Another holiday - Another week in Northumberland

We have just come back from another holiday in Northumberland (Beadnell), and yet again we had a lovely time. Weather could have been a bit better but at least we didn't have any rain, and the sun did come out once or twice, so can't complain. Had to visit the brilliant Barter Books again. Came away with 7 books (lovely), and we went on another boat trip to see the seals and puffins. That was good but poooh birds can't half stink when the sun is shining. Archie had a brilliant time and spent nearly every day in the sea again. Why do holiday's go so quick tho' :(

Once in a Blue Moon

Thats the title that John has used on his Flickr site for today so thought I'd pinch it. He actually persuaded me to go out on my bike today. I haven't used the pedal power in over 3 years (I have a long list of excuses that I always use), but today I thought why not. We headed to Delamere Forest and enjoyed a 6 mile ride. I know that Archie always loves going out with John when he goes on his bike, but I actually got a taste of how much Archie enjoys running alongside. Afterwards we went to the Pheasant Inn (tucked in a peaceful corner of rural Cheshire, the Pheasant enjoys some of the most magnificant panoramic views in the area) for a gorgeous sunday lunch and pudding for afters. Lets just say that the calories I burnt off on the ride were soon put back on.

What a Surprise!!!

Hubby had planned an early birthday surprise for me. He wouldn't tell me exactly where we were heading to only that it was in Scotland. On Friday just before we left he told me. We were driving to Glasgow Airport and flying out to the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides on a 13 seater plane (he knows I'm not a very good flyer at the best of times). Well I survived the trip and actually loved all of it (apart from the plane journey). I can't believe we actually landed on a beach!! The weather was absolutely gorgeous while we were there, and we had a lovely long weekend stopping at the Isle of Barra Beach Hotel - The most westerly hotel & pub in Great Britian. We paddled with nosey seals and also got to see 2 otters climb on to some rocks they disappeared quickly tho' once they noticed that they were being watched :( We had a great time and yes Archie came too but I don't think he was very impressed being put into a crate so that we could get him on the plane. We flew back on Monday to grey skies and rain.

Cupcake Craft Challenge 93 - Summer Delights

The challenge at Cupcake Craft is to make a card illustrating what summer means to me. I found this stamp and thought it was so suitable. I can just imagine walking through a meadow on a beautiful summers day, with the butterflies flying by and a gentle breeze moving my dress. The stamp I have used is Stampin' Up Summer by the Sea, the paper was Basic Grey Wisteria, and the lovely purple flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, Cherry Blossom Mulberry flowers.

Cupcake Craft Challenge 92 - Black & Grey plus one colour choice

When I saw this weeks challenge it gave me the much needed push to make a card and also the chance to ink up my Magnolia stamp and to use my Dovecraft "a hint of pink" papers. I've had these papers for ages and just haven't attempted to use any of them. I also got to use my new Cuttlebug die for the edges of the card. I used Rose stickles to add a bit of sparkle to her dress and the ribbon in her hair.

Friday Sketchers - Sketch #101

The sketch provided by Friday Sketchers this week gave me the inspiration to create this card. My boss is expecting her first grandchild and as you can imagine she is very excited and is already planning on what her and hubby will be doing with the child as he grows up. Hopefully she'll like this card. The image is a Lili of the Valley stamp. I got the It's a Boy! ribbon from ribbon box.

Alphabet Challenge Blog & Allsorts Challenge

I've just made my 3rd easel card. I love the way these cards come out, and yet again I've made my card into a calendar. Unfortunately its a bit late for my friend seeing as we are already on the 3rd of May (where are the days going). I'm sure he won't mind that its a bit late, and just noticed that there are 31 days this month (its going to be a long month lol!). Anyway I'm entering this card into 2 challenges Alphabet Challenge Blog - A is for Animals and Allsorts Challenge Week 50 "Animals". The image I've used is a Mo Manning image called Missed You, I just think those bears are so cute. The papers used are MME Bloom & Grow.