Introducing my little Pudcat

Did you know I have a cat? In fact, I've got two. We did have three, but this little guy's brother went over the Rainbow Bridge a while ago now.

This is Senna, the persian puss. He is now 12 years old and is such a loving little cat. He loves his tummy tickles and is a very demanding fussy-furball. lol. We've had Senna (and his brother, Biela) when they were 10 months old. They came from a breeder who wanted rid. They were in such a state,(matted up - never been combed, infected cuts from scissors, bad teeth or even still, no teeth!) totally underfed (and I mean two adult boys, half a tin of food between them per day!) and still trusting of people. Don't animals amaze you? They do me!

We also have Kiara, a little black and white cat, and she is 11.. I'll try to get some photos of her if she stays still long enough! We got kiara at 2 weeks old after she'd been dumped in a carrier bag! Our old dog, Asti, found her and her litter mates whilst out walking.

Snow days

Hi all.. I'm back again. Two days on the trot - aren't I doing well?

I just wanted to upload some photos of the snow and other bits that I've just downloaded from mobiles - mine and daughter's.

As you know, it's been snowing quite a bit this last couple of weeks.. and actually, I'm just about fed up of all the white stuff!

I absolutely love it when it first falls, then it turns to slush, and without doubt always ice! People start falling over, cars start skidding about and the whole kaboodle turns rather dangerous. In fact yesterday, on our local news, there were images of children crawling across the road to get to school! How ridiculous they must have felt and how dangerous?! Poor things. Where my hubby works there had been accidents too - his work colleagues had had crashes and collisions, people had fallen over. It's just so hazardous.

Looking outside was like something from the Ice Road Truckers. I love this program - and you have to admire their resiliance (is that how you spell it?).

This is a piccie of the tree outside our house.

I just love how the little red berries are sticking out of the snow. It has been fantastic for the little birds to get some food from, and there is a thrush that visits at least every few hours. I always leave food out for the birds, especially in bad weather. They must be getting really hungry. In fact, there were two little bunnies out on the icy, snowy playing field last night trying to find food, they must have been freezing!

My lickle fuschia bush is really suffering too - always leave the growth on the top until the summer! That's what I do and it helps to protect it a little.

Now what else can you do when it's snowed the worse it's been for the last 30 years?? Well, you can......

JUMP! This is little Holly chasing snowflakes whilst out on our walk. The woofers have really loved the snow - especially Truly who thinks it's her new best friend and she can't wait to get out into it!

Not a very clear picture, but here's Holly looking so cute.

And finally for now, Christmas - woofer styleee!)

This is Truly fighting with Martina for her prezzie. She got some chews as a stocking filler, and she thought they were rather munchable!

And here is Scooby opening his present from Carley. Feet stuck in, whacking whoever gets in their way, and munch - definately the order of the day. We even got help opening ours! Great fun!

I hope you like the piccies. I'm just off to sort out my samples from this last week or so.

Back soon !

Time for a catch up I think..

I have been on a bit of a whirlwind for the last week or so, and I'm sat here now - 12.15pm on Wednesday, actually able to sit and catch up on my blog!

My blogging has been slipping a little bit lately, I've just had no time to update it, and no time to take photos from my camera to my computer! I'm sure you know how it is.

So. What have I been upto?

Since last time I wrote, I have been doing lots of crafting. I was preparing samples and demo's for a few days down in Peterborough for the POTW. My first day down there this month, was on Friday. I had to be there for 12pm, midday, and as you know the weather has been absolutely awful. Thank fully, when I set off, the weather was worse here than there, and when I got just past Lincoln there wasn't much snow laying around. Bonus!

The hour went so quickly, and working with Leonie was amazing. She is such a sweet thing, and we had a bit of a laugh too, which is always nice.

On Saturday was my Docrafts demo at the local store. I was suprised to see lots of regular faces, which had all made the effort to come and see me and spend some time. My lovely downline Sheila turned up to see me too, and as it was near lunchtime, we went for a quick cuppa. The goody bags sold like hot cakes and the product spoke for itself.

Sunday was a very early morning on the road again. I set off for Peterborough at 4am, as I was live on air at 8am. I was on with Stephanie, who is so warm and friendly. A mine of information and a lovely person to boot.

Monday - well, before we get to Monday, I have to say that I was asked at short notice to go back on another show on the Tuesday, and recieved my kit to work with on Saturday whilst I was out working - so Monday was another rush for me. Lots of sample making going on in the house of Austin, and this was all I did until around 11pm at night. A very busy day all round.

So Tuesday was D-Day. Off to Peterborough for POTW at 8am, so left here again at 4am. In fact, driving on the road at that time in the morning is quite good - it's quiet and not lots of cars on the road. I was all really to go by 7.30am, so just a little bit of waiting around. I was working with Nigel, and he is always lovely. I've worked with him before, and he's really nice. After 9am when the show finished I went for a quick coffee to wake me up (even though I don't often drink coffee.. ) and then back in the studio for around 9.40am to set up for the 11am show.

Time came around really quickly, and I was on my way home around half past 12. I did call in Sainsbury's for a quick drink and then the journey home.

So - that was my last couple of weeks in a nutshell really. It's all gone by in a 'whoooosh' but it makes it all the more worthwhile when you get emails complementing you on the day job.. so thank you all - I appreciate them.

Today.. I am feeling the effects of a bad cold caught from my hubby. My throat feels like a cheese grater and I can't quite decide if I'm hot or I'm cold.. lordy, I sound like Katy Perry! You know, my two eldest went to see her in concert in London last year and said she's a fantastic performer. Off tangent completely there..

So today. I feel a little bit headachy, sore throaty, hot and coldish, so I'm taking an easy day. I have some swaps to do for the weekend and at some stage I want to share some projects with you that I'm working on.

This weekend I'm travelling to Peterborough again, with Sheila, to attend a Stampin' Up! event. I'm in a bit of a dark place regarding Stampin Up at the moment and thought yesterday about chucking in the towel, but I have a few things up and coming, so instead of feeling like that, I'm going to plan a few ideas and get sorted. But it's New Year-ish isn't it.. and its cold.. and snowy and weather for sitting next to the radiator! lol. Then next weekend I'm up in sunny Southport for another demo, so looking foward to that.

Stampin Up? Well, I have some technique classes to prepare for, some swaps to make, and samples to do. And you know the best bit of going down to Peterborough this weekend? Well, that has to be spending time with Sheila and planning our Big Event at the end of February. Did I tell you about that?? Well, I'm going to have to shoot off for now, but watch this space.. lol.

It's been nice catching up .. and I promise to pop back with some cards later on.

Snow Business like Snow business....

Blimey - in a matter of a few hours, the whole place is covered with snow!

I didn't manage to get to sleep until around 2am this morning, and was up again at 5am - all was clear! Then I woke up a couple of hours later and it's absolutely chucking it down with snow!

It looks so beautiful.

However, I'm supposed to be recording down in Peterborough on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday... so please stop snowing!!!!!!

Today, I'm trying to get back into work again. Yesterday was my first day working after the holidays and I got making my samples for Create and Craft. Today, I'm waiting to find out for definate if my Docrafts kit will be on its way so I can get planning my projects for when it arrives tomorrow.

Now tomorrow is a busy day too, apart from waiting for my kit to arrive for this weekends demo, I also have to wait for Sky to turn up to install my HD box. We treated ourselves to a large (!!) flat screen HD LCD tv the other day and the quality of viewing through our Sky+ box isn't really very good .. plus the scart lead doesn't fit in when it's mounted on the wall! So, we're updating to the Sky HD which runs through a different cable, picture will be improved, plus my son will get the other box installed into his room for free! They'll all have sky boxes by the time we're done! lol. At the moment, my living room looks like a TV shop. The old tv is sat in the corner waiting to be taken to Kent at the next opportunity, as Paul's sister is having it. Makes sense as it's still under warranty.

I've also booked onto the one day Sale a Bration event that Monica is holding down in Peterborough middle of January so I need to be making some swaps to take with me. I'm travelling down with Sheila so it's going to be a blast! She is one funny lady and we have lots of planning to do for a big event we're holding in February. More details on this later.

So... that's me up to date. The dogs have been out playing in the snow.... daughter 2 is at school..... daughter 1 has a day off..... and I'm just going to get me a nettle tea! Yum.

Have a great Snowy day whatever you're upto.. xxx

Back to normal...

Christmas 2009 went with a blast here!

Not least the Wii which has been a great source of entertainment over the last few days. The kids have wanted one for a while, so we decided to treat them this year in addition to their prezzies. I'm not sure who was the most entertained yesterday between them, or hubby! I did go out and invest in a new Mario-cart game yesterday with wheel, and a doodly-wotsit for the end of the spare controller I bought.. technical stuff and me don't go together, so I went to Curry's - armed with Darling Son of Mine and Sister in Law! lol

Besides the Wii, we have had a very pleasant christmas. The wooflets have enjoyed their prezzies as much as the cats, and I am still looking at my christmas present on my finger and still love it.... which is actually a good thing, because if I didn't, I would most probably be given the chop! hehe.

We have had many walks in the woods with the dogs, and it has been lovely with the snow on the ground.

Over the last few days it's turned to mush really. This photo was taken on Christmas Day in my favourite part of the woods. Well, it will be even more so in a few months!

The woods are at Cantley, and I was stood just in front of where the new lion enclosure will most probably be in the Wildlife Park behind me. We're thinking it will be around this area, because there is alot of excavation work going on at the moment. The lions that are arriving have been rescued from Romania - see HERE and should be arriving in the coming months. I love the big cats, as you probably noticed in my blog posts a while ago from Port Lympne! Big cats and gorilla's are definately the way to go.. oh, and elephants.. and hedgehogs.. lol.

The snow is gradually fading away now, and the ice is melting outside, so we have to look forward to the New Year now. I'm not sure whether I'll be here or in Kent for it, but whichever it is, it's sure to be a good one.

I've been booked for Docrafts demo's all the way through to November now, so will be sharing ideas in Doncaster and Southport Range's through to the end of the year. I didn't manage to get to my last demo in Southport because of my operation, and I missed seeing all my regulars. So.. I'll be back in January and I can't wait.

I've also got a few dates to go back on TV early January, so that's good.. and in addition to all this, have got samples and cards to make for the magasines sometime soon. The brief should be coming out shortly, so I can't wait for that.... so all's busy in the Austin household in 2010!

And as if this wasn't enough excitement, the new Sale a Bration is only a few days away from starting with Stampin Up. I can't wait! Here's the link to the original post.

The Sale a Bration starts on the 30th December and I'm hoping it's just as succesful as last year. Just look at these stamp sets - aren't they just wonderful?!

Here's how you can benefit from it.

CUSTOMERS - For every £45 you spend you will qualify for one of the four stamp sets shown above. You can order four seperate times if you'd like?!

 

HOSTESS - If you host a Stampin Up workshop and your sales are £300 or more, you will qualify for a free stamp set too, in addition to your other bonuses.

 

DEMONSTRATORS - If you sign up with Stampin' Up to become an Independent demonstrator you will receive A FREE SET OF ANY VALUE from the catalogue (upto £38.95 in price). As a special offer from me, you will also recieve the offers I always give if you sign up with me. Check out the labels on the top of my blog. There's definately no better time to become a demo!

 

And.. last but not least, a few cards to show. These were on my mobile when I've just been reshuffling images, so thought I'd share. Whatever you're doing in the New Year, have a good one if I'm not back again for a few days. lol. 

Winter Wonderland....

It's been snowing! Again!

I absolutely love the snow.. but I don't like it when I have to drive in it, walk in it, work in it... in fact.. I only really like it when I can sit in my house and LOOK at it! Which is not what has happened so far this week. lol.

I did manage to time it quite right the other day when it first started snowing the other day - I had just come in with the furballs. I did have to nip out later that evening though, to see someone about some stationery for their wedding.

The dogs however, absolutely love it!

Isn't our Scoob-monster just the best? He sat and woofed to have his photo taken, whilst his l'il sisters ran about chasing all the snowflakes! Funny little Truly... she hates it when it's raining, but loves it when it's snowing! Quite peculiar! On the photo above, you can just about make out Holly catching the flakes!

Here he is again.. quite happily sitting in the snow posing for his piccie. They went for a walk in the woods earlier and came back like Snowballs, never mind Furballs!

Today, the snow has fallen again quite thickly, and what do you do in snow? Well, you make Snowmen! Here's one that Martina made earlier.

And his little companion -

She went outside quite happily to make these little chaps - would you believe they are only about four inches tall?!

Anyway, this is likely to be my last post until after the Big Day, as I have lots to do this week. My car is in for it's MOT in the morning - 8am!!! Blimey! Then we have shopping to do, in to town on Tuesday to pick up my ring and finish off the last bits, then my Sister in Law is arriving on Wednesday. In between all of this, I have to make the invitations for the end of the week. At least I have a house full of helpers. lol.

My hubby and son are also now on holiday, they both finished this last week. Paul always has the week before Christmas off work with me - it's our little treat every year.

So.. I will wish you all a Merry Christmas - unless I'm back again before the end of the week.. lol.

Don't forget the Sale a Bration Stampin Up promotion is starting on the 30th December - I can't wait.. the stamp sets are just beautiful! If you want to know more, just click on the link at the top of my posts.

Good Neighbours..

Did you see my earlier post about the Sale A Bration which is starting on the 30th December? Well.. this is one of the stamp sets you can recieve!



The colours are all from the Earth Elements. The cardstock and inks combine brilliantly with the colours, which is the beauty of working with Stampin Up.. everything coordinates brilliantly! No thinking about what goes with what... just get on and do it! Brilliant!

And don't forget.. check out my post from a few days ago and you'll see the sale a bration section - or click on the link above at the top and it'll take you straight there!

Love Jo x

One by one..

I'm breaking the rule of the week now.. I've made a few cards in singles. My daughter Carley had had a look through my stamps and chosen a few she wanted inking and using, so these are they... (did that sound posh?? not that I do posh lol)

This was the first one she chose and I think it's going to her boyfriends parents. I like how the angel is peaking through the curtains. so darn cute!

Here she is in closer detail. I coloured her with inks and then used the Stampin Up sponge dauber to add a glow to the star on her wand.

This one is for her friends. Two sweet little mice - I reckon this one is going to have to be used again for hubbys card.. which I haven't made yet. lol.

Closer detail again..

The images were coloured with copics and I used Whisper White to stamp on. It's a lovely cardstock to use with these pens as it helps to blend on the paper surface which in turn helps to merge the shading.

I'm sure I'll be back shortly with more cards ... I still have the important ones to do! See ya soon!

Baking in batches.....

... well, maybe not quite baking - more like making cards! Yep. I'm still plodding on with the christmas cards!

Here are a quick selection of a few I've done this week..

This little trio is in a set of different colours.. and this is the red one -

I have had this stamp for a while, and only just inked it up. I do do this - buy lots of stamps because I love them and need them, but then pop them in my drawer and never think to get them out to use them! It's a tragedy!!! lol.

Here she is a little closer up.. coloured with inks on watercolour paper.

This one with the shades of blue is one of my favourites of the day. But then.. this sepia one is too.. !

This is another set of three ...

Here's a little close up of the fairy..

isn't she the cutest?? I fell in love with these stamps as soon as I saw them (usual story really!). But honestly, I haven't had these that long.. lol.See the little bit of fluff on her skirt? Just sweet!

And here's a card in a little more detail.

That's all from me for now.. but will be back with a few more tomorrow. Sleep tight!

FOR SALE .... PLEASE LOOK

I've tried to get myself more organised for Christmas, and have gone through my Promarkers .. these are doubles of, so are for sale. I would like £1.30 each or £5 for this lot, which will include postage. They are unused.

sold subject to payment

Copic Caio

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Again.. more pens.. This time Copic Caio markers. I would like £1.30 each for these, all unused. I can then go and buy more of the ones I don't have.. lol

sold subject to payment

Messy Rabbit and Marvy Le Plume

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I've got a bit over adventurous with my Messy Rabbit stamps (joanna sheen) and have got this one twice, so would like to sell for £4 including postage.

• Messy Rabbit - Messy Angel MR165

I also have a few Le Plume markers if anyone would like for £1 each including postage.
Colours are -

• 4 Green
• 5 yellow
• 9 pink
• 10 Royal blue
• 46 Crimson lake
• 29 Prussian Blue
• 51 Aqua Grey
• 58 Peacock Green
• 63 Wine
• 65 Cherry
• 71 Spring Green
• 72 Pine Green

Thanks for looking x