Tracy Blankenship.
I got Pink Petal Perfection, Frosty and Beach House from the bargain basement on Tracy Blankenship's Blog.

Just to finish up:
Bohemian Love Affair by Retrodiva from Digital Freebies,
The April Megakit from Digiscrapdivas,
I voted for my favourite layout Queen Of The Crop and snagged a wicked Grab Bag.
I got the two kits for this month's Quickie Exchange challenge at Digitals, Ice Cream and Orange Juice by Joyce De Jong and Life Is Good by Sophia Davies,
In Love With DOTS Mini Album by Rachael Giallongo from ScrapQuick,
Brag Book Templates by Fiona Renwick from Nuts4Digi and
Children Are ABC Album by DebF from Pickleberry Pop

You may remember me mentioning I also purchased this month's kit from Songbird Avenue.
I have probably forgotten a few bits lol. What can I say I am a shopperholic! Now I just spotted some more alpha brushes I want so I am going to add them to my kaboodle list.