tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11955377186249847132024-02-21T08:59:52.704+00:00Craft LifeIt gives me an enormous sense of wellbeing.........then I'm happy for the rest of the day!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.comBlogger1552125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-75452254711890817402019-05-13T11:19:00.000+01:002019-05-13T11:19:14.871+01:00Frosty CampingA recent weekend's camping ended up with the final morning seeing frost/ice on the tents, but I was cosy and warm. I'm sharing my bedding set up for anyone who's interested and as a handy reminder for me when I'm packing for my next cold weather UK camp.<br />
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Before I start I'd better make it clear I wasn't hiking. Space wasn't unlimited, but there was enough room to bring a large TK Maxx shopper filled with bedding. In contrast, the rest of my kit fitted into a 24 litre rucksack.<br />
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Insulation is key with lots of layers between your body and the ground. My tent was quite a light weight one with a thin sewn in groundsheet, so I added an extra one just big enough to fit under the bedding area. I had a picnic blanket with me which I added as an extra layer during the night when I wasn't having a picnic! <br />
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For camping mats I have a <a href="https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/mountain-equipment-womens-helium-3-8-warm-zone-D2424299.html?colour=108" target="_blank">Mountain Equipment Womens Helium 3.8</a>. It's great for insulation but just not soft enough for my back and hips to cope with, so on top goes the <a href="https://www.robens.de/en-gb/shop/outdoor-sleeping-gear/vapour-60" target="_blank">Robens Vapour</a>. It's like a giant inflatable piece of bubble wrap, very light weight, even with it's own <a href="https://www.robens.de/en-gb/shop/outdoor-sleeping-gear/pump-sack" target="_blank">pump sack</a>, but not great for insulation - hence the combination of the 2.<br />
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Just to hold all that together I wrapped a wool blanket around the mats and tucked it underneath to hold everything in place. For my sleeping bag I took the <a href="https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/camping/sleeping-bags/3-4-season-sleeping-bags/microlite-1400-sleeping-bag-p13096.aspx/purple/" target="_blank">Mountain Warehouse Microlite 1400</a>. It's bulky and heavy but has a comfort rating of -4, so perfect for those of us that feel the cold. Incidentally, my normal sleeping bag for hiking is this one's little sister the <a href="https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/camping/sleeping-bags/3-4-season-sleeping-bags/microlite-500-sleeping-bag-p13095.aspx/dark%20red/" target="_blank">Mountain Warehouse Microlite 500</a>, which I notice is on clearance at the moment if you are in the market for a light weight bag that squeezes down really small for warmer camping. I always add a sleeping bag liner (not pictured) as they take up no room and help to keep your bedding fresh and cosy.<br />
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Summer or winter I don't travel without this indispensable extra. It has so many uses and in a small tent it fills the whole area with a cosy top layer over everything. I've had it for literally 25 years but <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mil-Tec-Quilt/dp/B005MYDAS8?th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">this one on Amazon</a> looks similar.<br />
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My final bit of luxury is my hand-made, no-sew pillow with a fleecy cover.<br />
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<b>~Kate~</b></div>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-46840957498272017752018-09-09T21:53:00.000+01:002018-09-09T21:54:00.045+01:00Items that used to Spark Joy<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What do you do with items that used to be a precious part of your life?</span></i></div>
<i></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whilst I have not yet reached the komono category of my decluttering journey, my mind has been distracted by my diverse selection of craft supplies.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWstGsIId0w_0xTSAgIePG5zNESc0QW1IerJP1hopdKwXarMSWOfohvHiLc9GQ_xNYOHAZpSm9byMN_ELrlcpC9OF_ukavHdurOC-dCaoFKKm-llJBsNBoYwaB-nNT0M8X32gsSnoC8Zd/s1600/DSC03440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWstGsIId0w_0xTSAgIePG5zNESc0QW1IerJP1hopdKwXarMSWOfohvHiLc9GQ_xNYOHAZpSm9byMN_ELrlcpC9OF_ukavHdurOC-dCaoFKKm-llJBsNBoYwaB-nNT0M8X32gsSnoC8Zd/s400/DSC03440.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the past I was lucky enough to make hand crafted cards that were featured in magazines and to design jewellery in return for more supplies than I could ever use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My circumstances have changed and I no longer spend my time on these activities. I am still creative. I make journals about my travels and spend much more of my time on experiences. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of my supplies are used to embellish planners and travellers notebooks, but most are gathering dust. I haven't been able to part with them because they once sparked joy and were such an important part of my life. Yet as the years have passed I have had the opportunity to return to those hobbies, but I have chosen not to. Instead I see the time I once took for my creative endeavours as precious time I wish to spend elsewhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What about in the future? One day I may have more time on my hands and may not have the money or ability to use it for experiences. Then I may turn to my old hobbies to give me joy and a creative outlet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But, the inks and paints I hold in my hands today will probably have all dried up. The colours of the liquids will have faded (I can see that some already have), and the rubber on the stamps will have dried and perished from lack of use. My craft supplies won't spark joy for me and in all that time they could have been bringing joy to someone else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's time to let them go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">~ Kate ~</span></b></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-4557827704047933582018-08-12T22:10:00.002+01:002018-08-12T22:10:38.006+01:00Visualise Your Destination<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A tidying and decluttering introduction.</i></div>
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Decluttering seems to have become a bit of a life long hobby, a new type of sport. It's something you continually do in your spare time, but, for me as well as I think many others, it never reaches a conclusion.<br />
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I first read 'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying' some time ago and have dabbled at it since, like testing a new piece of sports kit for my decluttering hobby. Marie Kondo, the book's author, warns however that "Tidying is just a tool, not the final destination." She suggests you visualise your ideal lifestyle to give purpose to your "Once and for all." tidying. Once and for all appeals to me. I want it done and then I want to move on. To use that time I spend constantly decluttering for a far more pleasurable hobby.<br />
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So, here is my personal vision:<br />
<ul>
<li>Tidy, no trip hazards, everything is easy to find and then put away again once it's finished with.</li>
<li>Calm and relaxing, decorated using clean, natural hues of white, wood tones and green.</li>
<li>Show off collections neatly in themed areas. I want to see my things because they make me happy.</li>
<li>Multifunctional family spaces. I have a small home and follow the tiny house movement with great interest.</li>
</ul>
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Can I truly put an end to clutter and stop continually tidying? Let's see...……….</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>- Kate -</b></div>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-18381864251076581982018-07-19T19:39:00.002+01:002018-07-19T19:39:38.861+01:00That's Not My Cat!Revamping the blog ready for some posts this summer and loving the look of this layout, but that's not my cat! Hopefully in a few days time this post will make no sense as I will have found an appropriate picture and removed the huge cat image that came with this template. In the meantime cat lovers may enjoy the view, but his days are numbered!!<br />
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<b>- Kate -</b>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-65814020093805275162017-04-22T18:38:00.000+01:002017-04-22T18:38:04.111+01:00Body Shop - mini haul and packaging review<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As part of my minimising efforts and trying to simplify my lifestyle (which is a pretty big ask by the way as I am a hoarder, Disney collector and all round materialist) I've been looking at how I can reduce my use of platics and purchase 'greener' products.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Regretably, my lifestyle right now does not afford enough time for me to start making my own cosmetics and toiletries, but as a compromise I've been researching ethical manufacturers and the packaging they use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/">Body Shop</a> is somewhere I remember as ticking the boxes on my current research and, after a read through of their details on line, I popped to my local store for some ethical retail therapy. Zero carbon footprint from me, tick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My main target was hair care products as I have recently run out of my favourite shampoo and it's been discountinued. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A quick chat with the sales assistant confirmed my suspicions that they no longer take back bottles to re-use, instead they are widely recyclable. Better than nothing, but my understanding is that most recycled plastic is turned into non-recycleble items, so not the ideal I was looking for. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzH5P3uLbARUmaW7HEChAk9FUDp4HX7OZVsBlfr80MFBYcTzablp8b21xvplCq8Hdem9uykgrRV4rVVAy6kyY88_Y5wzAMzJ1jWYBoMcxTa3SlULgfgfs6PE1HX6wLOmBNjVoAursf1jE/s1600/20170422_173510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzH5P3uLbARUmaW7HEChAk9FUDp4HX7OZVsBlfr80MFBYcTzablp8b21xvplCq8Hdem9uykgrRV4rVVAy6kyY88_Y5wzAMzJ1jWYBoMcxTa3SlULgfgfs6PE1HX6wLOmBNjVoAursf1jE/s320/20170422_173510.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The banana shampoo I remember was still there, but my online research showed it contained ingredients 2 of my children are allergic to so I thought I wouldn't have that one sitting in my bathroom. As there wasn't as much choice of hair products as I remember, I thought I would give their Rainforest range a try. The reviews online for this weren't great, so I just bought the travel sizes to test, with an extra shower gel as they were a 3 for2 offer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Whilst I was there I took advantage of a few other sale and offer items. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdY6vsR-MSp1k3fu0sKC0kPd6Jon9a5WkDRC-lntZMHlEyyWIEsW2mw9H1MkktfSVX5Ko2MNEUAzcmM1lge7GkBlr5YUyS1MsnjgnybMmBqZrS6mPeZMz3xTGqaBjqg-Q0yDgIUE_ZyYb/s1600/20170422_173546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdY6vsR-MSp1k3fu0sKC0kPd6Jon9a5WkDRC-lntZMHlEyyWIEsW2mw9H1MkktfSVX5Ko2MNEUAzcmM1lge7GkBlr5YUyS1MsnjgnybMmBqZrS6mPeZMz3xTGqaBjqg-Q0yDgIUE_ZyYb/s320/20170422_173546.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This glass file could remove my need for disposable emery boards and hopefully its plastic case will last a good long time. However, the need for an outer celophane covering was totally unnecessary in my opinion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I also bought a couple of face products in handy travel sizes, but after I got home realised they are #5 recycling which isn't offered here (we only have plastics #1 to #3) so they won't be repeat purchases.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lastly, I loved the scent of this candle which was vastly reduced as it is leftover Christmas stock. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkTx2vhMzhZu3_CvbLODw6ze107SgKezEhP2x9mruZDIKlOq052f1c47V6h5Jl6_Asoo7Xv8z7oVAT2d8w8G05HjluRyXfxw6EqIolRrl-TxXUgzqvW1RtAk93AduXwhpirgjz4tdyytQ/s1600/20170422_173623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkTx2vhMzhZu3_CvbLODw6ze107SgKezEhP2x9mruZDIKlOq052f1c47V6h5Jl6_Asoo7Xv8z7oVAT2d8w8G05HjluRyXfxw6EqIolRrl-TxXUgzqvW1RtAk93AduXwhpirgjz4tdyytQ/s320/20170422_173623.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's in a glass jar that I can upcycle at home and carboard packaging that I can recycle, perfect? Not quite, it has a plastic protector inside that keeps the wax surface nice and the wick undamaged. This could easily have been done by manufacturing an extra foldover flap into the cardboard package design.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Final verdict on Body Shop packaging - unimpressed, could do better. Product reviews to follow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b> </span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-78469253496804237942017-04-19T11:04:00.001+01:002017-04-19T11:06:31.450+01:00Capsule work wardrobe<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've started to thin down the family's vast amount of clothes in a, once and for all, attempt to live with less. The aims being to have far less that needs washing and organising and so free up more of my precious time. Also, without really planning it, we have ended up joining the tiny house movement. Instead of fighting it, I've decided to embrace it. More on that another time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, the vast piles of washing still need to be done to enable us to donate all the surplus and so the machine is still whirring away in the background as I type. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiBDUykOO8E9x0xWBTgla_Dr8hYA5EMFbx0O5ZwxTjZzDnqo1DEQgj7P3TsQvplzaYB1ZA7Wg8ghfszsuJIA3DdZlbtT9wZGjqmM9WHYwm27s_KRntBOxQPFVj3atKGi1XMZqL9TYvxOd/s1600/20170413_142547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiBDUykOO8E9x0xWBTgla_Dr8hYA5EMFbx0O5ZwxTjZzDnqo1DEQgj7P3TsQvplzaYB1ZA7Wg8ghfszsuJIA3DdZlbtT9wZGjqmM9WHYwm27s_KRntBOxQPFVj3atKGi1XMZqL9TYvxOd/s400/20170413_142547.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The first cut was fairly easy as there was plenty of unworn, just in case items that can go straight to donate and lots of very worn, too small items that can go to the rag man. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking at the principles of how my days are spent, a typical week has 3 days at work with an occasional call in for a 4th day. Here's what I ended up with. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwygrr_ei3DSgE3EIZHG415I-E9vjB0JKpOOZFYWXsImeba3KKbf63fY7JGG1Ihx0vJgz16rIkQKuiuRfPPsEtpO6cRIFhvfnAhws-bV6MtV9hahIe-2-PxvLe4izwLLGdwOT5JGm8VVCg/s1600/20170413_143423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwygrr_ei3DSgE3EIZHG415I-E9vjB0JKpOOZFYWXsImeba3KKbf63fY7JGG1Ihx0vJgz16rIkQKuiuRfPPsEtpO6cRIFhvfnAhws-bV6MtV9hahIe-2-PxvLe4izwLLGdwOT5JGm8VVCg/s400/20170413_143423.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A pair of black trousers that can be worn everyday. They sponge out and dry easily overnight if there are any spills (I work with children!) A fleece for warmth and a light loose fit jacket for summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have 3 tops: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaws6C3qGe4XS5yTXODggDzoC7bonyLR4XDoAyDQR5mnM2logLBXW2Ca9VVObTFeCJTLWz0pNtNpoXZ_HCc8UNUo0FuzD0naqjHHOp1vpH3WJe_VATEto3H0q7LXUDgdFhAxFwchaRpUP/s1600/cn12233855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaws6C3qGe4XS5yTXODggDzoC7bonyLR4XDoAyDQR5mnM2logLBXW2Ca9VVObTFeCJTLWz0pNtNpoXZ_HCc8UNUo0FuzD0naqjHHOp1vpH3WJe_VATEto3H0q7LXUDgdFhAxFwchaRpUP/s400/cn12233855.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 of these from <a href="http://www.gap.co.uk/">Gap</a> in navy and grey. They are really soft and wash well.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Kgn3cEct-tJj-ZD9EqeXESAXUg2VbizOBkPfColSxrqWtYBOQDblBiR93Xd8zMg7qaQX0k7mNEYmfpr2RYCkGrHYWUqKwVguQeF-9Q6pnsdaleTZ5H1QP-mDAWFIg3wx1yGzwyFhdUW/s1600/phantom-women-tops-top-fat-face-kingston-batik-fish-patch-demand-21CW_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Kgn3cEct-tJj-ZD9EqeXESAXUg2VbizOBkPfColSxrqWtYBOQDblBiR93Xd8zMg7qaQX0k7mNEYmfpr2RYCkGrHYWUqKwVguQeF-9Q6pnsdaleTZ5H1QP-mDAWFIg3wx1yGzwyFhdUW/s400/phantom-women-tops-top-fat-face-kingston-batik-fish-patch-demand-21CW_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A loose fit long top/tunic from <a href="http://www.fatface.com/">Fat Face</a> in this fish material.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The floral tunic (on top of the pile) is one that I've worn a lot but won't be including in my everyday wardrobe. I'll keep it tucked away to use if I have to work on a 4th day and may replace with a nicer one when I clear out more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Somewhere there are some linen crop trousers from <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/">Marks and Spencer</a> that I wear on unbearably hot days (lets face it, there will be few occasions when they are needed!) I can keep them tucked away with top #4. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That's all, it can go through in one wash at the end of my working week and have plenty of time to be dry ready for the next week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That leaves 4 days a week to fill for my everyday wardrobe. Plus some event and holiday wear. I'm on to that next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b> </span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-54402359370900767242017-04-13T08:59:00.004+01:002017-04-13T09:00:17.339+01:00Capsule wardrobe revelation<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It all started when the central heating broke over the winter. It's too old to be fixed and so we resorted to using plug in heaters to tide us over. One of the consequences of this was the inability to get our washing dry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Without realising it the whole family slowly worked our way through all the clothes we had until the washing baskets were over flowing and the wardrobes were empty. With the minimal washing I could get dry I concentrated on the essentials - work clothes, school uniform, underwear etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Surprisingly it was the smallest member of the family (Branston Pickle) who was the most annoyed about this and so to keep the peace I targeted one set of clothes (joggers, t-shirt and jumper) to be washed and dried in time for Saturday morning and then worn for the whole weekend (barring mishaps!) One set in the wash and one set on is how he has existed for over 3 months and that's where the revelation happened. What if the whole family managed their wardrobes like this?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The finer weather is here and I'm washing up to 3 loads a day on catch-up and the little voices have changed from "I've got no clean clothes" to "Where am I supposed to put all this clean stuff?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think it was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PuggleThis">Messy Minimalist</a> that I recall saying your washing basket should be no bigger than one load of washing and I can definitely see why!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The capsule wardrobe for each member of the family is taking shape. I'm basing it on how many days a week spent at work/school versus how many days off each person gets. For the boys in the household it will be a straight 5/2 split. For us girls our lives are a little different and will take a bit more consideration. I will need to take into account holidays (irrespective of whether they are spent at home or away) and any club/sports wear. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm only packing away the excess clothes to begin with, after I've removed any worn out and unwanted items. We can then 'shop' from it for different items and see how often it's needed, if at all?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaQdhxRjnMs16SlzLTPu36rex308uHVDdUV25Xpydzfq4dJ9Jh4MeRHniH9hcBIzM8YLaG5FQu4aZ20ZYPAqbyZygzEBHb9bqc6JXD9fcukzjrG6uECxI2EfzisDkhAgyC-M4jw7x7xP2/s1600/DSC02844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaQdhxRjnMs16SlzLTPu36rex308uHVDdUV25Xpydzfq4dJ9Jh4MeRHniH9hcBIzM8YLaG5FQu4aZ20ZYPAqbyZygzEBHb9bqc6JXD9fcukzjrG6uECxI2EfzisDkhAgyC-M4jw7x7xP2/s320/DSC02844.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And so the experiment begins.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b></span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-49607037163673042292016-08-09T15:56:00.000+01:002016-08-09T15:56:35.405+01:00Creative Chemistry 103 - Day 1 part #1<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've dug out the long neglected craft supplies and tried 2 new techniques from <a href="http://timholtz.com/">Tim Holtz's</a> Creative Chemistry 103, day 1.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm quite excited because they are both new to me and straight away I love them. Note - both should have involved grid blocks which I don't have, but are already on order!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Distress highlight stamping </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVHk9aD7p3xnH8N10eMsN3VOr4vQyedLuocSQfnUfhOSVQnNtkIQd2K9WYsOMXCqUiEw-AFgqaie87sobb7IVeFB3rwl6HtHWUlfPnKXLaS0AajNVvFNsgfM0VNUXNtt3gIhrz93xqBsx/s1600/Shadow+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVHk9aD7p3xnH8N10eMsN3VOr4vQyedLuocSQfnUfhOSVQnNtkIQd2K9WYsOMXCqUiEw-AFgqaie87sobb7IVeFB3rwl6HtHWUlfPnKXLaS0AajNVvFNsgfM0VNUXNtt3gIhrz93xqBsx/s400/Shadow+wreath.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Distress off-set stamping (<a href="http://www.oneluckyday.net/">Paula Cheney</a> you are a genius)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTcZOjfVNEmKPk0yzoLbUN9f60mI5jTURngHHRBOcw-7qdveaIoPs0cwORBw0EGNmERbBIP8KZdyGeBmgP1LJ7N91IuXxQ9yvCv7bOkKrAjcc88DNZBC_fTfzc_LqpJJ05UwvsP45sA3H/s1600/Apothecary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTcZOjfVNEmKPk0yzoLbUN9f60mI5jTURngHHRBOcw-7qdveaIoPs0cwORBw0EGNmERbBIP8KZdyGeBmgP1LJ7N91IuXxQ9yvCv7bOkKrAjcc88DNZBC_fTfzc_LqpJJ05UwvsP45sA3H/s400/Apothecary.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Love, love, this one and am totally inspired to try it with lots of different stamps. If you want to know the techniques you will need to sign up for the course(s) at <a href="https://www.onlinecardclasses.com/">Online Card Classes</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">More good things to come.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate </b> </span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-61204458058452621712016-08-09T13:09:00.002+01:002016-08-09T13:09:50.424+01:00Creative Chemistry 103<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Returned from a camping trip and on a major catch-up to complete Creative Chemistry 103 by the end of the week. Now where did I put those manilla tags????</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-20111448831322076622016-04-08T09:55:00.001+01:002016-04-08T09:55:13.459+01:00Travel Planner Revelation part #3<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well not exactly a revelation, but little me was quite excited by this discovery. I'd been looking at full size travellers notebooks, the long thin sort, and thinking about how I might set one up. I like the look of the new version from <a href="http://websterspages.com/color-crush-personal-planners/whats-new/traveler-notebook-planners.html">Websters Pages</a> with pockets and slots in it, but they aren't available yet and I was growing impatient!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A quick search on the Internet showed up lots of possibilities and then started showing results for travel wallets, the sort of thing you carry you documents and tickets in, well I have one of those.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT9lqf1SQjFSZsmyz2ikVegKX_9UNyYtBLfIwJKkblPEM7HyLF_Nk16lmMCFoUWMg4mH9SU_og9iDt0P82ktGcx-ewcXzh9qC9vnHxqGAhgBa9BcE3sobzBL-NpheC4Mzbl3oWKfLQXLs/s1600/travel+planners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT9lqf1SQjFSZsmyz2ikVegKX_9UNyYtBLfIwJKkblPEM7HyLF_Nk16lmMCFoUWMg4mH9SU_og9iDt0P82ktGcx-ewcXzh9qC9vnHxqGAhgBa9BcE3sobzBL-NpheC4Mzbl3oWKfLQXLs/s400/travel+planners.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's a very old one from Quicksilver and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TravelersTimes">Travelers Times</a> had the inserts to fit, including a vertical planner, be still me heart.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjnJamVwGw3AxyIkwduOnc83q99Twn5NkFqcyfvRZlFmNHiXpNruad8P2fVUxLOUW49J8dxosv_Me1ljRZB7jqLQqFKhhmWrnFVskm7wXgJwnz406OJE6kpmognwkxe8uqCDZZe7JT7ep/s1600/travel+planner+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjnJamVwGw3AxyIkwduOnc83q99Twn5NkFqcyfvRZlFmNHiXpNruad8P2fVUxLOUW49J8dxosv_Me1ljRZB7jqLQqFKhhmWrnFVskm7wXgJwnz406OJE6kpmognwkxe8uqCDZZe7JT7ep/s400/travel+planner+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So now I have a big wallet of travel goodness to play with on my next long trip (which sadly may not be until later in the year.) I've put some washi tape onto little thread holders, added some clips and slotted in my minimalist note book plus the April sticker kit from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SeaSaltAndPaper">Sea Salt and Paper</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Se9HbbGtEMW5XSBUR9g7xdRj1bU9sGOYB9xLrqy-18pn3O23XES_x9MNujJw0s0vh7DXTsZPWyzmBrGQdS2VPIX7MjJlXS73x98Zg9gIFUGr5ieH1K5H3yhZ2jd0bEY94Vrj7febxB8A/s1600/planner+set+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Se9HbbGtEMW5XSBUR9g7xdRj1bU9sGOYB9xLrqy-18pn3O23XES_x9MNujJw0s0vh7DXTsZPWyzmBrGQdS2VPIX7MjJlXS73x98Zg9gIFUGr5ieH1K5H3yhZ2jd0bEY94Vrj7febxB8A/s400/planner+set+up.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3QqtM6sETR-h1fo47nvW-HKzoPbQ-JPGVIzdzMOZbvxv_sbL1G4eh7meyxDI1Jpojz8NZEwyCRq4MWKAA8no9XThvxp8FRZjUOZ6gdvMZwQ1pGjo8l6qHcf5pFzaE5a1ciakK-wQR_yC/s1600/planner+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3QqtM6sETR-h1fo47nvW-HKzoPbQ-JPGVIzdzMOZbvxv_sbL1G4eh7meyxDI1Jpojz8NZEwyCRq4MWKAA8no9XThvxp8FRZjUOZ6gdvMZwQ1pGjo8l6qHcf5pFzaE5a1ciakK-wQR_yC/s400/planner+bear.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've covered the planner with some Amy Tangerine paper and used the bear sticker to co-ordinate with the Paperchase mini book. I did buy a plain book in the tall thin size which I can swap out if the mini book is full by the time I need to use it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSBOw6URvrx1jGgV5Y4zId03E-Tm7qZ3Jbewv2R-auZUeqkuUTGAsGYacjn0GnQGTy1frVTzmgzw9LRe4x601c4xRFagcg0EaUZ8TSThdElHj6RlNpWSrcMRobdsjBD7_BkzSzRiTmosy/s1600/quicksilver+wallet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSBOw6URvrx1jGgV5Y4zId03E-Tm7qZ3Jbewv2R-auZUeqkuUTGAsGYacjn0GnQGTy1frVTzmgzw9LRe4x601c4xRFagcg0EaUZ8TSThdElHj6RlNpWSrcMRobdsjBD7_BkzSzRiTmosy/s400/quicksilver+wallet.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There's room for plenty more and all contained nicely in a zip up wallet. Along with this I will take a big bag of goodies. My supplies are currently in a Victoria Green bag I found at Debenhams <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_154560006599_-1">similar to this one</a>, but I may look for something that opens out a little more. Included in it will be pens, sketch pencils, watercolours, a small water colour paper pad and mini ideas book, as well as extra washi and stickers I'm sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There you have my travel planners all set up. You can find part#1 the <a href="http://noseycritters.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/travel-planner-set-up-part-1.html">minimalist here</a> and part #2 with <a href="http://noseycritters.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/travel-planner-set-up-part-2.html">weekend version here</a>.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Kate </span></b></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-7616051887386472902016-04-06T15:23:00.003+01:002016-04-06T15:23:53.106+01:00Travel Planner set-up part #2 <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Carrying on with the set-up of my travel planners - see part #1 <a href="http://noseycritters.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/travel-planner-set-up-part-1.html">here</a> for my minimalist set-up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Planner #2 is for short breaks where weight of kit is less of an issue, but you still don't want to be taking the kitchen sink with you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrk_S_uHwM02Vx5QkIQJ52KYh0jXdzOj-Dy02EhND_kCFRARsF511wWymHFtRMKhYTV6Xnqq1ods6zZ2HZ9vwHcwsjzhzQacNN4nkLwLK_udYIL-SbzRzmvzqhhFHSrg8MX9MsMjVjG6K/s1600/lyra+dori.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrk_S_uHwM02Vx5QkIQJ52KYh0jXdzOj-Dy02EhND_kCFRARsF511wWymHFtRMKhYTV6Xnqq1ods6zZ2HZ9vwHcwsjzhzQacNN4nkLwLK_udYIL-SbzRzmvzqhhFHSrg8MX9MsMjVjG6K/s400/lyra+dori.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I ordered some inserts from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TravelersTimes?ref=pr_faveshops">Travelers Times</a> on Etsy to fit inside my passport sized <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LyraandCo?ref=pr_faveshops">Lyra and Co</a> fabric cover. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhyXvB7gCHLAd6ojJj3SkI1qu2fPPuvzW2c6dVU-JaUGRERpG1pkgZG21yixaRhOUbK78bqOs2YqGkVC9BoJx-vkAebVvmAVLzBlSEQXqeA2XJHDYgqvaKN-CDRc2ANwRWTbZF8neNBAZ/s1600/hols+planner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhyXvB7gCHLAd6ojJj3SkI1qu2fPPuvzW2c6dVU-JaUGRERpG1pkgZG21yixaRhOUbK78bqOs2YqGkVC9BoJx-vkAebVvmAVLzBlSEQXqeA2XJHDYgqvaKN-CDRc2ANwRWTbZF8neNBAZ/s400/hols+planner.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've been decorating them with old scrapbook papers and new stickers from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SeaSaltAndPaper?ref=pr_faveshops">Sea Salt and Paper</a> April kit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The text has been stamped using Wendy Vecchi Archival inks and old stamps mainly from Pink Paislee.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUeF0VMyWTl2glZ-h_-KmO00tTkvvbqAz_2LZsskTOQhIVrzu8cQWuB04rwkxRHgh6xLUGtKhbNHvpe22Lqb4Dcn9o2mLmeStRRqdOgzCgx0zFgNFp6kXcjxgqCC1t7QeBsLbp_E1t33M/s1600/memories+planner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUeF0VMyWTl2glZ-h_-KmO00tTkvvbqAz_2LZsskTOQhIVrzu8cQWuB04rwkxRHgh6xLUGtKhbNHvpe22Lqb4Dcn9o2mLmeStRRqdOgzCgx0zFgNFp6kXcjxgqCC1t7QeBsLbp_E1t33M/s400/memories+planner.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A planner combined with a notebook allows me to make a few notes related to each day and then expand on anything when and where I have time in the blank page book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I would take a small pencil case with this containing washi, stickers, twine and pens, whatever I have room for.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJFXuiSTti1v7cULN7lsVFwhJlrR-xpVDvFJl68B9vRd7X-q3UYEl9HjvzmSko2W3J16_cxaFbaxDQ-r0bonGiogCpLkqp0OQm6QG5HT1iZr7iEqbiQqC8g61P_hw7Ci6FtmUhMvKsKuz/s1600/inside+planner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJFXuiSTti1v7cULN7lsVFwhJlrR-xpVDvFJl68B9vRd7X-q3UYEl9HjvzmSko2W3J16_cxaFbaxDQ-r0bonGiogCpLkqp0OQm6QG5HT1iZr7iEqbiQqC8g61P_hw7Ci6FtmUhMvKsKuz/s400/inside+planner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've started setting up inside the planner for my 1st weekend trip in May. The cute little hedgehog clip was also from Travelers Times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Of all my travel planner set-ups this is the one that I'm going to be heading out of the door with 1st. I'll take some pictures to show what I took with it, although it will still be quite minimal as I will be camping!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-36701873575161107082016-04-05T11:13:00.000+01:002016-04-05T11:13:03.664+01:00Travel Planner Set-up Part #1<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A dreadful cough has put all thoughts of tidying on the back burner. The minute a speck of dust heads my way I cough uncontrollably and gasp for breath. Isn't it always the way when you are in the middle of something?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the meantime, a video from <a href="http://mrsbrimbles.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/paperchase-blogger-event-haul.html">Mrs Brimbles</a> this morning reminded me I was going to blog about my travel planner set-up for 2016, so here I am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In previous years I have taken a small (A6 or A5) notebook with me each time I went away for notes and sketches. This meant quite a build up of little notebooks, many of which were only half full. Fast forward to 2016 and I already have 7 trips booked in and I'm hoping there will be more. It made sense to plan some sort of perpetual notebook, but life's not that simple.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My trips are quite varied so I am trying 3 set-ups:</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Minimalist</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Weekend away</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Longer trips (with room for a bigger kit)</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today I'm looking at #1, my minimalist set-up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjKFzhe2GQ78blwN9ZSuNYlBOYQ4lHe8z6Tqf3X1pv5eOvqL2CwQt9vbArQT54Nkm_zJzqBDlAmkaZg5XX6CIEhh1C3yxAyOCk-xT9xqiRj8ryyarDuRk-06kQXm4vxEt49-ez5amNgiO/s1600/Mini+book+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjKFzhe2GQ78blwN9ZSuNYlBOYQ4lHe8z6Tqf3X1pv5eOvqL2CwQt9vbArQT54Nkm_zJzqBDlAmkaZg5XX6CIEhh1C3yxAyOCk-xT9xqiRj8ryyarDuRk-06kQXm4vxEt49-ez5amNgiO/s400/Mini+book+001.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is for when every bit of space and weight counts. It isn't my ideal set-up, but it's better than nothing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Paperchase notebook has some washi taped inside wrapped around pieces of card. I always stick any tickets, leaflets or receipts in with washi, it's prettier and less messy than glue.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWW10rvQtxQ19yycywLTlJ2LDvZWzt8cZEDQBlB95uk5ip6aktgn6LS-8Dc2pFKNpSAgwpiTDVlzMdZWEDUHLcsoofKP7QBUGcH_4MOmkw7z4bek2a_WGPoTit63QUI3v1AxVp989AJ8k/s1600/Mini+book+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWW10rvQtxQ19yycywLTlJ2LDvZWzt8cZEDQBlB95uk5ip6aktgn6LS-8Dc2pFKNpSAgwpiTDVlzMdZWEDUHLcsoofKP7QBUGcH_4MOmkw7z4bek2a_WGPoTit63QUI3v1AxVp989AJ8k/s400/Mini+book+003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a small Zebra Pen and propelling pencil, a sharpie ( I love orange) and my trusty book light.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ0J8IPrU-jhLSpLVEz3eZaTHGtKhyz0yc4ods6kD3F6U5MLOQX9P-OrylYWWv8zzBIDlzXV-yvpGrY6lhNouh4M9ZuXOVnukOsU6SDEWAdpT_zpOKSwYefMtYKcSxaXZosHZb23DfU12/s1600/Mini+book+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ0J8IPrU-jhLSpLVEz3eZaTHGtKhyz0yc4ods6kD3F6U5MLOQX9P-OrylYWWv8zzBIDlzXV-yvpGrY6lhNouh4M9ZuXOVnukOsU6SDEWAdpT_zpOKSwYefMtYKcSxaXZosHZb23DfU12/s400/Mini+book+005.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This may end up being may favourite kit, I will be seeing how I get on with each one. Kits #2 and #3 to follow, just waiting for some stickers I ordered to finish setting them up.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Kate </span></b></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-40019091698557567192016-04-04T10:40:00.000+01:002016-04-04T10:40:00.902+01:00Bedroom Revamp Update<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's a dull start this Monday morning after the last week's beautiful weather. Sunday has been and gone and with it my deadline to complete the bedroom revamp. Needless to say to I haven't finished it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I did manage to get my bed moved into its new position yesterday and then had a dreadful night, hopefully this is a one-off or I will need a major rethink!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lots of larger items that I was donating were also picked up yesterday - underbed storage drawers, a huge rolling holdall and the Personal Impressions rolling tote which has found a new home holding my brother-in-law's fishing supplies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My shopping order has just been delivered for the week so I really have no excuse not to get back there and get on with it, sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b> </span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-1383055536914128782016-04-01T13:38:00.000+01:002016-04-01T13:38:28.371+01:00Gluten Free Mini Donuts<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I found these on my latest visit to our out of town Tesco and thought I'd give them a try.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><img alt="" data-aria-label-part="" height="244" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ce3WaSaVAAILLIp.jpg" style="top: 0px;" width="320" /> (pic from <a href="https://twitter.com/GF_Centre/status/715463663436505088">Twitter</a>, forgot to get one of the box)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They can be found in the freezer aisle and I like the way they are easily packaged to allow 2 or 3 to be taken out and defrosted at a time. It's 30 minutes until they are ready, short enough to just take one out when you fancy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There's no mistaking that they are gluten free, they have the usually slightly gritty texture found in lots of gluten free bakes and are quite dry. They have a nice dusting of icing sugar/glucose powder on top which adds to the flavour. The family felt they needed a bit extra though.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBO6VuB5RqsrCpygabzjOUMweqsRg8hxB2wZqqO2_dmwCiw3M8mEE_WamKQHEUiAwlywT3_eKh_Hd8Zc871OMLzMf_7p44aWERn64OBqwUE4e0EhnAwCzFjcIG_SDl_CHTh8t9HMGLPagv/s1600/Tesco+donuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBO6VuB5RqsrCpygabzjOUMweqsRg8hxB2wZqqO2_dmwCiw3M8mEE_WamKQHEUiAwlywT3_eKh_Hd8Zc871OMLzMf_7p44aWERn64OBqwUE4e0EhnAwCzFjcIG_SDl_CHTh8t9HMGLPagv/s400/Tesco+donuts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We do have sweet tooths and as they are just teeny, tiny treat size a teaspoon of strawberry jam seemed in order.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I will definitely pick up another pack next time I see them and keep them in the freezer ready for when the house is devoid of gluten free goodies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-44934332261357784562016-04-01T12:57:00.004+01:002016-04-01T12:57:55.024+01:00Photo Catalogue and a quiet day<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As one of the boys was ill yesterday I had a rest from the full on decluttering. The weather was gorgeous but, as we were unable to go out, Branston Pickle and I spent our time relaxing in the sunny garden whilst the Small n Grubby one slept. (I need to update photos of these guys, they have grown so, so much.) </span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I catalogued some photo disks I had found, so a small bit of tidying did take place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Later in the evening I started to tackle my jewelry supplies and I've continued with that this morning. I'm not sure what shape my jewelry making will take, which makes it hard to decide what to keep. I have reduced things from 4 large boxes to 2, which I hope will eventually become just one box once I have discovered my new niche. The huge Personal Impressions rolling bag full of jewelry class supplies has been reduced to a holdall, another win! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A sunny picture to end.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHqK93ZRfF2xhsqZTXCJw6zcdSkqcVVu74tIJggtky8KjFxkGCvpGXZcH15kuaO_QrgEZMAjEao70A4dtq8wJuPnqFxojKF4KLJXHeby00IdFBZvtoXp1X-xS-hE5Xq5WovGw4lpgInpT/s1600/daffodil+stamens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHqK93ZRfF2xhsqZTXCJw6zcdSkqcVVu74tIJggtky8KjFxkGCvpGXZcH15kuaO_QrgEZMAjEao70A4dtq8wJuPnqFxojKF4KLJXHeby00IdFBZvtoXp1X-xS-hE5Xq5WovGw4lpgInpT/s400/daffodil+stamens.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A bunch of daffodils have been on my windowsill since Easter and are still looking lovely. The centres are an amazing peach colour that I just had to capture on film.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Kate </span></b></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-34441304307749196992016-03-30T12:24:00.000+01:002016-03-30T12:24:12.810+01:00Decluttering Panic!!!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My bedroom floor is completely covered in bags, boxes and piles of junk, but I keep coming back to the fact that this is mainly things I want to keep. So, I decided my next move should be to turn out the wardrobe and other storage areas to see what space I could free up. As the piles of stuff started to hit the bed, that's when the panic set in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't know how I will fit it all back in, or how it all ever fitted in the first place. My only solution is to keep getting rid of more stuff, but the more I seem to lose the more the piles seem to grow. I have this massive urge to just ram it all back in the wardrobe and forget I ever started it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Please tell me this is just part of the process you have to go through or I am in danger of losing my nerve.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Kate</span></b></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-38760478383353791542016-03-29T08:52:00.001+01:002016-03-29T08:52:26.192+01:00Easter Holiday Decluttering<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's the school holidays again and that means time for some more serious decluttering. I'm tackling the whole of the bedroom, which includes the majority of my craft supplies (as that's where they live!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am tacking a 3 pronged approach:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I'm sorting through stuff immediately get rid of items that I know I will never use.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Move everything into position where I want to keep it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Take a Konmari style look at what's there and see if all the items are things I love, need and will use. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The items I am getting rid of are going to local Scout and Guide groups, family that like to craft and new items (like unopened packs of craft stuff) are off to a charity shop that raises funds to support people with learning difficulties (so they can use the stuff or sell it.) Absolutely no guilt there for me, although there are a few items I may struggle with, I'll get onto those in another post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here are some bags ready to go (excuse the blurry pictures, that's how I feel this morning!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UnbcjOVMZolxyY_C_fv9-rzf2MnGExgArtZ4bFkFs-ed2rKQL4WuF1pzADYUS_FfFnyiJ3REz6J3IHoNduTvIlNPWCblG5hMAZ9zwtOzhElCTfBVg-QvG6ntRFbPxFt6VG9PQXPh_QXh/s1600/tidy+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UnbcjOVMZolxyY_C_fv9-rzf2MnGExgArtZ4bFkFs-ed2rKQL4WuF1pzADYUS_FfFnyiJ3REz6J3IHoNduTvIlNPWCblG5hMAZ9zwtOzhElCTfBVg-QvG6ntRFbPxFt6VG9PQXPh_QXh/s400/tidy+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That tub of flowers in the top has to have been there 10 years plus!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And here is a whole pile of boxes full of Blue Moon Beads that I am yet to sort.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcohUFXCiZLWSRoU0R4_azVQCotBMwJW7MF5gcLepAu39l7fLt8tfxM8aa5JNeqktvTZ1eeJQlZODrD93wrYWY1_D9mU9nILLLMSbpcJoo4Mqb2A2mXegVbzc_MZnVuNtkHZy9t5bcLxH/s1600/tidy+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcohUFXCiZLWSRoU0R4_azVQCotBMwJW7MF5gcLepAu39l7fLt8tfxM8aa5JNeqktvTZ1eeJQlZODrD93wrYWY1_D9mU9nILLLMSbpcJoo4Mqb2A2mXegVbzc_MZnVuNtkHZy9t5bcLxH/s400/tidy+002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm off to empty my wardrobe now and see what's lying in the depths. This is my inspiration and target photo from <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/370350769338214057/">Pinterest</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img alt="Master-bedroom-closet-after: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/c0/8c/16/c08c16f913cdacf2d55020c624fdcb04.jpg" width="266" /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">IF I'm successful in my mission I may even add a video tour to my blog post. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-16220530333700060862016-02-23T17:31:00.000+00:002016-02-23T17:31:09.828+00:00Memory Box - Plush Heart Pocket<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm blaming Jennifer McGuire for my latest crafting obsession. She's been posting beautiful pictures on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennifermcguireink/">Instagram</a> of her felt creations using dies which not only cut out the felt shapes for you but also provide all the guide holes for sewing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I didn't need much more persuading as I love hand sewing, although my stitches are never neat, then she posted a really helpful <a href="http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2016/02/felt-2.html">video</a> and my finger was on the pay button before I could stop myself. In fact I made a quick list of things I could make with the heart die and once I got to 5 I realised it was really going to work for me with the added bonus that I already have everything else I needed to go with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here's my 1st attempt.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl5dpDErZ5Xo7xTrgEQkb30_88m_m92Bkl8N6YC32b8hYxjLeu0CX4T_I5wRC7D0CcgHU6TR5CwYKM3xHwlyRFrkMKkjsWZwVby4DqTni0odluuGCc1J3_oy80sPvJjisREK-pmKIDZyA/s1600/Basic+felt+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl5dpDErZ5Xo7xTrgEQkb30_88m_m92Bkl8N6YC32b8hYxjLeu0CX4T_I5wRC7D0CcgHU6TR5CwYKM3xHwlyRFrkMKkjsWZwVby4DqTni0odluuGCc1J3_oy80sPvJjisREK-pmKIDZyA/s400/Basic+felt+heart.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I used some leftover felt to experiment and make a holder for needles and threads ready for the next project. My stitching still isn't as neat as Jennifers, but it's much improved from my normal free-hand stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The die I used is from Memory Box and is called the Plush Heart Pocket. I ordered it from <a href="http://www.craftsulove.co.uk/memorybox.htm">Crafts U Love</a> and <a href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/search.aspx?currency=USD&q=plush+die">Simon Says Stamp</a> have them too including their own exclusive Easter ones ( I love the little basket!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">YEEEEEEESSS I am back crafting!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Kate</span></b></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-38475639199598342202016-02-22T11:32:00.000+00:002016-02-22T11:32:12.413+00:00Tackling Magazines<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My decluttering plans for the weekend were totally derailed. Before Christmas I was using my Sizzix die-cutter a lot with Bigz dies, mainly making those gorgeous little houses that <a href="http://timholtz.com/">Tim Holtz</a> brought out. I impulse purchased a thin die a few days ago and decided to treat myself to an hours crafting to test it out. After all, the readon I was tidying was to give me the opportunity to get back in touch with my creative side, wasn't it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well someone somewhere is conspiring against me - no base plate for the die-cutter. It hads to be somewhere and its not exactly small, but could I find it - NO!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Any spare time at the weekend was spent in the fruitless search and I have been forced to move on to a new tidying category in the hope that it might bring the results I'm looking for...................MAGAZINES.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The floor was covered in them and I was convinced the base plate lay amounst them. This morning I've cleared as many as I could get my hands on and put them all on the bed in piles according to different categories....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j_WfbHLnWfd9w4lepWIeNpEBUsAGIkpoqnaxhV9OMz8ahU4VvuM5B5eqvsUhb9zDYZwbalMqsqhwMIZn-FN72_Nj1S5t3XjhUndfN-0PV281JFHX8f8zF4dv_NgZ7UDhPkBL3bAcEc1f/s1600/Tackling+Magazines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j_WfbHLnWfd9w4lepWIeNpEBUsAGIkpoqnaxhV9OMz8ahU4VvuM5B5eqvsUhb9zDYZwbalMqsqhwMIZn-FN72_Nj1S5t3XjhUndfN-0PV281JFHX8f8zF4dv_NgZ7UDhPkBL3bAcEc1f/s400/Tackling+Magazines.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Crafts, work, colouring, kids, Guides, Photography, food/health and home decor. My plan is now to move the piles to the dining table and work my way ruthlessly through them. The reason for this is time. If I leave them where they are and don't complete the mission in a day I will have to return them to the floor and the cycle of mess will begin again. On the dining table we can eat around them and they will be ready and waiting for me when ever I can spare them 15 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Oh yes, I did find the base plate. Tucked in a box beneath the debris. Now, if I set myself a tidying target for the day, maybe I can be rewarded with some die-cutting play this evening .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-86340324396094214052016-02-19T09:04:00.003+00:002016-02-19T09:04:54.626+00:00Ink Pad Storage with Artbin Quick View<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Whilst researching the tidying and decluttering experience, I've read in several places that you shouldn't buy any new storage until you've sorted everything and know exactly what you want to put where. This makes complete sense, of course, but as soon as I saw this container on <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/370350769337758178/">Pinterest</a> I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUApLP45M5qiFvDfSry3zurncka-AT5ScNbRTEkYyj-uWp7oYf7e5dhEM7U8h-Vx5rWtxueuRL4Ng138_miO9KZUk60B1Iz-SWNWcT2wBaO8_19dZPxxYk8Kh1796zpb5STb7u2QCHCSzT/s1600/Artbin+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUApLP45M5qiFvDfSry3zurncka-AT5ScNbRTEkYyj-uWp7oYf7e5dhEM7U8h-Vx5rWtxueuRL4Ng138_miO9KZUk60B1Iz-SWNWcT2wBaO8_19dZPxxYk8Kh1796zpb5STb7u2QCHCSzT/s400/Artbin+case.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's the Artbin Quick View case and it fits all my large ink pads, after a little pruning, which thankfully was far less painful than my attempts with the <a href="http://noseycritters.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/rubber-stamps-to-go.html">stamps</a> the day before.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM4MwrR5eYQd-LFB1DI0O2we2S_TGiGcawHvGGZ2ygPdulBQTyrm2Clh2AyyCZNVmUk2Ac0W5n7Sp_LdI06iw3fRzy8E65xeTie5yoxgRRddApaeG8Nca1X2YFrbxuZNpjsP8ZN8KEJDg/s1600/Full+Artbin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvM4MwrR5eYQd-LFB1DI0O2we2S_TGiGcawHvGGZ2ygPdulBQTyrm2Clh2AyyCZNVmUk2Ac0W5n7Sp_LdI06iw3fRzy8E65xeTie5yoxgRRddApaeG8Nca1X2YFrbxuZNpjsP8ZN8KEJDg/s400/Full+Artbin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Completely portable and completely full, but as I only buy small pads now when ever possible that should be fine. Please don't ask why I didn't colour the labels before I attached them! I think it was because back then I used them so often I thought I knew them all. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6eePK8aqiCMsqxP5zFJVf1uAXd1hHLifgUCg6OQ4GYJlZzZKi6Pyc76TTkaz8_frde1TsJ1pXS2XulfrEGgZR9szV7HyOXg0pVltSPTJhycESilsfM9eTzgzvqOb8Q0uppIiOZi0cL8D/s1600/Open+Artbin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6eePK8aqiCMsqxP5zFJVf1uAXd1hHLifgUCg6OQ4GYJlZzZKi6Pyc76TTkaz8_frde1TsJ1pXS2XulfrEGgZR9szV7HyOXg0pVltSPTJhycESilsfM9eTzgzvqOb8Q0uppIiOZi0cL8D/s400/Open+Artbin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There's room inside for a few sponges and they help keep everything in place too. The unlabelled and unopened ones are new releases from 2015 before I stopped buying them and bought the mini multi packs at the end of the quarter. Picket Fence is in there too so nothing more to add, except my Versamark is missing. It might be with the embossing powders, I haven't tackled them yet. If I find it that blue Memento can probably be sacrificed to make some room. One in, one out from now on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I bought my case at <a href="http://noseycritters.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/rubber-stamps-to-go.html">Jackson's Art</a>. You need at least the 14inch/36cm one for the pads to fit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Onwards and upwards.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Kate </span></b></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-42948906149265045852016-02-18T11:07:00.002+00:002016-02-18T11:08:16.547+00:00Rubber Stamps To Go<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think I picked a hard category to start my purge with, or may be I'm going to have great difficulty with everything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the pile of stamps ready to go.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdcsho67wXFdAHjKTStfI0qFdAbIkGoku6AazB2zoLXnn2yLCFjJzRtxy_vmwBrAVzMhRBC3xgaFpKQnxDK02_wR-KLJFEXqQGJQdMtnC1J7jDgm-HWEAqGLXISqh0nXMju4rvKfYtqDW/s1600/Rubber+stamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdcsho67wXFdAHjKTStfI0qFdAbIkGoku6AazB2zoLXnn2yLCFjJzRtxy_vmwBrAVzMhRBC3xgaFpKQnxDK02_wR-KLJFEXqQGJQdMtnC1J7jDgm-HWEAqGLXISqh0nXMju4rvKfYtqDW/s400/Rubber+stamps.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But, it's not nearly enough. There are still far more here than I need. It's been easy to look at the unused ones, leaving the issues of expense firmly at the back of my mind. For most I remember why I bought them, sale being the #1 reason, and the projects I thought I would make. For the majority I can say "If I had an hour to craft would I make that project?" and the answer would be no, so they can go. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The used ones are harder, looking through I remember the projects I made and the number of uses I had from them and it's too easy to say "Yes, I would use that again." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thinking of the Konmari principles, there was one, just one, box that I opened and a smile of pure joy instantly lit my face. Does that mean that should be the only box I keep? I can see why the answer should be yes, but I don't know if I'm ready to take that step. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For now I am taking a stamp break and turning my attention to ink pads. Surely that can't be too difficult, can it??</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kate </span></b></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-88917960814269354952016-02-17T12:13:00.000+00:002016-02-17T12:13:16.122+00:00Tesco Free From Madeira Cake<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I found a mini gift cake reduced to clear in my local Tesco last night. I decided it was worth an extra, late, little valentines treat to myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It tasted great and I nearly forgot to take a picture.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BqgroH2nIc_ovqxybIBwzS4-qRIegPFgj2JRwTMYmwnZ1c9my7PsajmR40VzU_uUW1WiltaSTYGXK1RUycvfnWU9uPNUkIhVWQCjEHiEM4IcXKwa7Z-BI1Du7qdS9Z7tQpBlgVOkT3fu/s1600/Free+from+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BqgroH2nIc_ovqxybIBwzS4-qRIegPFgj2JRwTMYmwnZ1c9my7PsajmR40VzU_uUW1WiltaSTYGXK1RUycvfnWU9uPNUkIhVWQCjEHiEM4IcXKwa7Z-BI1Du7qdS9Z7tQpBlgVOkT3fu/s400/Free+from+cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The labelling is gluten free and wheat free, but it does contain egg and milk. There was quite a short date on it so hopefully that was the actual reason for the price reduction as it is not the sort of thing Tesco needs to <b>discontinue</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It would make a great gift for the gluten free individual in your life or if you are making/buying a birthday cake for someone else in your family you could pick one of these up as an on the side item for yourself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now do I go back and pick myself up another one?!?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate </b></span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-889900088481533302016-02-16T13:40:00.000+00:002016-02-16T13:40:17.549+00:00Why I'm reducing my craft supplies by three quarters <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's the half term holidays and I am on yet another craft purge and tidy. BUT, this time it's different. I've decided to reduce my supplies down to a quarter of what they were, here's why.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>I don't craft anymore</b>........... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Not because I don't want to but because I can't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can't reach anything</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can't find anything</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can't find the inspiration and joy in all the mess</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TkOnotH_4vSbavg0kD8Nk28HiyJCIjgAdkkrJvpjE7dYk72aYqRok58pD-UmtSTBCGg8d8yB5gxOjPvR4VoqGlqnfJWqIPnzxdiBfK4G08jFloqJcR-qwGkJ28_-rU5kneLI3bX4Y8Db/s1600/Craft+room+mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TkOnotH_4vSbavg0kD8Nk28HiyJCIjgAdkkrJvpjE7dYk72aYqRok58pD-UmtSTBCGg8d8yB5gxOjPvR4VoqGlqnfJWqIPnzxdiBfK4G08jFloqJcR-qwGkJ28_-rU5kneLI3bX4Y8Db/s400/Craft+room+mess.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Alpha stickers, adhesives and mini books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>I'm no longer running craft stalls</b>............ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I loved running a craft stall, meeting new people, chatting to like minded creative souls, but it meant finding time in the evenings and weekends just at the same time when my family needed me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdSfwtx1h6yrsEASV-IyHpiaHwbIra9cCBrVABhm2RWDuOZNV9RDTUkGwi4Q1CxuEf6538ee8Dd9AhQ5AQ25pJ3TAV88NLJxyyFK8ZgzZncTDzzTZ0GMssZM2UNw7Jsu2czurLTQNYk6K/s1600/Craft+room+desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdSfwtx1h6yrsEASV-IyHpiaHwbIra9cCBrVABhm2RWDuOZNV9RDTUkGwi4Q1CxuEf6538ee8Dd9AhQ5AQ25pJ3TAV88NLJxyyFK8ZgzZncTDzzTZ0GMssZM2UNw7Jsu2czurLTQNYk6K/s400/Craft+room+desk.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My desk is under here somewhere</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>I'm crafting for myself</b>...................... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Not what someone else would like to buy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Not the the details specified by the latest competition</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OD4yxGGUkagVeE_JhwgEmc0fQ7IFV9iu3bwbeF8bAqzvCM_-wPyBvNzaSFnzlqu2eCGyUt9LkuqQFhqJUClNf4fp987LckRJgV3cCsYbEGsct_pnbW7-C20cTc8mptxFfyEUgBsXqXzz/s1600/Cling+Stamp+Storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-uLRon6vNopm_YXbTxNOI8Ba-edBOesNwoZeMDwpcgwIi02ZXcsDvycc3Cn7BRBkstUxeG7xOuSaTQQO6t6QUXxd5JEM_XzUnONTfWR8bY8iIs6OHVTcYnjGyQDOiF5HvGrEV9arZ9TP/s1600/Craft+Jewelry+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-uLRon6vNopm_YXbTxNOI8Ba-edBOesNwoZeMDwpcgwIi02ZXcsDvycc3Cn7BRBkstUxeG7xOuSaTQQO6t6QUXxd5JEM_XzUnONTfWR8bY8iIs6OHVTcYnjGyQDOiF5HvGrEV9arZ9TP/s400/Craft+Jewelry+Area.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">My jewelry supplies with other stuff heaped on top</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>I'm no longer</b>...........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Making complex cards </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Quilling, hand embossing, parchment crafting etc, etc</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mass creating jewelry </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Altering random objects that I don't know what to do with</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OD4yxGGUkagVeE_JhwgEmc0fQ7IFV9iu3bwbeF8bAqzvCM_-wPyBvNzaSFnzlqu2eCGyUt9LkuqQFhqJUClNf4fp987LckRJgV3cCsYbEGsct_pnbW7-C20cTc8mptxFfyEUgBsXqXzz/s1600/Cling+Stamp+Storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OD4yxGGUkagVeE_JhwgEmc0fQ7IFV9iu3bwbeF8bAqzvCM_-wPyBvNzaSFnzlqu2eCGyUt9LkuqQFhqJUClNf4fp987LckRJgV3cCsYbEGsct_pnbW7-C20cTc8mptxFfyEUgBsXqXzz/s400/Cling+Stamp+Storage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cling stamp storage</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>BUT, I am looking forward with excitment to</b>............. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Photography projects </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Home decor projects</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Creating individual jewelry pieces for myself, family and friends</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Memory keeping in what ever format that takes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">More planners and art journals </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'll document here how I'm getting along, what storage ideas I find and what I'm getting rid of and why. I have homes for a lot of the items I'm letting go of with childrens clubs and charities, but if you make cards for charity let me know, I could have some things to send your way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b></span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-29996589058035134362015-10-12T12:44:00.000+01:002015-10-12T12:44:25.024+01:00Still Dreaming ..............<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just 3 modules to go on my NVQ and then I'm done!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hard to concentrate though as I'm still day dreaming about waking up on the beach at Hengistbury.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYQOaPnrbiy2gnlHx3qOb826lm2JliL6t5D_-HoyJE14VJw0ZyFQETT5UysSMXaPoTF0C8UE3yvST9JvJIhJxMS_gly8zsdkH5sezzKEwXnilAAC6-Dtn2K151AKKRGlckPFTP6LxJ13M/s1600/Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYQOaPnrbiy2gnlHx3qOb826lm2JliL6t5D_-HoyJE14VJw0ZyFQETT5UysSMXaPoTF0C8UE3yvST9JvJIhJxMS_gly8zsdkH5sezzKEwXnilAAC6-Dtn2K151AKKRGlckPFTP6LxJ13M/s400/Sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I can't spend anymore time editing pictures, I will get to them once I've got some more work done.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Kate </span></b></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195537718624984713.post-59135672338680530472015-09-29T19:36:00.000+01:002015-09-29T19:36:21.594+01:00Hello Autumn<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can it really be nearly 2 months since I was here last? Although quite a few things have happened, the news today has not changed a great deal in all those weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">August was busy and fun. Fitting in study work between a really successful church holiday club and a very wet camping trip with the Guides. It rained nearly solidly for 4 days, but thankfully ended warm, bright and happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then came September. Kicked off by visiting a wonderfully inspiring contemporary and heritage craft event, but then as the days progressed illness has set in again. It feels strange to go from being one of those people who rarely gets sick to one who seems to never be well. I've managed a couple of weekends away, the last of which was beach hut 'glamping' at Hengistbury Head - photos to follow soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What I'm currently doing:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Looking after and enjoying being with the children.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Trying to get my studies finished up - deadline is November 12 and I will not be sorry to see it all done and dusted.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some how still finding time to shop.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Updating <a href="https://instagram.com/noseycritters/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/noseycritters">Twitter</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Reading.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Taking photos. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What I'm currently not doing:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cleaning/housework!!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lots of outstanding DIY jobs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Konmari.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Crafting.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once those studies are out of the way I intend to dedicate the next year to a complete home overhaul - which could be very slow going health permitting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My plan will be to update my progress here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On the crafting front, I still need to complete my <a href="https://instagram.com/konmari_method/">Konmari</a> and revamp my working space, there's a blog post waiting to happen about that. In the meantime, I think I may get involved with <a href="http://www.thedailymarker.com/">Kathy's 30 day colouring challenge</a>. Taking out some time each day to colour could be what I need for relaxation and to ease me back into creating ready for when my studies are complete.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Kate</b> </span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02648014855104911415noreply@blogger.com0