Home, a place for love, happiness and art.

Project life week 1 and 2

2012-01-23T20:02:00.002Z

Week 1 LHS

Hooray, I finally got a bit of light today and quickly snapped my pages for week 1 and 2.

Week 1 close up

Week 1 close up 2

Week 1 RHS

Week 1 RHS close up

I have week 3 all done and dusted and will share at the weekend along with a few other layouts. Have a lovely week. But here is a peek until then.

Love,

M xxx

Linked at The Mom Creative

Knee deep in the sense of satisfaction....

2012-01-17T20:06:00.000Z

I have been pretty busy this week finally tackling my scrapping room/junk room/playroom/Steve's room. You would not believe how much junk we had. I have hoovered, dusted, cleaned and sorted. I have piles for the bin, the charity shop and things to be put away. I have declutter and condensed my scrapbooking supplies, I have horded for far too long, odd bits of paper, old stuff I thought I may use and stuff I never really liked in the first place. It is all clean and tidy and set up for quick sessions doing Project Life. I have all my bits I need for it on hand and an extra desk to keep my album open on. It feels so good to get it done, it was long overdue.

I really wanted to share week one and two of Project Life with you along with some other layouts but time flew while Emily was at playgroup and I never got them all done. But here is a little peek, I quickly snapped them knowing I was short on time. They just looked so pretty on my desk.

However I do have a layout I can share that was done last year for a guest DT spot over at Creative Scrappers.

And here is a peek at week one of my PL album. I am loving doing it so much and I am so glad I started on this journey.

Well until next time.
Love Micayla
xxx

For the longest time..............

2012-01-08T19:45:00.000Z

For the longest time I have wanted to update. But the words always failed me, I wanted to share stuff, good news, exciting things but I couldn't get down and type. I am still struggling to be honest but I want to get back into the swing of things. I have decided instead of a huge update, I will share some photos for now and get up to date if I feel the need.

Autumn flew by and a special girl turned 3

Then it was December and time to get festive.....oh yeah! I spend lots of time searching high and low for vintage glass baubles and amassed a worthy collection. We had a fantastic Christmas and was spoilt rotten as always but it went to fast, like it normally does.

I kept up to date with my December Daily and only have a page to finish and decided to sign myself up for Project Life too which I am enjoying at the moment.

I have been published in Mollie Makes....issue 9 out now. Okay so it is a resub of something I did for another magazine but oh well I am still in print.

I gained 6lbs over Christmas....opps! But lost it all this week, I am a trooper! So back to healthy eating and exercise again. Oh the joys.

I am hoping to catch up on blogs soon, it has been so long and I cannot wait to see what you have all been up too. Hopefully next post will be scrap related and wont be in 6 months time.

Love,
M xx

Hooray............summer at last!

2011-06-29T19:43:00.000+01:00

Summer has finally hit....okay so it is still patchy and we have had plenty of rain but the plabbly pool has been out and we have had lots of fun enjoying Mr Sunshine. I thought I would do a quick catch up and say hello as it has been a while and I wanted to share some photos and a sneak peek of a layout I have done for Colorful Creations as a July guest DT member. I was asked last year if I wanted a spot and I forgot all about it. I will share the full layout once it has gone live and also some of Emily's journal. I have even brought a Polaroid PoGo printer so I can quickly print out small 2x3 and pop it straight into it. I am looking forward to the postie coming!!

Sneak Peek: Colorful Creations July Guest DT layout.

So onto my photos capturing summer. I have been playing with sun flare and been very good and using manual settings. My SOOC images are so much better, I must admit!

Memmy at Granna's. She was supposed to be bathing Baby Toby but took a fancy to it herself.

Dandelion....a photo for Emily. She often asks me to take shots of random things.....sweet.

Playing with chalk.....okay so I wrote hello but she did tell me it was a park with a slide and numbers!

Oh pretty Emily and sun flare

We walked to Granna's and found this lone poppy bobbing in the breeze.....photo op taken.

Another for Emily. I must love her because it was so hard to get into focus as the sun was blasting on it and I could only get it from this position as it was on a bridge......so apple juice came out and yes, I spat on it to highlight it a little......the things we do for our children and admittedly a photo for me.

More pretty flare....thank you Mr Sunshine.

Emily in deep concentrationn.....boy I love this girl.

So there you have it, a quick update. I will try and make the next one a little longer with some of my sewing projects to share, I am short of time tonight as I have a sewing project that needs finishing and a film to watch. I am having a hour blog catch up tomorrow night, so expect a little hello from me. I am excited to see what you have all been up too.

Speak soon,
Micayla xxx

Being away was good for my creative soul

2011-06-04T19:12:00.000+01:00

I will always be there.

At last a creative post to share. I think I did more layouts this month than what I have done all year, just proves what a little break can do. I have been playing with old stash and mixing it up with newer pieces and I have enjoyed it. It is like getting new stash, hooray. I have also had a big clear out of my older stuff I will never use so I think a little stash shop is in order. What is everyone buying at the moment?

Happy times

Autumn

Growing too fast

Emily's journal of a lifetime has begun and the first page is almost done. I keep jotting down little titbit's almost daily and I cannot wait to see it come together and share it with you. Along with a few sewing projects I have done. I still cannot believe I have made myself a dress that looks pretty good really. It could of been made smaller and has had a lot of adjusting done to it and is not perfect but is sewing not a learning curve as with most things in life. I wish the summer would arrive so Emily can wear her clothes I have made her and I can show off my dress.

Thank you all for the lovely heartfelt comments on my last post. It really does mean a lot to me that people find the time in their busy lives to say hello:) Anyway I must dash, off to treat myself to some new stash, books and some fabric.

Love,
Micayla xx

Memories captured...............one way or another.

2011-05-26T20:37:00.000+01:00

I sometimes feel guilty because I do not blog enough. Only from a personal point of view as this blog is done for myself and my family. I do not blog to please others, gain worldwide readership or get comments(although I do enjoy them, so thank you) I totally appreciate my readers, especially the ones who take the time to read my posts in detail. I think it is because of you guys I have stayed her so long. I record life and capture the moments I may forget here. But I have been thinking long and hard about this and have struggled with thoughts of stopping blogging altogether. Time is already precious and I will have much less time come September when my degree starts. I will want to spend the spare time I have with Emily, making those precious few hours count. She has a memory of a super computer for her age and remembers the tiny insignificant things. I want her to remember that Mummy had time to play, bake, read, cuddle and be silly instead of Mummy did college work, cleaned up and blogged/spent time on the computer.

I then sat and thought about keeping a journal to hand down to her when she is older. I find something so romantic about this idea, notebooks filled with stories, recipes, pictures and little memories of things said and done. The essence of my/our love for her, done the old fashioned way. I do keep a lot of photographs, things said and such to myself as I don't want to embarrass her when she is older. These things I may forget with time.They are little secrets between just us and I want them to stay that way so I choose not to blog them but with a journal I could pour my heart out.

I want to remember playing hide and seek in the park

and how cool she looks in her sunnies

I want her to remember how she loves her magnifing glass

and has a sweet spot for jumping.

I want her to record her own memories

I want us to make happy memories together

I want to be able to have impromptu picnics just because the sun is out

I want to make her happy.

I want to remember the day she looked so grown up but chose to be a baby with her dummy and blanket. Then the night for the first time ever she chose to sleep at the other end of the bed, just like I did as a child and proberly most other children do. Therefore proving she is growing up way too fast.

I want to remember how we played on the park and she thought it would be funny to cover me in woodchip.

I want to record her sweet little love for stones

and how she always has crazy hair.

I want to remember the sweet sound of her laugh

and how sweet those little feet are.

I want to record her life so I have decided to do the journal, keep blogging but not as often. Whittle down the blogs I read, manage my time more efficently while online instead of browsing bloody Pinterest Tomorrow I am buying a blank notebook and making a start as my baby is having a sleepover at her Granna's. I am excited to play with my supplies at night......man it has been a long time. Speaking of playing I have 4 layouts to share, 3 Emily sewn outfits and a dress for me. I have been productive while away and have also just enjoyed a little mini holiday with my Mum, Mick, sister Elise, Reiley and of course the boy and Miss E. So expect a update post in a week or so.

Speak soon,

Love M xxx

To be honest............

2011-04-21T20:42:00.001+01:00

I could of lied and said 'oh dear it has been a while since I last blogged, how I have missed it' But I want to be honest and say I have not blogged for a while because I have not wanted to. I have not missed spending hours on the internet catching up. I read over 300 blogs and it eats into my precious time, time I don't really have. I want to spend my time doing things I need to do. I need to enjoy this lovely weather with Emily and Steve. I need to tend to the garden, I have so much to do out there to ensure a bountiful harvest. I need to take more photos and practise like crazy.

Getting some Emily sugar while wearing her necklace.

I have piles of unfinished projects to do. I have a dress for me, one for Emily, a pillowcase and pyjama case for her too. I have a bag to make from my hexies. I still have my Easter bunting to finish and display. I want to finish a layout that has been sat on my desk for a week and make more. I want finish the spring clear, sell the rest of the Ebay stuff and make some money.

Oh pretty hexies, I hope you sew together!!

I want to relax in my garden with cushions and blankets on the newly laid grass in the sunshine reading a book and playing with Emily, I want to be planting seeds and nurturing my babies. Yes, Emily is included in that one not just the plants.

Spring in all its glory.

I want to find time to get my head back into healthy eating and make time for exercise again. I need to have a break from being on the computer and just enjoy time so that is what I plan to do for a few weeks.

In other news, just to catch up. I had a lovely birthday and was spoilt rotten. Oh to be 21 again!!! I got lots of money and I have brought a few new summer clothes with it, I got a fantastic gardening book called The Edible Garden by Alys Fowler and woohoo I got a new Oilily bag. We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary with a lovely meal and a potter around the garden center, yay! I cannot believe a year has already past but it feels like we did it forever ago. Love that sweet hubby of mine to death.

I am really looking forward to the weekend as we are having a family Easter egg hunt at the woods with a big picnic (diet starts Monday) I have made some fabric bunting for the trees and am going to make some paper doily ones too. We are going away with my Mum, her hubby Mick, my Sister and Ra next month for 4 days to Haven, so I have that to look forward too and Steve's Dad is coming home next month for a long over due visit too. Also have a couple of boot sales planned for a little retail thrifting. Oh happy days.

Hope you have a lovely Easter and bank holiday. I will be back soon, I can never stay away too long....I do love catching up with everyone, honest.

Love,
Micayla xxx

A few things to share.......

2011-04-09T09:20:00.003+01:00

My golly gosh, two posts in a week. Must be the spring air making me more productive. I swear this week has been so busy. I don't feel as though I have sat down....but in a good way as the garden is really taking shape now and lots of plans have been put into motion.

I mentioned last post my plans for a daily April mini album, well that never happened but I did finish my layout and got it photographed. My pretty October Afternoon 5 and dime papers arrived that I won last month and I cannot wait to play with them. Hoping to do a little playing tomorrow so I will have more to share.

On Mother's Day we spent the day at my Mum's. My Nana was there along with Elise and Reiley and we were spoilt to a lovely dinner, some fun park time and of course pudding. It was a lovely day and Emily and Ra played in the garden together until the heavens opened....typical. But I got some lovely photographs while there.

I love this one, Emily laughing at a private joke......how innocent and adorable.

Pretty spring in full bloom.

Yesterday I took Miss Emily into town for a trip to the library. The church looked gorgeous so we stopped off there for a while to enjoy the views. I took lots of photographs and Emily picked lots of daisies and kept putting them in random places. I thought the daisies above the word garden was a shot too good to miss....how creative of her, although I doubt she realised this!

She gave me lots of flowers.....so sweet.

She admired the flowers.

I took photo after photo

Then off to the library to browse food, gardening and photography books and then down to the children's library for some new books and a play for Emily. Happy days.

I can finally share the good news. A few months ago I enquired about taking my photography further. The course I was on was not enough for me and I wanted more. The only thing open to me was the intermediate course or a degree. I was going for the intermediate one and hoped this would be enough. But my crazy brain along with the go ahead from my tutor I ended up trying out the the degree. There are only 15 places a year and all but one were taken. I was not hopeful and I was fighting it out with 2 other people. I had the interview and it went well I thought, but I had an essay to do. I have not done a essay for over 5 years and I was scared. I plodded on, did lots of research and finished it. It was handed in and still I was not hopeful but on Thursday I found out I had a place......yippity yay! I am off to big school to a BA Commercial Photography degree in September. The next hurdle is finding suitable childcare for Emily. I am never going to have a set timetable and it will change from week to week so I am imagining this is going to be hard. But I am sure we will survive. The good this is that it will only be around 15 per week at college and the rest homework and research so I am not going to miss out too much with Emily.

I told you April was going to be exciting. With my birthday next Thursday and many others in the days after, this month is going to be busy. It's our first wedding anniversary next Sat and Steve's Dad is home soon and that means lots of days out and lots of chances to take photographs and learn. Well I must dash, I will be back soon with some photographs of hexie love and maybe a dress for me and Emily that I am in the process of making.

Catch up soon,

Love Micayla
xxx

March......another month that has flown!

2011-03-31T23:21:00.001+01:00

Wow, where did this month go. Can you believe we are almost in April already. I have been out of blogland for what seems like ages. You should see my google reader, lets say I have some serious catching up to be done.

So what have I been doing all month? Well lots and nothing much really. I have read 2 books, done 1 layout which is still to be completed, been busy at college and in the garden. I have started some hexagons for a sewing project and finally finished the box set of The Sopranos (it took about 2 and a half months) I have been poorly with a monster cold, enjoyed a big family day out and fed cows potatoes and bottle fed baby lambs....oh and forgot to take my camera!!

We have done some painting and are starting some Easter projects.

Been to Cleethorpes

I took lots of photos.................see I told you I made a camera strap!

Emily loved the Tellytubby ride

and the slot machines

Me and Emily had a pretend sleepover downstairs while Steve stayed enjoyed a Army shooting day/xbox and beer night with his cousin. I finally stayed on my own without an adult or my sister....it only took almost 29 years!

I took more photos to document our days

Finished my college course for now.

We have been to the park and Emily loved the big slide with her Daddy.

I have treat myself to some pretty new fabric and some stash...yay!

April looks like it is going to be a busy and exciting month. There are lots of birthdays including mine, a few parties and hopefully some very exciting news to share. I am almost decided that I am going to document the whole month by doing a mini album like my October one last year....I just need to sort it now. But can always just take the photos and journal until I get around to it. I will keep you updated if I do start it.

Anywho's I guess considering it is gone 11pm. I should dash and make headway to bed. I am so very tired, this cold has really taken it out of me. Hopefully going to do a blog catch up over the weekend, so expect some love ladies.

Love, M xxx

The magic begins..............

2011-03-13T19:47:00.000Z

Digging deep

For most of the week, I have spent a lot of time in the garden. I find this very rewarding and therapeutic, just the thought of getting out raises a smile across my face. I have been busy digging, making boarders and preparing beds for vegetables we are growing this year.

Strawberries peeking through.

The strawberry roots are beginning to show their greenery, the grass area is almost ready for seed. I have pots of peas, sprouts and cabbage inside and the parsnips, early carrots and beetroot have been sown. Tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce will be sown soon as will the swedes, potatoes, sweetcorn and basil. I am excited, I must admit.....the thought and process of growing your own is seriously the best. If you have never tried it, go and grab some seed.

Little hands

Doing her thing.

Hooray...outside drying time.

The weather has been pretty good this week. We had a few days of bad winds but it allowed me to get the washing on the line. You cannot beat the sight of washing on the line and that smell is heaven. I love spring so much.

A glorious spring day.

I am in the process of doing a BIG thing....a personal thing for me and our future.....exciting stuff! I am not sure if it will come off, but I am keeping my fingers crossed and working hard. Crafting is out of the window for now until this BIG thing is completed. I hope to share the good news soon.

I best dash, I have some homework to do and a few episodes of The Sopranos to watch, I am truly hooked on the thing!!! Catch up soon. xx

Sweet shots........

2011-03-04T21:01:00.008Z

Time has been flying of late, not a lot of crafty stuff going on so I thought I would update with a few of my latest photographs. Oh those eyelashes......

She looks so grown up here, yet so small and fragile. It still amazes me that a camera can capture so much. This photo makes me want to hold her so tight and shelter her from the world.

She is growing way to fast, I want to stop time and cherish her at this beautiful age. Love the sweet afternoon light, I think it really makes the shot.

Back soon,

Love,

Micayla xx

What do you do when it rains?

2011-02-26T20:48:00.010Z

What do you do when it rains?

It seems that the rain has been almost solid for a week here, we have had lots. I get to the point where I need to go out, Emily is the same. We have barely ventured out all week, I miss the park! We have baked, painted, played, watched movies, cleaned, play doughed, and done all listed several times.....we are bored! The view we have had for what seems like forever!

So today after our visitors had gone and the car was fixed in between down pours....yay! Emily decided a picnic was in order and asked for some crisps. She sweetly gathered her supplies in her pushchair. Baby Toby, her quilt, juice and a few little toys and asked if I would join her. So we set off, me with plates in my hand and her with the pushchair for our picnic in the front room.

We set up and the feast of Pom Bears and juice began...BTW this is my new most treasured photo in the world. It is just so adorable and I cannot wait to frame it. Sweet love xoxo

Emily fed baby Toby her crisps

Which he enjoyed being stuck in his mouth.

I, on the other hand decided a little homemade banana loaf would be more suited for my snack.

They did a little dancing......

Before packing up, Emily put Peppa to bed and got Baby Toby ready in his pushchair to go shopping at Tesco. A fun day had by all I think (Shopping was a exception....not fun at all).

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Love,

Micayla xxx

Oh pretty paper things......

2011-02-17T07:51:00.004Z

I finally got around to photographing my recent layouts....hooray they can go into the album now. I hate leaving them around my scraproom as it is very bright and sunny and sun damage enters my mind. I have no end of projects that have been sun bleached. Summertime living is good

Summertime close up

Believe.....actually my chosen word of 2011. I spent a lot of time thinking about this one hence being in a Feb post!!

Believe close up

I don't really have much else to share today. This week has just been one of those weeks were everything goes on, nothing in particular. The diet has gone totally to pot, since Monday I have struggled so thought it was best to just relax a little with it. I have done no exercise other than walking as my knee is playing up. But I have lost 7lb in 4 weeks so am pretty happy about that.

I am dropping Miss E off at her Granna's today and then off for lunch with my dear Mamma. It has been ages since we last went out on our own and I am looking forward to it. Hopefully my cousin is coming along too. No plans for the weekend as such. Steve is having the day of today as he is under the weather so I don't know if he will be better. If we do go anywhere I am taking the camera, I need creative building pictures for college....should be fun. What are your plans?

Well that's me done, I have a sticky Emily to tend too.....she is so messy at breakfast!!

Love,

Micayla x

When you cannot think of a title......would Hello do?

2011-02-12T08:29:00.005Z

Okay, so I said my next post would be craft related. I have been busy creating I have made a dress for Emily(too small...gutted) a camera strap(oh so cute) another layout but most of my time has been spent on Emily and college work. I will try and get these things photographed for my next post....honest!

I have treated myself to 2 new books. Shutter Sisters Expressive Photography and Digital Portrait Photography by Steve Sint both very good books but Expressive Photography is just my style. I adore each page and cannot wait to sit down with a cuppa and read it cover to cover. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves heartfelt photography.

Speaking of photography, I may have some great news to share soon. I don't want to mention too much but it is very exciting and could lead to something huge! I have this HUGE passion brewing inside at the moment and have exciting plans to work towards.

Here are a few of my recent shots. As I don't have anything creative to show for my absence I thought these would sweeten the blow. Late morning fence shot....love the bokeh baby!

We had to capture motion for one of our homework assignments. Using a fast shutter speed you can freeze motion and with a slow shutter speed you can blur it. My personal best two were motion freeze images. Love the tap one....can you see the little bird water droplet I caught. I just photoshopped it's little eye for added effect.

Muddy puddles....what wellies are made for!

More sweet bokeh and one gorgeous little girl who makes my heart leap. I cannot wait for the spring when I can get out more and capture our lives forever in print. I just found myself a bargain camera too, a 1986' Lomo Zenith 35mm for 50p. I checked on eBay and found it could be worth around £100....a good thrifty find I think. Just waiting for the batteries to arrive then I am road testing it. Also bidding on another Kodax Duaflex box camera....I think I may have a slight obsession with cameras. Hoping to get a new semi pro Nikon DLSR and a 85mm lens this year too. So very excited at the thought of some new babies. I did tell Steve he would be kicked out of the bed once it arrives, he laughed but I think he knows it could be true!! Ha Ha.

Well the weekend has not turned out to plan. I wanted to go for a nice walk in the woods and take Emily but the weather here is awful, oh and the car is broken! Bang goes the light meter or external flash fund.....so very gutted I can tell you. Well I have some stuff to do so will skip off for now. Will be blog reading very soon, I fancy a little peek around.

Laters

M xx

Homework at 28......I love it!

2011-01-29T19:24:00.002Z

I am loving my photography course and am finding myself yearning to learn more. Off to the library Monday for more reading materials!! In the mirror

Inside a tulip

Do you see what I see

Too pretty xoxo

Thought I would share a few photos I have taken for homework.....not really work though!!

Be back soon with some paper and glue pictures.....yay she scrapped. Have a fantastic weekend guys.

xxxx

Christmas in January..........

2011-01-22T08:42:00.018Z

As promised I said would try and get quick pics of my December Daily and share them. They were taken super quick and some look awful but I have been spending my time with my head in photography books, taking 'homework' photos and generally just busy with life. I have not touched my supplies all year other than to finish this album and I am itching to do a 12x12. Day 12

Day 13

Day 15

Day 17

Day 18.

JYC 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 20 inside

Day 22

Day 22 inside

Day 23

Christmas Eve

The big day

Boxing Day. The day we woke up to a tree on the floor, broken baubles and the tree was then undressed and thrown on the wood pile for summer. We were all gutted but the tree would not stand back up.

One chunky album.....this will be treasured for years to come and I love that.

I am hoping to grab an hour on the computer tomorrow night in between projects, so expect some love. Last week seemed super busy and I have barely been on the old keys. Must dash, I have some stew to finish off. Oh and I lost 3lbs last week so only 7 to go.......yay!!

Over and out,

Micayla xx

She's been up too....................

2011-01-11T22:12:00.012Z

I am over the dreaded lurgy I have been happily creating, reading and surfing the old net for inspiration and I thought it would be nice to share the love with you all.

Here is the make up bag I made, the first time I have ever done a zip and I am pretty happy with how it turned out. Shame about the photos though, a rushed job and bad lighting!!!

A few lovely ladies have asked what new sewing books I have had my head in so here is the list.

Cannot wait to make a dress for myself out of this one.

Very pretty, with lots of information and some cute project ideas.

Oh my heart be still.....Oilily style clothes! It only has 10 patterns in and I will only use around 3 or 4 but I love this book and cannot wait to make Emily a pretty outfit or 2 from it.

I love the internet, I do spend way too much time on it. I favorite way too many sites and I thought I would share a few with you today. Gotta share the love right?

The DIY Dish.....love this tutorial for a pretty bag to sew.

A super cute Pom Pom bib necklace from Little Miss Momma

Everyday Elements: Photography and Photoshop advise and tutorials. I especially love this photoshop tutorial. Some freebie actions too....yay! Don't forget to sign up to the newsletter for extra freebies. Just look at the difference it has made to this photo....lub lub lub!!

AMP Photography: Love the photography and adore her PSE actions. She does some freebies so check them out. My fave freebie and over used one is Vintage Sepia but my must buys are Vintage Recess and Summer Haze. Roll on some spare cash to play with.

In other news......

The diet and exercise campaign is well and truly on starting tomorrow. I will shift this last 10lbs by my birthday in April. Hence the related picture. Jillian's DVD is a killer but makes those pounds drop....yee haa. Cannot wait to scrapbook that photo.

I am preparing the garden for the summers bounty. I am looking forward to fresh veg from the garden as the snow ruined almost everything I had left growing. We are going to buy some bulbs tomorrow to plant in the front garden weather permitting.

I am feeling much better now, still a little tired but back on form and ready for action. Good job as my ironing basket is sky high and other jobs need attending too.

Off to leave a little love in the blog world now and will be back soon will my December Daily....late I know!!

Love,

Micayla xx

The one about the post that should of happened 2 weeks ago!!

2011-01-10T22:32:00.004Z

This post should of happened 2 weeks ago while Christmas was still fresh in my mind. But someone had other plans and just after the big day I was laid up with flu for over a week and I am still not fully recovered. It really knocked me out and I have had no energy to do anything once Emily goes to bed. Tonight has been the first night I have done something constructive and used some of my new fabric to start making a cosmetic bag for myself.

I wont bore you with the details of the big day but lets put this this way.....we were spoilt rotten and seriously it was the best Christmas ever!!! But I will share a few pictures as this post would of been pretty bland otherwise. Emily in her Christmas jammies with Grandad Dog's pick up truck!

An official white Christmas

Some Mama love by the tree.....she wanted to go to the Christmas Eve party.....can you tell?

Before she got bored with the camera.

A present for Father Christmas and Roodo(Rudolf to you and me)

He's been....just a few of the pressies madam got.

Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. I have made no resolutions as such. I never keep them. I do plan to get these final few pounds off and tone up, I start my photography course next week(last years resolution) and I will make more time for myself. Have you made any?

Blog reading is on my to-do list, along with lots of catch up housework, I have a few new sewing books I want to read oh and did I mention I have a new hobby.......embroidery! Seriously a girl can never have enough things to keep her hands busy. Hopefully I will share some projects soon. I kept up with the December Daily until Boxing day and JYC lasted until the 18th of Dec I think so my album is a whopping 6 and a half inches thick! I love it!!

Right best dash before bedtime. I just want to have a look for a dress pattern and some fabric.

Soon my dears.

xxxx

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T22:48:00.002Z

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Hope it is magical.

PS. Told you the Pumpkin would make an appearance. However now he is very soft so has been taken by Father Christmas for the new born baby Elves to play with.

7 more sleeps..................DD and JYC update

2010-12-18T21:56:00.020Z

I managed to grab 3 minutes today to get some super quick photos of my December album. I am waiting for some photos so there are a few days missing, mainly from my December Daily, but hey you get the idea. A little photo heavy.....sorry! DD4

DD5

DD6....We finally gave into the demands of a 2 year old and brought her some Lelli Kelly shoes. Got a real bargain with them but wish they would hurry up and get here.(stock photo from Lelli Kelly website)

DD6 back

DD7

DD7 Emily's artwork

Day 8.....poorly little baby.

DD10

DD11

Missing a few days here.......

DD16

Now for some JYC

JYC7

JYC 8....did a little twist with this one.

JYC10

JYC11

JYC12

JYC13

JYC14

JYC 15

JYC 15 back

I must admit the load of doing both is a little much but I am really trying hard to keep up. I only have JYC prompts 16, 17 and 18 to do and pages 14 and 15 to do in my December daily as of today. I got 3 done tonight and forgot to photograph JYC9 when I took them but I had the time it takes Emily to eat a crumpet to do it in!(not long peeps)

I am thinking that this will be my last post before Christmas now. Things are getting a little busy around here. I still have cards to write, presents to write, a Christmas cake to ice, truffles and mince pies to make, gammon's to cook, a day in Lincoln and a day in Louth. My Christmas food shop, coffee with my gorgeous cousin Lucy, the fridge to clean, bedrooms to clean, bedding to wash.......seriously the list is endless. Oh and I am doing this all with a stinking cold that will not lift.

So if I don't blog for a while and don't stop by that is why. I wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year and I will be back very soon. I am going to spend the festive season with my gorgeous hubby, beautiful little lady and fantastic family indulging in fine company, food and maybe the odd tipple. Spending my time spoiling others and no doubt being spoilt myself and having lots of fun. Happy days!

Lots of love and festive cheer

Micayla, Steve and Emily

xxxxx

After all there's only 10 more sleeps till Christmas

2010-12-15T21:51:00.004Z

I was going to post my December Daily and JYC album tomorrow but I have left my camera at Steve's Mum's house so it will have to wait until the weekend now. You should see how chunky this album is......seriously its nuts considering I have at least another 15 days left so that's 30 entries folks.......

While you are waiting, I thought I would share a few photos with you. Emily goofing around in the ice.....she loves to make herself slip! Strange girl.

My wellies, boy these were a good buy. I have lived in them for 3 weeks.

Such a beautiful day. So fresh and crisp.....loved it! Added a Bokeh texture I made and a freebie texture called grey day from Kim Klassen

Sweet girl looking all grown up and snugly in her dressing gown. (too grown up for my likings)

Our advent calendars....gotta be chocolate ones. How do you countdown?

Emily at play.

We got the tree today, and it is up looking all pretty. Cannot wait to get my camera back to get photos. I have only been without it for a few hours and I feel as though I have lost a limb or something.

Well gotta dash, more scrapping to do and it is getting on.

Love and festive cheer

Micayla xxx

A little christmas crafting( Dec Daily and JYC)

2010-12-09T13:14:00.022Z

It no secret that I do love a bit of album chunkiness, and boy is this album going to be just that! With me doing both December daily and JYC this year, this album is going to be jam packed full of memories.....how exciting. So I thought it was time to share to a little..... Front Cover

Close up

Close up 2

Inside front cover/JYC day 1 Manifesto

JYC 2

JYC 3

JYC 3 inside

JYC 4.....yes a little digital going on here...eek!

JYC 6...yes 5 is missing I have that to do!!

DD 30th Nov page

DD day 1

DD day 2

DD day 3

Letter to Father Christmas. I get Emily to make two so I can keep one for my journal.

Back of letter.

I am a little behind due to Emily being poorly. I have not been able to get my photos printed as I have not been out. I nipped to Asda today got a few photos to catch up and am having a few beers with the boy tonight....Christmas starts early.

Emily is feeling much better now which obviously I am so happy about. She has her Christmas party at playgroup tomorrow and is getting a little present from a special visitor.....can you guess who? The Mummies and Daddies are allowed to come later to capture the moment...tomorrows journal entry sorted then.

Whats everyone's weekend plans. Mine will include lots of cleaning, catch up scrapping and blog reading, present wrapping and washing clothes at Steve's Mums as my washer has broken. What a lovely surprise so close to Christmas. I am also going to attempt to try knitting!!! I brought some cheap wool for fairy hair( Me and Emily are making an Angel for the tree as ours broke in storage) so am going to try. Wish me luck!!!

Love and fairy glitter

Micayla xxx

18 days to go.......

2010-12-07T18:44:00.006Z

I wanted my first post of the month to be my December daily/JYC but Emily is under the weather and I have not had chance to do much. I have kept up to date with the journalling though, so just a simple game of catch up when I have some free time like tonight. I thought I would share some pictures instead. My poor baby sleeping(she must be ill to sleep in the day)

Happy Holidays. A picture I took then added another one of my bokeh pictures as an overlay. Love the outcome, the idea was from a JYC prompt..

Pretty Christmas lights and a Yankee Candle wax burner filling our home with the scent of the season. Happy days.

Oh sweet baby blue eyes. My heart skipped a beat when I saw this one.

Can you see where she gets the eyes from!

Her letter to the Big Man. I really struggled getting a decent photo this year as Steve was out helping family because of all the snow.

Playing with manual focus again. Love this!

Daddy and his girl sledging at Ravendale.....yes they conquered that hill together! Emily proclaimed that it was a bit mental!! I think so, I bobbed myself when I went down with Steve.

A pretty early evening snowy sky.

I want to say a HUGE thank you to a special someone. I wont mention names but she knows who she is. This lovely person kindly set me up so I could do Shimelle's Journal your Christmas this year out of the kindness of her heart. I was so over joyed when I saw a little message wishing me a Merry Christmas and to check my inbox. The magic of the season truly is alive and well. Thank you again, you little Christmas star.

Be back soon with my album.......Are we are all getting excited. I know I am now we have decided to get Emily the best present in the world(to her) even though we had finished buying!!! How can you resist that little face.

Love and candy canes

Micayla xxx

Almost............................

2010-11-29T20:37:00.008Z

As we are almost in December and any posts will probably be journal/Christmas related so I will do my last November post today and share some layouts I have done in the last few weeks and my little Christmas garland for the fireplace.

Crap photo but really cute in real life.

The final 10....make that 12 now (oops) My weight loss journey is almost at an end if I can ever get my finger out. I will make it by my birthday!!!

Her best friend......you know the pumpkin story. Keep an eye out for the 'The Christmas Pumpkin' Coming to a blog post soon :)

Close up.....love that CP Restoration line.

Happy beach memories but bittersweet as these were taken when I lost my engagement ring.

The details peeps.

December Daily album almost finished, I will complete the last bits tomorrow while Emily is at playgroup.

I am poorly again......sick of playing 'cold tennis' with the family.

Been playing a little with manual focus/low light situations this week and loving having more control. Love the 'purposed' out of focus Emily and the lights at Granna's. Too cute.

Back on the diet.....think porridge, jacket pots and fruit!!!

Loving the snow......been sledging, keeping cosy and enjoying the joys of winter.

Tried photoshop for digital layouts.......will never convert but maybe a little hybrid every now and then. Oh and gave my blog a little festive makeover.

Right, see you all in December...............fa la la la la la la la la.....................very excited!!!

Love,

Micayla xx

The one about the October Journal.

2010-11-23T08:14:00.009Z

Hooray, I am finally getting around to sharing my October Journal. This post is very photo heavy so I have decided to share my other layouts next time. The photos are just straight out of the camera as I did not have time to edit them but you get the idea. The photos are kind of in order but I am sure you will know what blogger is like for organising these things!! Cover: Just made with cardboard and decorated.

Creative mess: My desk at the moment!!!

Front page

Page 2

Recipe page

Personal journaling

Page 3

Page 4

Page 4 journalling and page 5

page 7

Page 7 extra polaroid style photos

Page 11

Page 8

Page 10

Page 12

Page 17

Page 20

Page 21

Chunky yumminess......oh yeah!

Random page

Page 23

Page 31

So there you have it. I must admit I still have 2 pages to finish but we have been decorating the past week and super busy so scrapping has been put on the back burner. I do have a few more layouts to share as mentioned earlier, some sewing and maybe a little 'how to' planned for the next few posts. I am going to make a start on the December Daily this week so will share that too.

But for now I must dash, Peppa Pig has lost Emily's interest and she wants me. Blog hopping soon.

Love,

Micayla xx

Our garden {a late post}

2010-11-11T09:54:00.006Z

I have never been green fingered, all I had to do was look at a plant and it would wilt and wither to nothing. But I always wished I could grow my own. There is just something I find romantic about it all. Steve's late Grandad had an allotment and I loved going down to help sometimes and sampling the fruits of his labour was always such a treat. His pickled beetroot was the best I ever tasted and I would be given big jars that only lasted a matter of days.

I had to have a try and started last summer with tomatoes, cabbages and lettuce. To my surprise, these things actually grew and summertime living was great. I found immense pleasure pottering in the garden and made plans for a bigger plot this year. I still knew very little and devoured gardening websites and books for the library. I still know nothing but just enough to get by.

Carrots and parsnips, a autumn gathering.

As Emily loves being outdoors, the garden is the perfect place for her. She helps water the plants, plays with the mud and potters just like me. We always take a cuppa out with us and you can guarantee if we have picked something she will try it. Lettuce was a clear winner for her, she was always grabbing handfuls and munching it.

Now the wet and cold has set in, her wellies are essential. Mummy just needs a pair now.

Picking beans and potatoes for tea. I love how Steve captured her little hands in the sieve.

Our garden is not that big, we have a long concrete part at the side of the house, a gravelled area and a smallish patch of mud(which will be grass) so space is tight. I would love more pretty flowers but the veg comes first. I however always have pretty sweetpeas in containers. They just brighten up the garden.

I grew onions for the first time this year, they did not grow huge but I got them out before the heavy rain set in and to be honest planted them a little late. The wedding took up the crucial planting time from me. But they were delicious and made a big difference to spag bol along with fresh basil and tomatoes from the garden.

Potatoes were another first for us too. I just used baby potatoes we had that had started to 'eye' and hoped for the best. I did not know about them earthing up but still got a yummy bumper crop. More plans for them next year, a few more varieties maybe.

The beetroot I planted grew very well too. I have some more in at the moment and hopefully I can pickle some more for Christmas if it is ready. Has anyone got any tried and tested recipes for beetroot? I am not keen on it roasted so only pickle at the moment. Love the heart shaped one, it made me smile.

I adore this photo that Steve took of me. I love that I look so happy doing what I love. I guess it sums up the growing my own story perfectly and I cannot wait to scrap it.

So I need to prepare the ground for next year with some lovely horse muck. Tend to the spring cabbages, parsnips, carrots, beets and sprouts. The ground needs preparing for the grass. I have seeds to order, a poly tunnel for my brassicas to get {damn butterflies made green doilies out of the winter cabbages} and a few hanging baskets for the tomatoes. I cannot wait till Feb to start planting seeds ready for April/May planting and I will keep reading and learning. Maybe a allotment will be my next big adventure when Emily is older.

The next post is layout related at last. I have done 3 this week and hopefully will have my October journal done. Speaking of journals, has anyone starting there December one? I have ordered stash but am yet to make a start. So till then my dears.

Love,

Micayla xxx

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T10:23:00.004Z

Just a quick one to share the Halloween photo's I took before I forget. Jack, Charlotte, Emily, Hannah and Jordan all dressed up.

The sweetest little elephant ever.

Blowing bubbles with Jordan

The gorgeous Jordan, Emily's cousin.

Emily and her sweet pal Ruby. xoxo

Charlotte, Emily's cousin.

Bongo blowing bubbles.

Doing the monster mash......love that face!

So they are the best of the bunch and I have plenty to scrap with.....yay! What did you do for Halloween?

Must dash, I need to take Emily to the park.....she keeps asking and I cannot keep her waiting any longer. Be back soon.

Love,

Micayla

Photos of the month {photo heavy....yep}

2010-10-28T22:22:00.012+01:00

As you know I have been doing a 31 days of October mini album and I have been trying to take a photo a day. I have been really good and only missed one day so far. But with October coming to an end I thought I would share my favourite photos of the month. I will share the album when it is finished. In no particular order of preference or date here goes.......

Emily and Daddy playing 'Tickle Monster' after her bath.

Fun on the park....love that face.

Yummy apple and strawberry jam and apple and onion chutney made by yours truly.

Sewing while she sleeps.....her quilt top finished, just quilting and binding now.

Emily has a thing for shoes....seriously it is bad!! She keeps asking for some Lelli Kelly shoes and whenever we go into a shop that sells shoes, she whips her boots and says 'I want shoes please' I caught her 'click clacking' along with mine the Sunday after my Mums Hen night.

The pumpkin she grew at Granna's and that has become her new BFF. She talks to it, puts it in her baby's cot and often just watches telly with it on her table or on the settee.....too cute. I don't think I dare carve it and God knows what will happen when it starts going off.

Oh sweet Emily all wrapped up

With this ring..........My Mum and her new hubby Mick. Totally adore this photo. xoxo

Newly weds.

Presenting Miss Emily Bongo. Emily got to pick her own Halloween outfit this year and after some careful debating she chose Bongo{Dumbo to you and me} My she looks adorable.

Freshly pulled baby carrots and parsnips from the garden for tea yesterday.

I have really enjoyed playing with my camera and I think I have learnt a few new tricks and some bits in photoshop. Our lives have been documented and I cannot wait to finish the album, it is looking good.

The weekend will be a bit different as Steve is working. So Saturday we are having a girlie shopping day in Louth with Granna and Auntie Moo Moo and Sunday it is the Halloween party at Granna's. So a busy one planned for us. I also need to get some sewing done for Christmas and get Emily's quilt finished. What are your plans?

Anyway, I must dash as always. Got to get ready to get the bus and go shopping and drop Emily at Granna's.

Love and spooky going-on's

Micayla xxx

Creative Scrappers guest DT layout

2010-10-18T08:00:00.003+01:00

I told you a while back I was doing a little secret scrapping for a guest spot. I am pleased to share that it was with Creative Scrappers. I love their sketches and the creative team rocks. The sketch for challenge 126 was right up my street and perfect for these holiday photos I wanted to use.

So go and check out the challenge ladies, I would love to see what you come up with. I will be back later in the week with some wedding photo's, my 31 days of October journal and some other bits. Emily wants her breakfast and I cannot keep her waiting!

Love Micayla xx

The one about keeping up.....

2010-10-08T15:21:00.002+01:00

As I mentioned in the last post I was in the process of doing a journal for the 31 days of October. I am pleased to say I am keeping up and really enjoying the process. I enjoy the days I have time to play with my camera and push myself to get out of auto. Not every day is like that due to time restrains but I have taken a few photos this past week that I am very pleased with. I cannot believe it has come around so fast but my darling Mummy is getting married next Friday so tomorrow is her Hen Night. Today while Emily has been at her Granna's I have ironed my outfit and cleaned my shoes ready and tonight I am having a beauty sesh...yay so very excited to spend sometime on me.

The above two photos were taken yesterday. After Emily had been to playgroup we spend sometime in the garden . We pulled the last tomatoes, filled the compost bucket up, washed pots, swept the floor and checked on the parsnips, beets and carrots. All are doing very well, I cannot wait for those 'snips.....my faves. We weeded, Emily got very muddy and played with her 'under-brella' even though there was no rain. We drank tea and milk, she fed my spring cabbages with garlic cracker and then she had a deep bath to clean up. I really enjoy being in the garden
with Emily.

Taken on the 5th October while we went to feed the ducks and play on the park. I was missing her like mad while she was at playgroup so I decided we would go and let off some steam. I wanted to do a photo shoot, but the ground was too wet. Hopefully on Monday I can do it as we have to collect some autumn things for playgroup.....her first homework assignment. How sweet.

I have been meaning to take a photo of my engagement and wedding ring so so long but never got around to it. Sods law really as two weeks ago when messing around at the beach with Steve and Emily. I lost my antique engagement ring and I couldn't' find it. Since losing weight it was too big and I did not want to get it re-sized until I was at target. To say I was gutted was an understatement. I still have not found the words to express how upset I am, it will never be replaced and I don't know when we will be able to afford a new one. My wedding ring looks all sad and tiny on its own as my other ring was the focal point and I wanted a simple ring to go with it. If you happen to come across a gorgeous gold aquamarine (excuse the pun) and diamond ring on a beach somewhere, please return it to a very upset owner......if only! So I finally got around to photographing my wedding ring just in case, love the photo though!!

I will share the journal soon, the light here has been awful and I have been a little busy of late. Hoping to get it up by next weekend. Off to do the blog hop now, looking forward to seeing what you all have been up to this last week.

Have a fun weekend.

Love, Micayla xxx

Her new adventure and other stories.

2010-09-29T07:52:00.009+01:00

It has never been a secret that Emily has my creative streak. She loves to do anything with her hands and best of all loves to get messy. Be it painting her body or playdoh in her hair, she just loves exploring her creative side. As a good Mummy, I let her indulge. I give her the tools she needs, never moan about the mess and display lots of her art around our home. To be honest it makes me so happy. We have paper mache planned for today. We are going to make a rocket ships for Daddy.....happy days.

I took these the other day when we were painting, I love how she has to paint herself up. You should see the bath after she is out. With one paint........

Emily concentrating..............

Emily has embarked on a new adventure. One I was not happy with and still it hurts to think I have let my baby go. She has started playgroup, one morning and one afternoon a week.

Her she is with her new bag and all ready to go.....how sweet.

Steve and I both believed it was the right thing to do even though neither of us wanted to let her. Emily loves playing with other children, but all her cousins are much older than her. I don't have any friends with children her age and we both agreed we would let her go to help her develop personally. It was such a hard decision, was we being selfish as we didn't want her to go.
Yes was the answer so that was the end of the story.

I have cried, I have missed her, I have worried and rang up each time she went just to check on her, I have cried when I picked her up but Emily is having a wonderful time and that makes me happy, even though it is raw and painful to let her go. She loves it when I pick her up and she is very cuddly and sweet and that is gorgeous. I never though I would send her so young, I always said when she was about 4 and only then so she did not feel different when she started school. I am shocked at how fast she is growing, how old she acts and how well she speaks to us. She really is going on 4 so I guess that the timing was right for her.

I have decided to do a mini book for October, 31 days of our lives. I often forget to write down the funny things Emily says or the fun stuff we do and I wanted to slowly get myself back into journaling daily. I will take a photo each day, journal and embellish my album so as I am doing things I love I should keep up. I will share all soon. I only started making it today.

In other news I too am going on an adventure. I am enrolling on a childcare course in November. Working with children has always been a dream of mine. I went to college to study it after I left school but I wanted money and being young and stupid I quit. But I am going to take this second chance and run with it. Hooray for me!! That was my good news from the last post. I am NOT pregnant as some emails I got sent thought!!! Oh how I laughed, there is no way another baby is on the cards yet. I cannot get enough of Emily.

So that is me over and out. Emily is sat playing with Moon Dough, the most messy thing ever......yes worst than playdoh as it just crumbles all over the floor. But does hoover up like a dream and not stick to the carpet. So I best dash and supervise.

Till next time.

Micayla xxx

From my so called creative hands

2010-09-16T20:02:00.011+01:00

I promised a creative post on my next update so here it is. Pretty photo heavy I am afraid so lets get started my dears. Emily's 2nd Birthday cake, it was a triple layer vanilla and chocolate fest that went down well.

' Storytime' garland for the shop

She is adored, One of my fave photos of madam.

Close up 1

Close up 2

You are my reason layout, check those cute little toes.

You are my reason close up

Another Christmas catch up layout

Letter to Santa close up

I brought some gorgeous vintage glazed cotton forever ago and turned it into this gorgeous 'Afternoon tea' cushion for the shop. I have another one almost finished too.

My sneaky peak for my Creative Scrappers guest spot. It is not even glued yet...tee hee!!

And last but not least, a layout to document my weight loss journey. This one was done a while back and I never got round to posting.

So I have been busy. I have other sewn shop items waiting to be photographed and hopefully I will be scrapping tomorrow as Emily is at her Granna's.

Thank you all for the welcome back. It was so nice to see you were still reading!

Back soon with some exciting news.

Micayla xxx

I am back!

2010-09-13T19:12:00.000+01:00

So it may seem like I have been hibernating of late, it has been over a month since my last post but I have been enjoying the last bit of summer before the autumn kicks in. I think it is safe to say it has already happened here. Yay to cosy nights in, snuggled up with a good book!

So what have I been up to since I went AWOl, well lots and lots and nothing much really. Emily had her 2nd Birthday which included a bouncy castle party, and her annual Birthday trip to Matlock, Derbyshire. We have been swimming lots, I have been losing weight, 18lb in 10 weeks then putting on 3lb in 2 weeks after lots of meals and days out while Steve's Dad was home. I am back on track again though. I have been spending lots of time in the garden or curled up with a book. I have been spending quality time with the family and enjoying taking a break from things that steal my time, the internet being one of them.

Emily seems to have grown over night, she is getting so grown up. Here she is saying 'cheese please' for the camera! Love that smile, it rocks.

This one was taken in the Victorian Bath museum in Matlock, we took one last year and I remembered to get one so we could see how much she had changed!

Here is last years photo in the same place, different don't you think? It is crazy how much she has grown.

I honestly could write for ever telling you recent happening but I don't want to bore. My next update will be scrap related I think. I have done a few layouts I want to share and have been asked to do some work as a guest for someone so will have that to share soon. Just need to get that one finished.

So that is me, done with the update. I am off blog hopping now......so excited to see what you all have been up to!

Laters,

Micayla xx

Taking some time out

2010-08-02T19:12:00.003+01:00

I am taking some time off from blogging.
Other things are taking up my time.
I have been poorly again and am still exhausted.
Emily is teething badly and is keeping unsociable hours which is adding to the exhaustion.
I will be back soon, hope to see you all then.
xxx

Dens, woods, camo paint and good old muck!!

2010-07-15T20:17:00.005+01:00

I wanted to post this on Monday but Emily has been poorly and I have felt under the weather. We are both better now and I think my symptoms were more sleep related as I barely slept for 2 nights after keeping bedside vigil because I was scared she was going to be sick in her sleep. But we are both on top form again and I am ready to share some weekend fun pictures.

We spent Saturday at Nettleton woods. We took Baloo from Jungle Book to hide for Emily, tents, balls, nets, buckets and blankets. We armed ourselves with a huge picnic of bacon, sausages, cakes, meatballs, chilli, bread and plenty of tea and juice ( I had a bowl of Special K, satsuma and a pasta salad.....kudos to me) I took 3 camera, yes 3! My DSLR, film and my little Nikon. I was all ready to snap away and get some great shots. I took over 300 so have plenty to edit but thought I would share a few faves today.

Oh sweet baby girl.

I adore this one so much! My little war baby. xoxo

Having a huge family picnic
Self Portrait: Wild child Mummy( Camo paint courtesy of Emily)

Plabbing in the stream with Granna

Wild child Marie

Looking for the perfect shot

Smile 'Mina camera' ( Everything is hers at the moment and she speaks with a little German accent when she says mine)

Whacking Stick......yay!

Walk with us, we are off on a Baloo hunt.

Emily stuffing sausage rolls with wild hair!!

We made dens, sat at the pub for a drink, paddled in the stream, climbed trees, got camo'd up and me and Marie went all girlie and did our hair. I think we all wanted to camp out so talks have been planned for a camping weekend.....yay!! We rolled home around 8pm, gave Emily a shower as she was filthy, took her to bed then bathed ourselves. I was paranoid I had bugs in her hair!! We all slept well that night.

In other news, I have stuck to the diet, kept up with the exercise and I have lost 8lbs in the last 3 weeks. I am so proud of myself and felling stronger. Steve has just brought me Gillian Michael's 30 day shred dvd, f%*k I am scared. That woman is a machine!!! So I guess I am in for a sore few weeks. I am hoping for 2-3lb this week as I have an extra day on my side. I got weighed a day early last week as Steve took me out while Emily was at her Granna and we enjoyed a Pizza Hut (bad I know) So I am looking forward to Saturday.

I have some layouts to share next week. I may get a couple more done tomorrow while Emily is out but I think I am sewing, doing a camera strap for me. I may sell these in the shop if all goes well. What are your weekend plans? Car Booting Sunday for us and not a lot else. I want to get upstairs clean and tidy and move my bedroom furniture about for a change.

Guess I better get off now. I want to have an hour chill out before bed and my muscles are sore from today's kick butt sesh!! Oh, if I have not popped to say hello of late, I will be around this weekend.

Love,

Micayla xxx

Caught on film.

2010-06-28T20:36:00.005+01:00

As you know I brought a few vintage cameras while thrifting a while back and was having trouble getting a battery for one of them. Well I found one, the voltage was a little higher but figured I could adjust the exposure to compensate for it. I got the film out of the fridge, found a online manual for it and got started. I honestly did not think it was going to work as the exposure counter was not working and I could not tell if it was moving or not. So I just messed around and hoped for the best. Hung on my leg.....

Kisses for Mummy by Steve

Washing day

Getting stuck in

Sweet girl by Steve

I took it to be developed at Tesco, just onto disk to save money if it has not worked and imagine my happiness when these babies came out! OMG, my Praktica camera is just gorgeous. It is the amazing lens that really makes me smile. I love how it shoes the scratches on the lens, the grain, and the bokeh it creates. Seriously it's everything. The exposure was fine really, all I did was add a vintage texture in PSE7 to enhance them. I am so happy and think I will be taking more photos with film. I am so excited to take this camera out now I know it is working and really road test it. I have more film ready and am thinking a photo shoot is called for very soon!!

Hope everyone is okay, I have been busy doing nothing much at all. Being very skint, applying for jobs(it sucks but needs must) reading and gardening. Everything is coming alive in the garden now and it looks pretty good.

I lost another 1lb last week, not a huge amount but as the week had gone a little pear-shaped food wise it was brilliant for me. I refused a chippy last night and seaside food on Sunday and ate healthy. I am hoping for 2-3lb this week as I will be working my butt off in the exercise department.

Hoping to get some real computer time tonight or tomorrow, I have only been nipping on in the last week and miss catching up with everyone, so expect me by soon!!

Laters,

Micayla xx

The one about where my time has been spent.

2010-06-25T20:11:00.008+01:00

It seems like ages since I last posted, I was doing well trying to keep updated regularly but as you all know not all plans turn out the way you want them to. It is the same old story, been pretty busy....all fun and games.

I have been playing with my supplies and have done a few layouts, hooray!! I really enjoyed getting down and creative. Mixing old supplies with new and these where done while Emily was sat in the room playing on the floor.....bliss!

I have also been doing a little sewing, a little scraps garland. Not a lot has happened as I have been super tired of late and the heat at night is killing me. It is always so close and sticky here and it drives me nuts. I am already ready for the cooler autumn months. My love affair with summer never lasts long.

I love this photo, not very good for showing the garland off but gonna love the sun beams going on......so very pretty!

Here's a better view. I am hoping to get the shop open and running mid to end of next month. I have quite a bit going on so really want to find a good time so I can dedicate time and effort. When I have a date I will let you all know and I will be running a giveaway..yay!!

In other news, we have been teaching a gorgeous little thing about the potty! She has caught on really well and has been 'trying again' a lot. We are not forcing her, she is still in nappies as I don't feel she is fully ready yet. We have had both number ones and twos in the potty and I think it wont be long before we will be ready to start properly. I felt it was a good idea to introduce her to the concept and I believe it will make it easier for us all when we go for it for real. She was so happy to try again with Minnie by her side, my clever little miss. Love you baby xoxo.

I am so excited about tomorrow, Off car booting at Hemswell and having a there picnic too. I got a Polaroid camera the other week for £6.50 and sold it on Ebay for £25.50 so pretty happy with my return! Hope to find another bargain and want some pretty plates and fabric. What are you doing this weekend?

The big weigh day today, finally back on track after adjusting to the 'big gross challenge' I made a promise to myself that I would quit smoking this year and I will make that goal. I stopped for 5 days solid then unfortunately went back to the dark side. But good news is that I have reduced my intake from about 15 a day to around 5 or 6. Okay so I have not quit completely was was pretty weak willed but it is an achievement and I am working on reducing the number again until I am quit completely. So that was why things have been stressful as mentioned in a post a week or so back. I just wish it was easier!!!

Right, off to hop in the bath and get ready to go into town for some picnic stuff, Jamie at Home from the library and get weighed....wish me luck! Edited to add: I lost 4lbs this week, yay me!

Speak soon.

M xxx

It's summertime and the living is good..............

2010-06-16T20:04:00.005+01:00

I do love the summer, although winter is really my favourite time of the year. There is just something about summer that makes me happy. Okay the warmer weather helps and the lush green gardens and countrysides make me want to take lots of photos. The light is generally better for photography and you cannot beat bare baby feet....swoon!

This year so far has been the best in a few years. Emily is older and can enjoy getting out and doing more things. This allows more days out without carting a bumper crop of stuff with us and we can just up and leave instead of some military style planning days before. The garden has been a extension of the house and proving very valuable in keeping her happy and dirty!! I can also take a little time to myself and bring the camera out and I am enjoying doing so. I very seldom took my big camera out as we already had so much stuff but now we are just down to a small bag, I allow myself to take it. Steve took the above photo and the one of me and Emily. All I did was edit them, he is not bad!

I absolutely love this one. I see an enlargement on the wall.

So what were your weekends like? We have a quiet one this week, maybe a little thrifting on Sunday but more likely we will be in the garden. The turf is getting laid new week and I have planted sprouts, sprouting broccoli, cabbages and parsnips for my late autumn/winter crops. I think I may have to do a scrapbook style gardening journal. I can see myself sat on the grass writing away in the sunshine while Emily plays, bliss!

Speak soon,

Micayla xxx

Hello there Mr photo makers and weekend news!!!

2010-06-11T22:14:00.004+01:00

You will all know from reading my blog or actually knowing me, that I have a little crush on all things vintage. Mix this with a love of photography and thrifting and I now have a new hobby. Vintage cameras!!

My heart goes all a flutter when I see them, I pray I have money in my purse and enough to buy them and more so hope I can get film for them without needing to sell my body parts for a roll.

So without further ado, say hello to my new friends. Mr Kodak Duaflex II.......shockingly uses 620 film which can be sourced but will cost at least an eye. The good news, you can use 120 film but need to fashion it to fit. (Steve, can I have a dark room now!!)

Mr Praktica Super TL1000. Yay, uses 35mm and I have some stored in the fridge! Just need a battery for it which is proving hard to find I must admit.

I am very excited to shoot my first roll, going to have a photo shoot with Emily I think. Because I cannot edit the photos I am hoping it will push my limits and make me think more creatively. Okay I know I can get them on disk and do it that way but I am hoping I don't have too do much to them at all.

We have had a lovely weekend. Friday saw me sewing cushion covers and making garlands all day. Spent Saturday at a RAF family day, Saturday night watching the match (gutted) and having a few beers with Steve's cousin Phil. Today was spent car-booting and gardening barefoot......Oh I love Mother Nature! Now the heavens have opened and it has watered the garden for me. I am busy sourcing our winter veg now ready for planting and just ready enjoying spending time with Steve and Emily. Can it get any better?

I have loads of recorded Biggest Loser Australia to watch, so am planning a TV marathon tonight as I am tired. I have got myself some new trainers so plan a big butt moving sesh or 5 next week. After being good for a week I lost 5lbs but since Tuesday I have struggled. I have a huge reason why and will share soon.(I am not pregnant) But I need to get back on track as I was feeling so good about myself.

Right, update soon. I have a meat and potato pie in the oven and it is almost ready. Just need to get the veg sorted. Yummy!!

Love,

Micayla xxx

At last......a creative post.

2010-06-09T22:15:00.005+01:00

I have finally created something, and boy did it feel good. I took a few hours last Friday and did this layout with my gorgeous new Websters Pages papers. They are just so pretty, I even ordered a few more yesterday.
I couldn't wait to get started on scrapping the holiday photos and this one just needed doing, one of my fave of the holiday. Scrapping obviously kick started something as my mojo seems to be back. I have another layout sat on my desk, just waiting to be finished and I want to scrap more but will have to wait until Friday. Oh sweet pudgy leggies, dancing on the sand. xoxo

I have been busy sewing too, taking stock photos for the shop and I think opening day is very close(better late than never). I have made something for an open day giveaway so stay tuned for that. In fact I have been so busy and stressful, I have been unable to take part in the creative boot camp I blogged about the other week. Although I really wanted to get into it, now is just not the right time. The posts have been saved and I will attempt to complete it soon. I am really looking forward to it.

Speak soon,

Micayla xxx

Fun when the sun shines

2010-06-05T10:50:00.003+01:00

I love the warmer weather, seeing Emily run around in her cossy and barefoot just warms my heart. As a family we love getting outdoors and messing around. Emily has been having lots of fabble-ing (paddling to Emily) pool time which she just loves. It makes us so happy to see her playing and being carefree as a child should.

We spend Bank Holiday Monday at Sundown Adventure Land. We stopped at Nettleton woods for a breakfast cook-off and then travelled down. All the children we so excited and I think the bigger kids were more so to be honest. Trying to get photos of the family there proved difficult as no one stayed still so I took photos of the actual place instead. It was a really fun day and I am looking forward to going again soon.

My photo's arrived yesterday and I have some layouts to share next week. I had forgotten how much I missed playing with my supplies. Steve's Mum had Emily on Friday so I had a bit of spare time on my hands and used it on me for a change. Pure bliss, I can tell you. With getting up so early at the moment, by the time Emily has gone to bed I am shattered and cannot help fall on the computer or watch the telly. I am into Biggest Loser Australia at the moment.

Speaking of losing, I have finally pulled my finger out and have exercised 3 times this week. I am so proud of myself. I never do any actual exercise, other than running around like a headless chicken after Emily and Steve. So this is HUGE. I am starting to understand that 'me time' is important and am trying to carve some out each day. I am important and I need to take care of myself. I really feel good about it and the aches and pains remind me that I am achieving something. I am buying myself some running trainers next week and hopefully will get out and enjoy some fresh air while working out.

I am off to fill Emily's paddling pool now before she wakes and am looking forward to a day car-booting tomorrow at Hemswell. I am after a plate rack for the kitchen to store my pretty plates and bowls I keep buying. What are your weekend plans?

Love,

Micayla xxx

Oh photoshop I love you

2010-05-30T21:01:00.003+01:00

So as you know I brought myself PSE 7 with some of my wedding money and I have been playing around with it a lot lately. I brought PSE7 for dummies to go along with it but I find I learn quicker by just playing about with the buttons. I know I have a long way to go before I have kinda cracked it but just wanted to share something I am proud of.

When I flicked through my holiday photos on my camera, I found this little gem I totally forgot I took. It was in her Grandads apartment, the light was fantastic and Emily looked adorable in my favourite outfit and sweet as apple pie pigtails. I quickly grabbed my camera and took a few shots. I did not really take anytime to compose the image as she moves so quickly. If I didn't snap now, the opportunity would of been lost. So here is the shot I captured, I could of died. She looks so beautiful but the background was killing me. It totally ruined the photo but then I remembered I have photoshop!!! I spend almost 2 hours, faffing, playing, and lots of pressing undo and finally I can up with this little stunner. I love the clone tool with all my being, seriously too cool!

So now I have a gorgeous photo ready to get printed for the wall. We have a copy for ourselves and another for Steve's Dad for Fathers Day. I am sure he will love it so much especially as it was taken while we where there. So what are you guys buying for Fathers Day, or are you creating something?

I have taken a big step today and been for an interview at college. I am thinking of doing a childcare course shortly. I feel Emily is old enough for me to go now and we have signed her up for playgroup in September. She will only go for a few hours a week and to be honest we are doing it for her more than us as she loves playing with other children. I am missing her already.

Well mush dash, I have a few pennies to spend and cannot wait for some new stash to arrive. I have ordered a batch of photos ready! So excited!!

Love,

Micayla xxx

PS. Thank you for the comments on the last post about my photos. It really made my day and I do love the vintage feel they have.

Down at the bottom of the garden

2010-05-27T22:27:00.012+01:00

This week has seen us in the garden when the weather has been good. As we have decided that for now moving to Marseille is not a viable option for now, we have decided to get the garden into order. We are getting some turf for a grassy area for Emily and fencing it off from the dog. We have a few veg planters for our veg, some conifers for the rockery and of course some pretty flowers and more veg in tubs. I cannot wait to see it all done. Emily helping Daddy

Emily's friend.......oh no a squished snail on her thumb!

Okay that's it Mummy, I need a nap on the compost!

This year we are growing tomatoes, lettuces, beetroot, onions, basil, potatoes, french beans, carrots and courgettes. If all goes well this year I plan to do more next year. Make a couple of raised beds for the back of the garden and get more tubs. Growing your own is so much fun, I never really tried gardening until last year and I do love it. Emily adores being outside and helping pot the plants, okay she makes a mess but it is all good fun. She has pumpkins growing at her Granna's that she planted and her seeds are growing here too. She certainly has green fingers.

Tomatoes

Yummy beetroots

Onions.

I will share some more photos when the garden is something like, it is an embarrassment at the moment, mud everywhere, a broken fence that we replaced this week and lots of weeds!!! We should be finished in the next few weeks. What are you growing this year, would love to know!

Love,

Micayla xx

Okay, grab a cuppa my dears.

2010-05-27T20:13:00.005+01:00

Hello all,

Feels good to get back on the computer and get blogging again. I have missed my virtual world. I have been slowly trying to catch up with reading blogs, replying to emails and trying to do a post myself. All good fun. Slowly getting back on track.

So I said I would share some holiday love with you and without further ado, here goes.
We are leaving on a jet plane........

Snuggles with Daddy

Mr and Mrs

You put your left leg in.............

Smiles and chunky baby legs................pure bliss!

Taking her cool dude (Hello Kitty) glasses off so sweetly!

And just because it made us chuckle!

I have been playing with photoshop elements and a few freebie textures I found via Paint the moon photography So editing them is taking a little longer than expected but I am really enjoying the process and the outcomes. I love the vintage feel/colour to them and just need the perfect paper to scrap with now.

Speaking of scrapbooking, I seem to of lost my mojo at the moment. I have some new supplies to play with but nothing is working. But I managed to do a layout just before I went away so thought I would share. Okay so Christmas layouts may seem crazy in May but seriously I noticed they had early Christmas specials on QVC the other day......has the world gone mad?

So Marseille was a lovely break. We all enjoyed out time there and even got an extra day due to the closure of the airports because of the Icelandic ash clouds. The weather was a little less desirable than we had hoped but we did get one beach day and had a dip in the 'oggin(sea) Emily loved the beach and spent the afternoon in her cute costume dipping her feet and collecting stones in her bucket. I could of died when I put her costume on, she looked so gorgeous. Emily made friends with a French boy and spent her time on the park hugging him, saying bonjour and they were communicating with each other making daft noises and sounds like 'DAT' it was so funny.

She also fell in love with The Disney shop. With Mickey Mouse, Handy Manny and Body Cat(Marie from The Aristocats) seriously what more could she want. She came home with a Minnie Mouse plate and cup, a Body Cat pillow and large stuffed toy, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse figure set, Handy Manny talking tool box, a Daisy Duck and Minnie small stuffed toys, two outfits from my favourite shop and a couple of DVDs. She was super spoilt and loved every minute of it.

The holiday was such an eye opener for us. It was always going to be. After making the decision that we were going to move out there, we knew this holiday would cement or break the deal. I must admit that questions are being asked and we now are not sure at all. The cost of living is ridiculous to say the least. I mean who charges around 5 euro for cheapo supermarket shampoo, the decent stuff was 10 plus, Mascara was around 15 euro for Rimmel and food unless you go to the Arab market(which rocks but does not sell everything you need) is so expensive. Juice was a huge thing for me, I like my no added sugar juice and all they sell is syrup which is awful.

Rented places, other than ones in the slums so to speak are so over priced. We could barely afford a one bed place. So we have a lot of soul searching to do in the coming months and make the best decision for ourselves as a family. Big stuff.

I think I have spent too much time on here now, bed is calling. Emily's sleeping is shot at the moment and we are reluctantly having to endure 5am-ish starts and restless nights. I am worn out and in need of a few good nights sleep. But I guess that will have to wait for now.

Love,

Micayla xx

Just thought I would share.............

2010-05-23T20:32:00.002+01:00

It is free and well worth a look if you want to boost your creativity......I know I do! So check it out here

I will be back very soon with holiday photos, catch ups and a little Christmas scrapping in May! I am so very behind......don't you think.

xxx

Bon voyage

2010-05-05T21:23:00.003+01:00

The bags are packed
The passports ready
We have our smiling faces on
We are ready to have some fun
Be back soon

Love Micayla
xxx

She returns before heading off again..........

2010-04-26T20:31:00.003+01:00

Hello,

I know it has been a long time coming but seriously I have not known if I was coming or going the last few weeks. Trying to catch up after the wedding, sorting things out for Marseille, a 'not sleeping enough' little girl who is grumpy and out of sorts and a tired mummy.......not a good combo for editing photos and blog catching up.

The wedding was perfect, I don't think I could of asked for a nicer day. The weather was glorious, friends and family were there, food plentiful and Emily was so well behaved and had an amazing time playing at the reception. She was a little upset at the wedding, and had to sit with me.....almost climbed up my dress when we had to stand up but it kept the crowds amused! I am a little gutted about the photo's. A lot came out blurred and we dont have many of us. We rushed back home after the wedding to get Emily sorted and changed so no photos were taken then and I did not see my camera until the last 20 minutes or so of the reception so I took none. I did not like my dress in the end, it made my ass look HUGE but all in all it was perfect and I wouldn't change anything. Everyone said it was such a perfect day and so Micayla and Steve and I call that a result.

I wish I had more time to go into detail but time is short and I am sure you guys would be bored. So here are a few photos.....the best of the bunch so to speak.

Mr and Mrs Dixon
Emily and her Daddy

Emily and Mummy

Confetti........yay!

Blurred but hey ho!

I couldn't help but laugh!!!

Smooches as Husband and Wifeeeee

Our first play fight. I think this is my fave of them all.......so us just goofing about.

Mr and Mrs Dixon tied the knot with Emily in tow.

So with Marseille almost a week away and so much to do I am not sure if I will be posting again before I go. I plan to blog catch up this week and say hello so keep an eye out.

Thank you for putting up with me.....such a scatter brain at the moment but will be on full form after my hols. I need the break and luckily my updated passport came in time even after a little mix up.

Love,

Mrs D xxxx

The last post.................

2010-04-09T15:27:00.003+01:00

This is to be my last post.

But don't worry, I will be back just living life with a new name. Yes in less than a week I will be Mrs Micayla Dixon. I have decided to take a little break before the wedding so I can prepare and spend time with with my family.

Things have been hectic the last few weeks and I have not been able to spend much time on the computer or get around all my favourite blogs. So today and tomorrow will be spent catching up then I am off to enjoy the lead up to the wedding.

Even though we have been busy, Emily, of course has still been the most important thing. Steve took her to Play Towers last Friday, she had a lovely Easter Sunday with family car booting and Easter present hunting and yesterday we spend a lovely afternoon in the park, just the two of us. That girl would not sit still for a photo.....that's the thing with toddlers!!!
I have also been having some fun with my stash. I don't seem to scrap much anymore and I do miss it so I let myself have a little play this week and managed to get 3 layouts done. The early Birthday present from Steve and Emily helped. They got me some of the new Prima papers, flowers and embellishments....yay!

No doubt.....a pre wedding layout!

Those flowers are just too gorgeous to mention!

My Bliss....My gorgeous babies having fun.

A weight lifted- A quick layout to document a certain 'going on' in my life. To cut a long story short, I have said a final goodbye to my Father. It has been a long time coming, we have never got on and I have barely spoken or seen to him since I moved out almost 8 years ago. He has seen Emily for no more that 5 hours in her life and cares for only himself and I was tired of waiting for him to step up and play Daddy. Yes I was sad and yes it hurt but I figured I would only spend the rest of my life hurting so enough was enough and to be honest I feel much happier for it.

The issue of Scrapbook Inspirations idea book Vol 1 has hit the shops and I was so happy to see myself in print again. One layout would of been good but lucky old me got 3 in, made the front cover, the welcome page and also had a full page with one of my baby layouts. I was seriously doing the old happy dance when I got my copy and layouts back. It always worries me when I send them off in case the never make it back or are damaged but they got back safely.

Well I guess I should scoot, Emily will be home soon and I have stuff to finish off before she gets back. Steve has his Stag Do tonight so a peaceful one for me.....good job as last weekend was crazy! Enjoy the lovely weather guys and I will be back soon with Hen night and wedding photos.

Mucho xxx

Sweet little girl

2010-03-28T19:40:00.005+01:00

Just a very quick post, just wanted to share the beautiful flowers Emily picked with Granna for me. I adore them so much. She was helping in the garden, planting bulbs and asked for a 'pretty flower' Steve's Mum got her one and she said 'Mummy' How sweet is that.

I decided I was going to take advantage of the lovely weather and natural light and play with my 50mm lens. I even played with settings and used manual focus instead of auto which I always do. Must admit the colours came out lovely and creamy and captured the ruffles perfectly. I am pretty happy with it. Barely edited it all at. I am looking at maybe getting a 35mm lens soon. I want a new camera but that is a little out of my budget for now, so photography books and dreaming about lenses will suffice. Best get the piggy bank filled.

I don't think my next post will be until early next week now as I have a busy few days planned. Out for tea tomorrow, Friday is a girlie shopping day, Saturday is my Hen Night and off to a huge car boot and antique place.......so busy busy busy. Stay tuned kiddo's.

Love,

Micayla xxx

Oh hello hectic life!

2010-03-27T13:10:00.004Z

Things are hectic here, so much going on that is why Miss Blog has been thrown aside for a while.
Obviously the wedding is in less than 3 weeks so pretty busy with that. Choosing flowers, sorting catering, trying to find Emily shoes and making decorations. Im busy with Miss sewing machine and I keep getting hooked to the telly with desperate Housewives too.....its all going on now!!

I have had a little {happy about it} disaster though. I tired my dress, shoes and cardi on Friday and OH NO the dress is too big by a lot. I have been very good on the diet and have lost 6lb in 2 weeks and it shows. All my clothes are too big for me, my jeans and knickers keep hanging with the bottom of my butt cheeks, seriously they are best friends at the moment. Crawling around playing with Emily is proving a good eyeful for Steve. Although I have had no complaints yet ;)
I've had to have my wedding ring made 3 sizes smaller and my engagement ring is big too so that will have to be done. I am finally feeling as though I have lost weight. Hooray, it is about time.

I am in between sizes at the moment, so need to lose a few more pounds before I will commit to a shopping spree and I cannot wait. So in the meantime I am having a bash at customising a few tops so they fit better and making Emily a little something too. Thought I would share a sneekie peekie for your viewing pleasure. Just making her a pillowcase style dress with a pattern from Making Children's Clothes by Emma Hardy. I have found it too baggy at the front so a little play around will hopefully sort that out.
I am planning a computer night tomorrow if nothing steals me away and I can get caught up, lots of emails and blogs to digest. I am looking forward to it. Better dash as Emily will be awake anytime now and I want to get the kitchen ready for cookie baking....yay!

Much love,
Micayla

Post hijack by me, Emily.

2010-03-21T19:31:00.006Z

I am sure you have have noticed that Mummy has been blogging more of late. She decided it was time to spend a little more time and love on here{ I have not been neglected in the process}. But for fun I have decided to hijack her blog and share some pretties and tell you about our weekend.

My Daddy works weekends which is fun for me as I get Mummy all to myself. We always do fun stuff and she lets me make lots of mess and she does not mind.

We went 'tats' into town on Saturday morning so Mummy could get weighed. She lost 3lbs and I am proud of her as she has tried hard even though she had a little chocolate. She took me to see Nana at work and tried her wedding ring on again. She had to have it made smaller as she has done so well not eating much other than boring food! Then she dragged me round doing what she calls thrifting. God knows what it is but lots of people, mainly granna type ladies talk to me and tell me I am pretty. Mummy got us a pretty rose teacup and saucer each for tea parties when I am older. Some embroidered table mats and doilies which she seems to like a lot and a pretty blanit she washed and put on the bed. We also made chocolate cupcakes that day and I tipped all the cornflakes on the side while Mummy was cleaning out the cupboards. I had fun smooshing them but I did not get told off, Mummy laughed a lot then put me in the bath.

Mummy told me that on Saturday night while I was in bed that she made this pretty garland for her shop. I like it very much and she used the fabric that the postman brought the other day.
On Sunday we did some cleaning. I helped Mummy with the hoover and tried to suck my mouth up with it. It makes me laugh. We cleaned more cupboards out and cleaned the bathroom. Mummy said she is spring cleaning. My Auntie Lin came round to see us and brought Mummy a pretty pink paint and she did her nails and I got my thumb painted too. I like pink and so does Mummy. I played lots with all my toys and helped Mummy by sitting on her watch watching Cinderella and singing tinkle tinkle little ar to her while she sorting the ironing. Mummy says that I make her so happy she almost cries when I sing that. She then let me play with her other baby is calls camera. I took this one with the help from Mummy.

Mummy took this one while I pulled her pretty strap and laughed a lot. I like mine the best, it looks a little dizzy dizzy but it is nice. I don't yet know how to work it but if Mummy lets me I can try again.

I better go now as I should be sleeping. I may come back and post again.

Love,

Emily xxx

PS. Mummy has a new Tumblr account to stop Daddy telling her off for clogging up the computer with her pretties. The link is at the side. xx

Thrifty Thursday

2010-03-18T11:34:00.004Z

Two posts in a week, well I am doing well.

Just wanted to stop by.

Say hello.......{hello there}

and share some pretties with you.

Some pretty vintage sheet fat quarters I got from Lemon Blooms Etsy shop. They arrived Tuesday and I already have a garland made and another almost done. So many oh so lovely linens and other bits there. The photo was taken by lemon Blooms

My new pretty cereal bowl I got from a charity shop in town and a pretty white crocheted mat. Gotta love pretty crocheted items.

My new pretty cereal bowl thrifting from a charity shop in town and a pretty white crocheted mat. Gotta love pretty crocheted items.

I brought a duvet cover set a while back while thrifting and I said I would share. Well Emily had other ideas and kept diving all over the bed and messing it up. So I managed to get this gorgeous photo of her all snuggled up. I think it shows the duvet cover off perfectly. Do you think she was being my stylist for the day?

What are your plans for the weekend? I plan to do a little thrfiting and baking. A trip to the park is planned and I am in the process of a spring clean so that will carry on.

Post soon,

Love Micayla xx

The one about 'The dress'

2010-03-15T18:20:00.006Z

Hello,

I promised photos of my dress and here it is in all its glory. Oh you pretty thing you. Not one to be a shrinking violet I wanted my dress to have a pop and I think it has it. Okay so it is not traditional in any sense of the word but I love it. It will match the playful theme of the wedding as we have brought a shed load of kazoo's for everyone to play the wedding march for me.....such fun!!

My gorgeous Cousin Lucy works at Next and brought me these pink puppies to adorn my footies. It was part Birthday pressie and part contribution to the wedding. How sweet is she. I love her to death and really am going to miss her when we leave for pastures new. They are my something new......................just need to work on old, borrowed and blue now. May have to see if she owns a pink clutch bag.

The invites are going out this week.....I am getting really excited. Cannot quite believe we are doing it. I honestly thought we never would. I have my passport form ready to send at the end of the month. Mrs Dixon sounds funny to me but as we are going to Marseille early May I thought I best get my name changed before the big day.

Well this is just a short one as I have a date with my sewing machine for a hour or so and a few episodes of Desperate Housewives to watch and some blog reading to be done. Will update soon.

Love,
Micayla xx

She still scraps.............

2010-03-12T18:11:00.005Z

Hello,

Hope you all have had a good week. Mine has been filled with Desperate Housewives on DVD, prep work and Emily. A pretty sweet week all in all. I even scrapped. You can gasp in horror here :)

Yes I thought it was time to share some scrappy goodness as I have been awol from the old paper supplies for a while. I must admit that it is DT stuff though, but it felt good to play again. This one was for the Dotty Diva's next challenge but Katy has decided to scrap the blog, due to sponsor problems and lack of traffic, such a shame.

These were done for Willow Tree Crafts. Their March Caboodle kits was full of American Crafts Dear Lizzy range, I loved it!

Emily on her 1st Birthday with all her NTNG presents.....happy girl!

My sweet girl, playing on the park...check out the sweet handmade heart bunting. That is off in the shop.

Oh and my fave photos. I just adore her cheeky grin on this one.

As we are on the subject of paper. I have been making decorations all night. I have done a 'just married' and plain garland with paper doilies, more garlands with scraps of paper and some paper butterflies. Such fun.

I will share the 'dress' and shoes photo next update. They need uploading and it is getting late.

Have a lovely weekend whatever you are up too.

Love,

Micayla xxx

Busy, busy, busy.........

2010-03-08T21:23:00.003Z

Hello,
I know I said I will update at the weekend but it passed in such a blur my feet are still in Friday......seriously it was today before I even knew it. I have been very busy sorting, clearing and spring cleaning. All the while mentally preparing myself to clear the clutter ready for Marseille next year. I have not really stopped to be honest, but did take a little time the other day to start making my first apron for Etsy. It is called 'Hello Sunshine', made from yummy vintage textiles I found while thrifting.....oh happy days!

I just need the time to finish it now. I have another 'Pretty Vintage' garland made up, two more ready to be sewn and have some fabric on order to make some more. Told you I have been busy. I will make this post quick and do a proper update soon and get caught up to speed. I need a rota I think.

Anyhooo, I am out.

Love,

Micayla xxx

Lady Luck shines on me........

2010-03-04T19:15:00.003Z

Hello,

So Lady Luck does like me. I entered a giveaway on the lovely RubyEllen's blog to win this Polaroid camera and OMG I won it. The photo was taken from her blog by the way. I could not believe it when I read it was me......totally doing the happy dance I can tell you. How generous and sweet can someone be.....RubyEllen is a girl after my heart. She fills her blog with stories of motherhood, her children and family are just darling, she sews, creates and she takes gorgeous photos, multi-talented or what! Now go and leave her some love, she totally deserves it and check out the gorgeous dress she just made, man alive it is s-weet!!

Update at the weekend ladies.

Out,

Micayla..................still doing the happy dance. xxx

Something for the weekend.

2010-02-27T13:00:00.009Z

This week has just flown by and I realised I had not posted in a while and a certain someone wanted to see some photo's of my completed garland so I am making time to do this post while Emily naps. My weekend is going to be filled with reading, sewing and some rest time. I am still feeling run down from when I was ill and I feel that this will allow me to get some me time, relax a little and hopefully feel much better. My subs of Creative Keepsakes and Practical Photography hit the mat the other day and I am looking forward to reading them with a cuppa or two.

Yesterday I went dress shopping for the wedding and after countless hours, dresses tried on and numerous shops. I came home empty handed. I could find nothing to suit me at all. I know what style I want but fashion is mocking me and nothing works......damn those tulip skirts .....does nothing for a woman with hips you know!!! I did find shoes and a super cute clutch bag. So after much deliberation I think I am going to have a go at making something myself. I tried once at making Emily a dress before she was born and gave up promptly as I could barely work the sewing machine, but practise has honed my skills a little and I feel that a simple design could be achievable. I will keep you posted on this one.

So onto the pretty vintage garland. I have been busy the last few nights making up the scallops and I have made up my first one. I am pretty impressed and this little puppy is all mine. I cannot bare to give it up.

I am going to make a few more over the next week or so, not all will be like this. Some with have plain bias and a few fabric butterflies but once they are done and my shop is open I will be doing a giveaway here, so keep an eye out for that. I am also in the process of making little scrapbooking sets. Think mini butterfly paper garlands, lace, scraps of fabric and fabric butterflies. I am really excited at the process of making and selling my wares, but the wedding and other things are keeping me from really cracking on.....but a work in progress is okay, don't you think?

My thrifting trip last weekend proved successful. I came back with some gorgeous blue bedding and a pale lemon custard jug. The plan for the bedding was for material for my garlands but I don't think I can let this beauty get hacked. I will share photo's soon. I only just managed to get the garland photographed as Emily was getting huffy as she was hungry and tired. Just waiting for her to wake then we are going to have a look in a few shops for a dress, get some elastic and machine needles and grab something for tea.

I think that is all from me now, off to put a bit of lippy on, brush my hair and get everything ready to go straight out. Have a lovely weekend ladies.

Love,

Micayla xxx

In the workshop otherwise known as the kitchen

2010-02-19T18:53:00.006Z

The kitchen has been a hive of activity this week. Me and Emily have been busy doing creative activities. She asks daily if we can bake a cake and always wants to paint. I love that she has a creative side that is coming out so early. It sure makes me happy. I thought I would share the picture she made with paint, glue, glitter and little primas and other paper items. Honest it is all her work, other than the pasting of the glue over the whole sheet.....that was me as she kept trying to eat the glue from the brush. Talented I think! Now it seems that Emily is into body art too, she covered herself in paint and 'glitter, glitter' I love that she has a prima flower stuck to her foot.......so cute. Now I cannot wait to scrap this beauty.
So I too have been busy in the workshop, sewing machine on the side and ironing board close by. I have finally made a start for the bunting/garland I will be making for the shop. I don't have one finished yet, just lots of little pretty scallops made. I am not sure if this will be the finished design, I have just pinned it so you can see a sneak of what I have been doing. So honestly what do you think? I would love some feedback please guys.

The diet is still off, going to get weighed tomorrow and then get my butt into gear. Eight weeks today till the big day and I am going to try for 10lbs, not too much to ask I don't think. We have been busy selling on ebay and making a bit of money to help fund the wedding. Got a load more listed today while Emily was at her Granna's. I am hoping for a little 'pin' money to get some new fabrics.

I have been scrapping too, I did this little mini album for Willow Tree Crafts DT. I have another layout sat on my desk waiting to be finished too. I just don't seem to have enough time in the day to do everything I want to do......time sucks!

I am going to be busy this weekend making, baking and doing lots of fun things with Emily. May do a bit of thrifting tomorrow and try and grab some pretties. I will let you know how I get on. What are your plans for the weekend?

The sewing machine is calling me so I better go before I cannot be bothered. Have a lovely weekend all. Catch up soon.

Love Micayla

xxx

It must run in the family..........

2010-02-15T21:43:00.001Z

It must run in the family....... Emily has recently been asking to draw and paint of late and of course I am only too happy to allow her to unleash her creativity now matter how messy it gets. Sunday morning was spent in the kitchen, heating on full blast and Emily on the kitchen side in just a vest playing with paint, glitter, paper and glue. Yes the paper was from Mummy's stash! I punched her some butterflies, circles and hearts. Gave her some glitter, sequins and paper scraps and she produced some lovely pictures. I have a sweet drawing and a collage she made stuck up in the kitchen cupboard so when I am busy cooking I get to see them. It makes me so happy. I will get photo's soon. Lucky for us she was just sucking water off her brush.

Playing with her crayons

Magic paint book...........a godsend when you don't want mess.....for example early in the morning!!!

I have not uploaded Sunday's messy photo's yet, these were taken on Friday morning before she went to Granna's. So they will be coming to a post soon, I am sure.

Now Mummy has been creating too. I shared a sneak of this a while back but could not share as it was DT work. Now the new AD CHALLENGE is up at Dotty Diva's so here is my take.

Now I don't enter many giveaways, I am not that lucky. I feel my luck was all concentrated in Emily and I am happy about that. But I had to enter this one. The lovely Andrea, who tells me that our daughter's look alike is giving away this 'OH MY HEART BE STILL' apron she made. I have been reading her blog for so long as her vintage style makes me so happy.
It is funny as I have had an idea for a vintage linen apron for ages and I planned to use hankies and doilies, so this apron is right up my street. I do hope my luck is by my side for this one......Now go and check it out as she is having a week long giveaway.

In other news, my diet has gone a little awol with me being poorly. I am back on the mend now and trying to get back on the wagon. I lost 8lbs in 4 weeks but imagine a little gain but I am prepared for that and still have about 8 weeks to lose some more for the wedding. I am just feeling so worn down and drained at the moment, chocolate keeps calling my name and I don't like it! I am hoping as Emily had a late night she will sleep in a little and if I get to bed early tonight I should feel all good tomorrow and ready to go.

I will be blog reading tomorrow, I am a little behind. I have almost done the invites for the wedding, the bunting is ready to put together so I am very busy and don't get me started on the washing and ironing. That I will tackle tomorrow I hope but we have lunch at Steve's Grans and food shopping to do. Oh well lets not dwell.

Right, I am going to take a long soak in the bath and grab an early night. Have fun and keep warm.

Love Micayla xx

This makes me so happy..................

2010-02-14T20:35:00.000Z

A very short post, I will update later in the week but I had to share these photo's of Emily taken today at her Granna's.
My baby has grown up into a very beautiful sweet girl and I adore her so much.

When you involve children..............life gets a little messy.

2010-02-01T20:00:00.000Z

Since Emily was tiny I have been so excited at the thought of cooking with her. She is at that stage where we can start doing little things together and the other weekend while Daddy was at work we made him some shortbread biscuits. As you can imagine it was a messy affair with little hands covered in flour and butter along with the floor and work surfaces.....but it all cleans and I am down with the mess as we had such fun. We used a variety of cutters and each biscuit had it's own little Emily stamp......finger holes. The biscuits turned out eatable despite the fact that most of the mixture went into her mouth......her Daddy loved them.

I loved the fact we did it together and it was amazing to see her in action. I could not take any photo's as I was covered and she was sat on the kitchen side.....so this weekend while Steve was off we made chocolate cornflake cakes.....my faves. Seen as though I lost another 1lb I allowed myself one. It was a very very messy adventure. We was both covered and Emily's vest did not make it. I just had to share the photo's that Steve took, I love her grubby little self.....perfect!

We should of got around 12 normal size ones and 6 little Emily ones but I think we got around 7 in all after she ate loads and the vest/side/wall/boiler had the rest.

Happy days.................

I don't profess to be any good at photography, but I think I do okay. That is why I am taking a course but the other day I captured this little gem and if I do say so myself it is a stunner. Her beauty is caught perfectly and her eyes look amazing.

It was taken last Tuesday after her bath. She was being very sweet and wearing a bobble that I had left on the side of the bath as a bracelet and she looked super cute. Steve had her on his knee and was drying her and she was transfixed with 'Something Special' on Cbeebies. It is her favourite show along with 'Show me Show me' I grabbed the camera and snapped away and came away with this little beauty. I am so excited to scrap it and I will be enlarging it for the wall.

I have finally got around to finding the perfect little gift for Emma who helped me out with a photo edit over Christmas. I cannot tell you what it is as it is still at mine as she is off skiing but I thought I would share a sneak of the pretty packaging I did for her......I hope she likes it.

I think I have found my wedding dress and shoes. It is a non traditional dress, a strapless prom-style number that is green and pink floral with a matching pink shrug and these pink pretty shoes from Next. I am going to add some netting under the skirt to pretty it up a little and make it more dressy but so far I think it is the one. It made more sense to buy something I would wear again considering we are short on cash and I can see me sipping 'swimming pool' cocktails in the Havana Club in Marseille in it. We have found Steve's wedding ring and are going to do the notice of marriage in 10 days.......it is really happening now and I am starting to get excited.

I suppose I should really get off her and start uploading photo's to order as I have some scrapping planned for the weekend. I also have a dress for Emily on the go that I am sewing and I made her a little baby pillow and blanket yesterday for her Upsy Daisy bed, she loves them and uses them herself.....so sweet.

The sweet Sian has given me this award. Her blog is so uplifting and the stories she tells are best enjoyed with a cuppa.....oh and she scraps too and boy is she good. Go and say hello.

I think my whole post is a happy one so no more will be said but my sweet dears I must share the love.

So I will pass this award to:

Emma: My sweet' help me out in a jam' scrapbooking, sewing and knitting friend. Who takes kick ass photo's.

Ruth: A girl who's love for vintage layouts kill me and a very thoughtful and sweet friend.

Lisa: The yummy mummy who is so creative and who I wished lived near me as I adore her.

Sue: The crafty lady who is always so kind with her words and makes such gorgeous pieces of altered art.

I would love to carry on but I have ebay stuff to wrap, washing to sort and a cuppa to drink and it is getting late. I love all my readers...........seriously. xx

Soon my dears.

Micayla xx

She sleeps on thrifted sheets and other stories.

2010-01-28T20:54:00.000Z

Hello followers,

I thought I would stop by and do a little post. I am currently browsing for fabric for some pretty bunting I am going to make for my new Etsy shop I am in the process of opening. I have named the shop Emilie Monday. I wanted it to be called Emily of course but when I went to get a shop devoted email address that name was taken so I had to spell it with an I E. Monday relates to the day Miss E was born. I am so excited at the prospect of opening up the shop and I cannot wait to get some things listed. I will let you all know when I do. I have a lot of sewing ahead of me....................

I promised a photo of my beautiful thrifted sheets when I had some decent light, so Tuesday was a pretty bright affair so I grabbed my camera while Miss E was on the park with her Gran and snapped away. They really are like bliss to me......I don't want to change them, although I cannot wait to see them drying on the line in the summer, oh happy days.

I have been scrapping, oh my life I cannot believe I actually did something. I cannot share the full layout just yet as it is DT work but a sneaky is always good. I do adore the floral paper from Sassafras Lass Vintage Yummy line. I wish I could find some material like it. Just imagine sunny pillows made with it. I am going to treat myself to another new book, I have my eye on Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. Has anyone got it or read it......I would love a little review. I am collecting a few sewing books of late, fabric and books are my main spend at the moment. I have not brought any stash since Christmas which is rare for me. I think I secretly know I have too much and moving to Marseille will mean a big clear out so I am only going to try and buy necessities. Saying that the stuff I have seen from CHA may change my mind!!!

I have already started to clear stuff, I have a pile of Emily clothes for Ebay, her moses basket and other larger items for the paper and a huge back of charity items. I have so much to sort so am very glad I have over a year to do so.

Looking forward to a peaceful{ish} day tomorrow. Emily is going to her Grans so we have the day to ourselves. Got to pay the deposit for the reception, buy fish for fishcakes on Saturday, replace the toilet seat, tidy the bedrooms and wait for the damp proofing man to come as we have a few damp patches downstairs. Yay fun!! Maybe try and get a little sewing done or scrapping but I will have to see.

Right off on to Ebay to purchase some pretty fabrics I have seen..............back soon I am sure.

Micayla xx

The one about Emily, material and books, DT scrapping and thank you's{ a little text and photo heavy}

2010-01-22T15:09:00.000Z

It has been a while since my last post so I thought considering Miss E is away at her Gran's for the day I should get caught up with a few bits and bobs, emails and such.
I will start by telling you that the Dotty Diva's Jan challenge is now up and running and Cosmo Cricket are the sponsors of the month.....yay so go and check it out and get those entries in ladies. Here is the full layout I did for them.

The next thing I want to say is a HUGE HUGE HUGE THANK YOU to a lovely lady called Tracie. Now I don't know this woman and she only knows of me via my blog but as I was reading the comments my last post{which I love to do, so thanks to those who do leave them} I noticed a new reader, Tracie. She had offered to lend me a designer wedding dress for the wedding. Can you believe how sweet that is......like I said I don't know her. So Tracie, this one is for you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, after reading the comment I was choked up, how sweet and thoughtful. I tried to get back to you but I could not get any info as your blog is not public and no contact details were left. Thank you so much for the offer but the dress will not fit me, and am on a major diet and hopefully will get down to a size 12 before the big day! But thank you so much my dear, you are a star......now give up your email or blog address so I can thank you again. xxx

Onto other thank you's.....................................

My Mum: My sweet Mum works for a jewellers, so obviously this was the first place we were going to go for the rings. She gets a pretty sweet discount too, so this would of helped. But my darling Mum has blagged me a £275 18ct gold ring with set diamonds for a amazing price and she is going to pay for it for a wedding present. So that is one less thing to fork out for. So thanks Mumma dearest we lub you loads.

Chris and Lell:{Steve's parents} They are going to pay for a reception after the wedding for us. We was not going to bother, just have a few drinks in a child friendly pub afterwards. But they wanted us to have a reception. Thank you so much for everything you do for us, we lub you both loads too. Oh and thank you for my late Christmas present that did not arrive in time....Cath Kidston Tips for vintage style...yums. Last, but not least thank you for offering to pay for my photography course in April for my Birthday, so yes I will be doing it!

Some random people for donating: Yesterday while Steve was at work I took Emily into town to try on my ring.....yay! I decided to do some thrifting while there and hit the charity shops.....something I don't normally do. I am so glad I did as I came away with some vintage pillowcases, a sweet milk jug, a 70's while and blue flower baking dish, a wooden train for Emily, some vintage crocheted doilies{idea's and projects to share soon} and oh my heart be still the most adorable duvet cover and pillowcases. It is very Laura Ashley, very vintage{pink roses and pink gingham} and very very Micayla. I rushed home, washed and dried it and then had to go and buy a king size quilt even though it was stated as a double it was huge. I dressed my bed, sprayed on peppermint and nutmeg linen spray and enjoyed the view. I was one happy bunny last night and even made the bed this morning something I don't often do{lazy me} so yay for thrifting and thank you random people for donating such wonderful wares. I will take photo's of the bed when the light is better..................rain here all day!

Miss Emily is finally sleeping through. She has been doing for the last 2-3 weeks and I am so proud of her, as you will know she is not much of a sleeper anyway. We thought it would never happen but it is looking like it finally is. Yay undisturbed sleep is the greatest. She is even having a nap in the day, only a small one and sometimes it is a fight to get her off but last Saturday she had almost 1 1/2 hours which shocked me......I did not know what to do with myself. So I though she deserved some photo's sharing and besides I love sharing them anyway.

Playing with my phone in her sweet jimmies. Yes it was the afternoon. She had messed her clothes up while making shortbread biscuits, so a PJ day was in order after her bath. Gotta love PJ days, I love them oh so much.

Playing with her 'Och EE' dummy. 'Och EE' is Eeyore in Emily.

I gave Steve's Mum some of my Christmas money to buy me a Oilily bag from the airport when she came back but they did not have any......sob sob! So I treated myself to some fabric and a new book.......imagine the hardship!

Tanya Whelan yummies

Heather Bailey delights

More Tanya Whelan gorgeousness

Yay for Emma hardy. I have another one of her books and I adored it so had to get this one. I have lots of crafty sewing idea's going on and I am in the process of making a fabric journal cover. It is a amalgamation of yummy fabrics, lace, printed selvage edges and vintage doilies and messy machine and hand stitching......it makes my heart sing. I will share soon and have plans to maybe sell some. I have a new email address and a Etsy account all ready to go once I have done a few bits. Just got to pull my finger out and get the wedding invites done first before I start on anything else.

So the diet is going pretty well, I lost 3lb last week and 2lb this week and I am ashamed to admit I have not even had the time to make it for a run. I have done a bit of walking though. My trainers and workout gear is ready for tomorrow evening though and I will make it out the door. Only another 19lbs to go.......gotta drop just over 1.5lb per week which should be doable.

So I think that covers everything. I am going to try and do a little blog reading tonight and tomorrow to get caught up, I hate being behind with them but when I have over 185 to get through and I am always adding more it does get the better of me at times. But I love blogs so there you go.

Love Micayla xx

Where are your pants and other going on's in the almost all Dixon household.

2010-01-14T18:48:00.000Z

Hello all,

Found a spare moment within all the madness to come and indulge in a little blog love. So cup of tea in hand, here goes.

Emily has a thing for getting out of her trousers, which she calls pants. I was on the computer searching about changing my name on my passport and she was playing with her toys, telling her pull along dog to 'come on' As she moves pretty fast, I have to keep a constant eye on her. She was pretty quiet so I checked behind me and she was under the stairs in her toy box sans pants!

She really does make me laugh that girl. She has a brilliant new trick she uses with abandon. If I am in the kitchen or otherwise engaged and she wants my attention she will stand at the stair gate or stand up and say 'cuggle' Seriously how on earth am I suppose to carry on with what am doing? The thing is that she then does not cuddle at all, just pleased as punch that her plan worked again!

I have been busy planning and idea spinning the last few days. With the wedding just 93 days away and a tiny weeny budget. I have to think smart and really prioritise our needs. We are going to forgo the bridesmaids, buttonhole flowers, a small bouquet for me, expensive rings and venue. My only bugbear is that we cannot afford a photographer. I have been looking online and the prices are so steep...my heart bleeds. Maybe an idea for me after my photography courses in France!! Emily was brought an Elle dress for her Christening but it was too big for her, it will fit in April so she is sorted and Steve is going to hire a suit.

I don't make cards but have decided to make my own. Nothing fancy just plain, simple and easy to reproduce. Here's what I have come up with and I think it is a keeper. What do you think?

In other news, the diet train is well and truly boarded. I have been very good since Sunday and am borrowing some running shoes so I am starting running again as of Monday. It has been too long since I last did it so I figure I will flake by the end of the street. But I will not quit. I want to drop wait for it........................24lbs in 13 1/2 weeks. That is almost 2lb a week so I have some tough times ahead. I have got no exercising done this week so far, other than stomach crunches and my muscles are feeling it. I have been so busy and with Steve out all day tomorrow and Saturday it looks pretty tough for me to actually get anything done this week unless madam sleeps in the day, HA! Once she is in bed, it is tea, bath, washing, ironing etc..........you ladies know the drill! But I plan to get some walking in with Emily so that will help a little.

I have not scrapped in ages, my scrap room probably has cobwebs and such. I did a layout for the DT over at Dotty Diva's late December, but I cannot share yet as the challenge does not go live until the 20th of Jan.....just a peek for you that's all. I am dying to scrap for myself but have found little time of late and I have not ordered my Christmas photo's or lack of them. I am going to try and play at the weekend but I also want to make a duvet cover and pillowcase for Emily's bed.

I guess I should sign off, my cup of tea went ages ago and I have a bit of sewing that needs doing, a program to watch and some time to spend with Steve or looking for a wedding dress that cost peanuts....................any idea's ladies!

Mucho lubs

Micayla x

Can I share a little secret or two?

2010-01-07T19:21:00.000Z

If you took the time to read my last post, you will be aware that we were asked to move to Marseille next year. Steve expressed that he did not want to do and as we are a family and I want us all to be happy that was the end of the story.

That was until Monday night. Steve and I celebrated 9 years together a day early with a few drinks and a night spending time with each other. The vodka loosened our tongues and we spoke a lot about our future together. Marseille was the main conversation of the night and we ended up coming to the conclusion at we would be daft to turn such an opportunity down. So we are about to embark on a new venture........................we are moving to Marseille around Easter next year. We of course have a lot of details to sort and dates are not set in stone yet but all being well we are saying goodbye to the UK. I told you that 2010 was the year things were going to happen. My God, I am so nervous about such a big change and also excited at our new future.

The first 3 years out there will be funded by Steve's fantastic parents. We in turn will get a wage for keeping Lell entertained, helping her settle, driving her around and helping with the cooking and cleaning. All our bills and rent will be covered by them and we are looking for a villa with swimming pool and a small dependant in the grounds for me, Steve and Emily. Emily will be enrolled into a bilingual nursery a few mornings and afternoons a week to meet friends, better understand the language and prepare her for real school when the time comes. We will be looking into private French lessons this year, so we can all get learning the language. I just cannot believe how lucky we are to have such a fantastic opportunity presented to us. Family is the most important thing to Steve's parents and with us being there with them is just perfect for them. Steve's younger Brother Ryan may be moving with us too.

So if that news is not enough to whet your appetite, then here goes something that will....................................................We are getting married in 14 weeks. The date is booked for 16th April, just two days after my birthday. Madness or what. So say hello to the {very near} future Mrs Dixon. Okay so I did say that we were not ready and could not afford it, but things have changed so much in the last few days and we decided that we wanted to get married here before we went so we all shared the last name. We have been together long enough to realise that 'this' is the real thing so we had a long talk and it is what we want. I obviously am much more excited than Steve, weddings are a girl thing I guess.

We are planning a very simple day, a registry office, pub lunch and a few beers. Nothing fancy, no bridesmaids, flowers, cake or any fuss. Just us and madam, a few friends and the close family sharing a union between two people who love each other very much and are finally doing it. We have just told parents so I am now free to share. OMG I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED! I have so much to do in such a short time. I have invites to make pretty sharpish and get them posted, lose a stone and half and find a pretty but simple dress for me.......maybe some new shoes will be need too! Along with all of this we have to start sorting out our new lives in Marseille and getting the ball moving.

So that is enough of my great news, the diet starts tomorrow BIG TIME and I have a mucky takeaway on route to mine. Forgive me if my posts and blog reading fall a little behind.......I will get back on track soon.

Much love,

Mrs D to be
xxxxxx

2010~The year it {happens}

2010-01-03T20:11:00.000Z

So another year has flown and a new year is here, hopefully fresh and full of possibilities. I am not a real lover of a new year. Time passes far too fast for my likings. Moments from the past are scarred in my memory, some written about on here or on paper but no matter how hard I wish those moments can never be relived. Time can be cruel but also forgiving I guess.

2009 brought many happy moments but as you know the rough comes with the smooth. Life has been tough and at times very unforgiving. Steve being out of work and having a very tiny budget was the brunt of most of our problems. When the s*$t hits the fan, we always get covered. That seems to be our luck most of the time, but I am not one to dwell. I have an amazing gorgeous healthy little girl and I do have a lot to be thankful for, I know this and she will be the main focus to help us through dark times.

I have plans for 2010, mainly personal achievements. Some of which I will share and others I will keep for myself. Not all dirty laundry will be aired for all to see. I read Ali Edwards blog as you will know and have chosen 'Happen' to be my word of the year. I have to be the one to make my plans come to fruition and I can make it happen. So on to the goals:

1) Get myself healthy. Yes that means losing weight, exercising and stopping smoking again. Stopping was so easy when I found out I was pregnant with Emily and starting up again about 6 weeks after she was born was a HUGE mistake. I did it before and I can do it again. My plan is to focus on losing weight and exercising first. I am figuring that once I am feeling better about myself I will be able to focus on the big task of cutting the fags. I will be a non smoker by the year is out. I will take Emily swimming this year, so to get my butt in a costume I have some work to do.

2) Make time for me. I run around like a headless chicken, cleaning, washing, ironing, cooking and looking after everyone else. I barely have time to do things that I enjoy or make time for friends. Last year I saw my best friend once..............yes just once and that was 3 weeks ago. That is not right. I am taking 30 minutes in the day to exercise and at least once a month meet up with friends, even if it is just for an hour or so.

3) Take that photography course. I said it last year and it never happened, I am saying it this year and getting it done. Steve's parents have said they will club together with Rob, Marie and Ryan for my birthday and pay for it. I have no excuses.

4) Create more. Just do it. Be it paper or fabric I am playing with just make something that makes me happy. No more needs to be said.

5) De-clutter. My home looks like a bomb site most days. I am okay with toy mess and believe me after Christmas and a spoilt little girl the toy mess is HUGE. It is mainly Steve and Emily who make the mess. I am partial to my things and don't wish for sticky baby hands to be mauling them so I put away unlike Steve. To achieve this I am going to work with small projects and take it one step at a time. I plan for each room to be fully sorted my the end of Feb. I have to stop hoarding stuff I don't need, do a rota so I can keep up with things and do lots of lists......yay for lists!!!

So on to other news. Christmas was amazing. Emily was a model child, who was well behaved for a change. She loved all the fuss, presents and spending time with everyone. I think she also loved that Mummy was a little lenient with her food and she enjoyed a hell of a lot of crap, I would never normally allow. She still asks for 'choc choc{advent calendar} in the morning, bless eh! I was spoilt and managed to get a new Tamron 18-200mm lens, perfume, stash, fabric{Think Heather Bailey, Tanya Whelan and Lecien...yum}, a Cath Kidston brolly, a Laura Ashley apron, dare I say it.........Westlife CD, 4 sewing books, a Oilily purse and with my Christmas money I am getting a matching bag, smellies, the cutest pair of jammies ever, more jammies, Elle Socks, Jeans, two new tops, fluffy snowman socks, slippers................a bond for my Marseille spending money which Steve and Emily also got and the list goes on. Told you I was spoilt, looks like I am loved to bits!!! My fave pressie was just seeing my little girl enjoy herself and all her pressies.......priceless. My bid to get tons of photos never happened, I was too busy having fun and playing with Emily. I think I took about 30 most of which are gash due to poor light and a rushed job. Oh well.

Oh and a big milestone for Emily at last............................SHE FINALLY WALKED unaided without me, Steve or a prop!!! The lazy girl has been holding out on us for soooooo long. She was walking with the aid of props since she was 12 months but finally did it on her own about 3 days before Christmas, then again on Boxing day and last night she walked almost the full length of the front room. I am sooooooooooooooooooo proud of my little lady. Just got to get her confidence up now and keep getting her to try instead of crawling. She looks so sweet and adorable when she is doing it. She is only a small little thing and I must admit it looks kinda weird seeing her.

New Year was normal. We were in bed at 10pm as we ended up on the razz the night before with Steve's Dad, Rob, Marie and Ryan while Steve's Mum was babysitting. A good night was had by all and plans were discussed for the following few years. Okay so we were asked if we would like to move out to Marseille next year when Steve's Mum moves there for good. I was there in a flash but Steve is not ready so maybe in a few years. But for now a holiday in May will suffice.

I got some good news scrapbook related. I have not one but three layouts going in the March/April issue of the new Scrapbook Inspirations. I think they are doing a bumper issue every 3 or 4 months now..........................so yay me!!!! Which reminds me to get my layouts sorted this week and get them sent off.

Steve and I have been together for 9 years on the 5th of this month. I cannot believe it has gone so fast. I remember the first few days like it was yesterday.............how time flies. I still adore the daft bugger and here's to many more happy years. We may even get married in one of them......although no breath is being held on either part!!! We will do it when we can A) afford it and B) when we are ready. Love you Stogger. xxxx

I am behind on a few things at home, but am trying to get around to seeing every ones blogs. My ironing pile is about 6ft tall with more washing to be done.........I kid you not it never ends. So I will say goodbye and Happy New Year.

Back soon
xxx

Merry Christmas..................

2009-12-24T15:04:00.000Z

It is almost here...................................
Steve's Dad got home 2 days late and the airport lost his bag..............................
All is prepared.......................I think.
I am excited........................hell yeah!
Steve is excited.........................
Miss Emily is excited........................I cannot wait for her the most.
Camera is charged.
I am having a little blogging break............................be back soon.
We wish you all a very very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR, maybe things will look up for us!

Love and Christmas sprinkles

Micayla, Steve and Emily
xxxx

PS. The photo taken was of Emily being a bugger and not posing for me................this was the only one that was not blurred from her moving everywhere. It tells the story perfectly and I think one of my faves of the year.

18th December......getting closer! {photo heavy}

2009-12-18T12:56:00.001Z

Can you believe that it is only 7 days till Christmas. This month has totally flown by.....the year has if I am honest. I have finished wrapping the presents, need to write the cards, started doing the big clean but still have lots to do. I am baking on Wednesday and Thursday for the Christmas Eve party and we have a day out in Louth to look forward too when Steve's Dad Chris comes home. So very busy here. I have about 4 loads of washing at present to be done and of course the ironing......the picture below shows a small pile of it and a pretty heart card holder on my fireplace to hang Miss Emily's cute socks.....it looks adorable don't you think? So the December Daily, is almost caught up. I still have a few days to do as I am waiting for photo's which I will order tomorrow night in the hope I get them Tuesday, I want to get caught up before the fun begins. Here are some pages, I photographed in a rush today.

Emily is fighting fit again, Steve's cold has almost gone and lucky me so far has avoided being ill. I just don't have the time at the moment. I am sure everyone is really busy at the moment but I think it makes the time go quicker. What have you guys left to do? We are not doing a big shop next week as we are out most days, so are doing ours the week after. Not going to go mad, just a few really nice meals, and a cheese and alcohol night I think!!

Emily is spending the day at her Gran's today and I need to go and buy a new top and some cookie cutters. I used my star shaped ones on the tree covered in glitter last year! I am going on on Tuesday night with the girls for a few beers and a meal. I normally go out on the lash in December with the girls but this year I decided money would of been better spent elsewhere and I really did not want to suffer with a hangover like I normally do. I must be getting old or just wiser!!!!

So what are every ones plans for Christmas? We are at Steve's parents Christmas Eve and on the 'big' day. At his Aunties and Uncles Boxing Day night and we will probably have a few days out while Chris is home. He obviously wants to see as much of Emily as possible while he is home, so we get lots of day out.

I hopefully will get a little time tonight to blog read, I have got behind. But will catch up soon. I best get off here and jump in the bath and get ready......time is ticking!!!

Love Micayla xxx

Quickly.......................

2009-12-15T14:48:00.000Z

I have a poorly little girl so I will make this quick.

To find out about my news check it out here

I am behind on my journal but it figures.......sick Emily and all, washing is mounting up as is the ironing, the house looks like a bombsite but I don't care just need to get her better sharpish. She is at the doctors soon but having a nap now so I can try and get tidied up a bit!!

I could not post without a photo so here is one of my pretty baubles{a pretty chandelier no less}........my camera is feeling neglected as it has not been out for a few days.....I may have a surprise for it soon though......a new lens!

Catch up soon