Sunday 27 September 2009

Old Typepad Posts - May 2009

TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 1
DATE: 05/31/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Only one more sleep - get your glitter, glue, purdy papers ready. Be prepared to scrap the house down!!!!

In the meantime here is another Anniversary card I made last weekend. It was another commissioned card from one of my co-workers. She wanted a blue card which featured butterflies - now that is a requirement I can easily do :)

** click on image to enlarge**

Card - Anniversary #2

Cardstock: Bazzill, Papermill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs - UDD0179 Nolan, UDD0178 Kent
Embellishments: Stickers - Making Memories; Button; Ribbons
Tools:
Cuttlebug - Embossing Folder Swiss Dots; Fiskars - Border Punch Apron Lace; Butterfly Stamp - Stamps Away; AD Markers - Chartpak


Guess what...

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That means...

only

1  

days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 2
DATE: 05/30/2009 01:30:00 PM
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is anyone out there looking for a Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border Punch? If so, you are in luck because I have mine to offer for sale.
THIS PUNCH HAS NOW GONE

Now, there is nothing wrong with the punch at all - it is in pristine condition and works just fine but I am just so over that frilly design. About a year ago I had a friend from the US buy one for me and post it over to the UK as they were not available here at that time. Once I got it, I used it on almost EVERY card and EVERY layout for months on end.

And now, it just bores me...I am like that, fickle :-)

Anyhoo - including postage from the States I paid approx £20 for the punch and as it is still in as new condition I would like to get £10 which includes postage (UK only, International will incur a small surcharge). If you are interested, please leave a comment under this post.

There is one thing you need to know though - this punch does not like being used on Bazzill card stock (or any other card stock of the same thickness as Bazzill). You CAN punch through it but it requires elbow grease. You get the best results on paper of card stock quality and the smooth Stampin' Up card stock works great too.

00058603-637038_400

I can almost taste it...woot woot

Guess what...

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days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 3
DATE: 05/29/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Now it's getting closer and closer! The whole 2S4U team is totally excited about the showdown and we really hope to see you all there.

Wanna now more details about the sponsored prizes for the overall winner? Check the details out {here}.

In the meantime I have a card to share I started this morning and only just finished. This was done for this weeks Bonus Sketch from the amazingly talented {angela}. You simply HAVE to check out her blog...she has my jaw dropping week after week with her beautiful work.

Here is her sketch

Angela sketch 

And this is what I created - isn't the bug the cutest little fella? It lives on my brand-spanking new {strech your imagination} cartridge and I can see myself using that one A LOT.

Card - Bug

Cardstock: Bazzill, Papermill
Embellishments:
Rub Ons - Making Memories, Cherry Arte; Flat Backed Pearls - Katycards; Flowers - Hero Arts, Prima; Buttons - SEI
Tools:
Border Punch - EK Success; Cricut Cartridge - Stretch Your Imagination; Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug Swiss Dots



Guess what...

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days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 4 and Waist shots...
DATE: 05/28/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Today I am being really brave...because I am going to share pictures of my half-nekkid body - gross, I know but at least I gave you warning.

When I started my healthy eating/exercise regime at the beginning of the year I asked Lyndon to take a few shots of my. Just me in my knickers and bra, all wobbles and fat. For a start seeing THAT mass of body in a picture kinda worked as a reminder for me to NOT raid the fridge anymore. I had three shots taken, full front, side and back and after I looked at them in disgust for all but five minutes, I filed them away on my external hard-drive.

During the last couple of months people in the office started noticing a change in my body shape, which I personally did not see but when someone tells you "wow you look so slim now", you seriously do NOT question them or get into an argument over it, right? I thought they were just polite.

So, about two weeks ago I had Lyndon taking three pictures of me again - same position, same underwear and when I looked at them I thought that there was no change to the blob-pictures from January. That's when I decided to put them next to each other, like a proper before/after....I almost cried. The change is amazing - I have a waist, the fat is gone from my back, from my thighs and arms.

Saying that, I am not done yet - still being classed as being overweight by one stone (14lbs) but to see how far I have come in only 3,5 months I know I can shift the rest of the weight in no time. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I allow myself one weekend per month where I go crazy and eat and drink whatever the hell I like - so I do not feel deprived.

Right now I am on my lowest weight in three years and it feels bloomin' great. By the end of July I want to be back to the weight I was in 2004, when I was between a size 10 and 12. Right now it looks good, because my size 12's are starting to get loose.

And here are the pictures - notice the fabric of the bra, how it stretched in the first picture? I have not manipulated the photographs at all. The difference you see is for real and the waist is courtesy of my elliptical trainer - I never had a waist of that shape ever before in my life.

January 2009 / May 2009

Fat waist Tiny waist

Guess what...

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days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 5 and RAK Winner
DATE: 05/27/2009 03:30:00 PM
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I bet you thought I forgot about my RAK winner for {this} post...right?
Ahem, well you would be correct in thinking that because it totally escaped my mind but when I cleared my craft room over the weekend, I stumbled across the two Thickers packs and thought "uh-uh....you have forgotten something".

So, we have a winner - one of you actually managed to get the correct number of layouts that I created in 2008:




125?




Congratulations Sue! Please E-mail Me so I can get the RAK out to you!
Yes, it is quite amazing to think that I actually did 125 layouts. And just to complete the picture, in addition to that I also managed to make 33 cards and 32 projects.
As a comparison -> so far on 2009 I have made already 40 cards and only 17 layouts. S'pose you can say I have shifted my priorities :)

Guess what...

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days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 6
DATE: 05/26/2009 03:30:00 PM
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I still owe you a little re-cap of our bank holiday weekend, and a few pictures to go with it. On Saturday we decided to take a walk along the coastal path to Thorness Bay, which would take about 2 hours getting there and 2 hours getting back.

Me230509 Lyndo230509

The day started out nice but the sun didn't really come out, which made for endurable hiking but not for very nice pictures as it was very hazy. Anyway, when we came across this little hut I just had to snap away. Isn't that just the cutest?

Pinkhouse230509

So, we walked for some time and I took my light jacket off as I was getting really sweaty. Not once did I worry about the sun as it wasn't really burning down. BIG mistake - as it didn't even feel that hot and there was a slight breeze when hiking, it never occurred to me that I might get burnt...uhm, silly cow that I am.

Needless to say I am in agony, this must have been the worst burn I ever had - just look at the difference in skin colour...yikes! The last two nights I didn't sleep too good because I am really a "side-sleeper", but whenever I roll onto one of my shoulders I start yelping. So, I have to sleep on my back, which is causing my back-pain...rats!

Ouch240509

I can tell you one thing though - I will never ever forget to put sun-creme on again when we go out, even if it is hazy. Please don't feel sorry for me - I was being stupid and I had to pay for it :)


Guess what...

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only

6  

days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - Kazan's Sketch #27 and Ultimate Card Showdown ./.7
DATE: 05/25/2009 03:30:00 PM
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We had such fun this week, getting to play with the incredibly AWESOME stamps form {starving artistamps}. I have ordered from them before and I just love their designs. The focus for this week was on the {doodle factory oh baby} stamp sampler and whilst baby cards are not generally something I do, I had incredible fun and I am pleased how the end result turned out.

Here is the sketch

Sketch 27 kazan

In my example you will find that the mother and the baby are in the place of the two circles from the sketch. Just because a sketch shows certain shapes does not mean they HAVE to be the same shape on your card. If you check out what the other DT Members created {here} you will see how different the approach to the sketch is

Kazan#27_Kim

Cardstock: Papermill, Bazzill
Tools:
Cuttlebug - Embossig Folder "Swiss Dots"; Chartpack - AD Markers; Martha Stewart - Borderpunch
Stamps:
Starving Artistamps - Doodle Factory Oh Baby
Embellishments:
Button, Pin, Twine, Ribbon

I know that I am not the best at colouring in the images but I guess the more I try it the better it will get, right?
Starving Artistamps have been very generous in sponsoring the 2S4U DT, that we all created another card, which did not follow a sketch. Just for the sheer fun of working with the product. I had chosen to use the starfish stamp from the {sealife sheet} - it really has the most intricate and gorgeous texture.

The stamp was used to create part of the background but I also stamped one image on a lighter piece of cardstock to use as an embellishment.

#27star #27sneak

Cardstock: Bazzill
Tools:
Cuttlebug - Embossing Folder "Swiss Dots"; Border Punch - Fiskars "Apron Lace"
Stamp:
Starving Artistamps - Sealife Sheet
Embellishmemts:
Ribbon, Twine, Button, Stickers - Frances Meyer

Guess what...

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days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 8
DATE: 05/24/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Good morning everyone

I thought I give an update about my experience with the slimming capsules I wrote about {here}. They are marvelous little blighters but they have to be used with care, as I found out. They absolutely do what it says on the tin, they suppress your hunger feeling and provide you with energy, so that your body is still full functioning. However, after a week of taking them I decided to give it a rest because they started to have a different effect on me.

Because I was not hungry, most of the time I did not even eat anything other than a handful of grapes (if that) until late in the evening and even then I had to force myself. Food was just something I put in my mouth but I did not fancy or enjoy anything I ate. You know, when someone waves your favourite food in front of you and you look and say "no thanks"...that's when you know there is something wrong.

Also, I did not sleep well. Every night I was tossing an turning until at least 2:00 - 3:00 a.m. but the weird part was that during the day I never got tired, because those capsules still provided me with energy.

After five days of taking them I started getting weak, the walk to the ferry knackered me out, I was unable to even manage five minutes on my elliptical trainer and getting up the stairs I thought I would faint. Now, I drank fluids like I never drank them before because I was constantly thirsty. I think a total of 5 - 6 litres of water per day made their way down my throat. And even worse, my mouth was constantly dry. When I talked to people, my lips started sticking to my teeth, that's how dry my mouth was...yikes.

The weird thing is though that I did not feel unwell as such. Wednesday was the last straw, I almost fainted when I got into the office and I was shaking all over - I would say a total lack of the necessary nutrition due to the fact that I did not fancy anything. On some days all I had was one slice of toast with egg, because after I had eaten I felt sick.

So, I stopped taking them and only slowly does my body get back to normal. My mouth is not as dry anymore and I can walk for longer without feeling totally knackered. And the best thing is, I can sleep again..woohooo!

Will I take them again? Yes, but never again for longer than three consecutive days. They do wonders for a short amount of time and will help to boost my weight loss but I would never take them for a longer period of time again.

At least I did loose some weight - 5lbs....for that alone it was worth it :) And the good thing is, my body is now used to being full after smaller portions which means that my weight loss will continue simply because I cannot eat that much anymore.


Guess what...

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days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 9
DATE: 05/23/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Long weekend for us in the UK - YAY!!! We have got the Monday off, so I am looking forward to three nice and relaxing days. We'll be out on a walk in a minute and when we come back it's gonna be Pizza and Wine time....teamed with a marathon of Laurel & Hardy DVD's!

And I have to be mean...just can't help it. Yesterday I received a box with the new {upsy daisy designs} paper lines and all I can say is YUM-MO...
Dude, seriously I did not think they could top the last release but I was so wrong. The new four lines are divine. The worst thing is that I cannot show any of it before July...you just have to take my word for it that they rock the house :)


Guess what...

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days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 10
DATE: 05/22/2009 01:30:00 PM
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HELP...I mean, really - help, please??

I am a woman with a desperate need (steady on...get your minds out of the gutter). Of course I am talking craft related. For the past three months I have been on a mission to find the

EK Success Whale Of A Punch - Butterfly

but no matter where I look, it has been sold out like forever and when I ask no one can tell me when the beauty is coming back in stock. I had a particular nasty experience with a retailer who claimed to have the item in stock; happily took my money 15 days ago and when questioned today said that she doesn't know when the punch would be coming back in. Needless to say I am not a happy bunny and close to the edge of hysteria...coz, I like REALLY need this punch, like yesterday *whine whine whine*.

Soooooo, if anyone out there in Cyberland is able to grab this punch in their LSS for me and send it over, well I would be FOREVAH in your debt (well, of course I will pay for poduct and shipping but I mean I am indebted to you on top of that...)

Help?? Prett please?????

Guess what...

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days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 11
DATE: 05/21/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Guess what...

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days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown at {2s4u}
Count the days down with me

I have to show you where I spent the morning yesterday, all in the name of work experience to learn about the product that you are talking to customers about - my second favourite of our fleet, the stylish Queen Victoria.

Vicky Qvclock

I love the grand staircase withe the clock - it chimes like Big Ben on the hour - so cool.

After we had a look around (needless to say I took MANY pictures), we had to get back to the office and let Queen Victoria move on towards the Norwegian Fjord...if only I could have been on there *sigh*


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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 12
DATE: 05/20/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Carrying on from yesterday's post I can now share some of the big names who have lined  up to sponsor {2s4u's} Ultimate Card Showdown:



Sound good to you? Then get your scissors and purdy papers ready. Makes me actually wish I could play for the Grand prize myself  *LOL*

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12

Days left until the Ultimate Card Showdown


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TITLE: 2S4U - The Ultimate Card Showdown ./. 13
DATE: 05/19/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Before I tell you more about the AMAZING Card Showdown at 2 Sketches For U, I have to quickly share something else with you.

About two weeks ago I finally got my bum in gear and started planting flowers and herbs in big pots that live on our balcony. I wanted to do this for years but never gotten around to it. Whenever I finally remembered the sowing time was usually over and done with. |So, this time I managed in time and aside from beans, spring onions, various herbs and flowers I have also done a big pot with red hot chillies...

We LOVE eating spicy food so we figured, why not give them a try? About two days after I had sown the seeds both Lyndon and I kept peeking at the chili pot (as this is the only one that has to be raised inside), wondering when the seedling will pop up. Yes, yes we KNOW that it takes up to three weeks but we are so darn impatient.


Imagine my sheer delight when I was greeted by this little beauty this morning

Seedling


Yah, I know I am super easy to please. One wee seedling and I am happy as Larry - you think I should get out more, or what...

On to more exciting things for everyone else. Remember when I promised yesterday to tell you more about the spectacular way in which {2s4u} will celebrate its first birthday? Well, you better hold on to your bloomers because our Grand Prize alone stands at a value of over $500!!!

So, are you going to join us? Count the days down with me on this blog and if you leave a comment every day during the countdown you will get your name in the hat for a RAK from my
{esty}.

Check back tomorrow when I tell you a bit more about the Sponsors lined up for the Ultimate Card Showdown.

13

days left until the party's starting...

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TITLE: 2S4U - Laura's Sketch #26 and exciting news...
DATE: 05/18/2009 01:30:00 PM
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Happy Monday everyone. I hope your weekend was as relaxing and productive as mine was and you are all geared up for a brand new week.

The newest challenge is up on {2s4u}, based on a sketch by {laura} and sponsored by {short cuts}. The more often I work with their awesome products, the more I fall in love. Right now I am addicted to creating clear cards and it is all Short Cuts' fault - and it also helps that the wonderful {ingrid} who is a member of their DT, creates stunning and inspirational projects for them, which have me running to my craft space wanting to create like it's going out of style tomorrow.

But I digress; this weeks sketch and the opportunity to work with the transparent and frosted card sheets saw me actually creating TWO cards, oh yes!

** as per usual click on any images that you wish to see larger **

Laura's sketch #26

For the first card, I used a clear sheet folded it over and adhered papers inside and out! I love that you can layer in such a fun and funky way on clear cards! For both cards I flipped the sketch to the right, to enable me creating in landscape format. That is the great thing about sketches - you can use them in the way that suits YOU, they are meant as an inspiration and should not have you scratching your head.

Laura#26_Kim

Clear Card Base: Shortcuts
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs - #UDD0137. Scrumptious, #UDD0133. Delectable, #UDD0141. Steer this way; Rouge de Garance (blue)
Embellishments: Butterfly Die-Cut - K&Co; Rub On - Upsy Daisy Designs
#UDD190. Sweet Celebrations; Flat Backed Pearls - Katycraft; Ribbon; Button; Twine
Tools: Border Punch - Fiskars Apron Lace


For my second card, I actually cut one of the pre-scored frosted cards in half, ran it through my Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dots embossing folder and used my bone folder to create the score. On the close up you will be able to see the embossed effect and I am actually really impressed on how well the frosted cards work in the Cuttlebug. Please note you CANNOT use your dies on the frosted sheets, they are too thick but the embossing folders work perfect!


Laura#26_2_close Laura#26_2_Kim_1
Frosted Card Base: Short Cuts
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Music sheet; Graphic 45
Embellishments: Stickers - Making Memories Tiny Alpha; Ribbon, Chipboard Heart, Pin, Button, Ribbon, Twine - various
Tools: Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug Swiss Dots; Die Cut - Cricut Cartridge Going Places


FBbanner2-1

And now for some super exciting news - we are going to have a MASSIVE party during the month of June over at {2s4u}, because the blog will be one year old!!! There are oodles of prizes to be won, tons of fun to be had and not to forget lots of inspiration to be seen.

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I will give you more details tomorrow - you really do not want to miss this awesome and ultimate Card Showdown.

Join me in the daily countdown - if you leave a comment on each of the countdown posts on my blog you will be entered into a draw for a selection of tickets from my {esty}.


14
days left to the first annual 2 Sketches 4 You Ultimate Card Showdown

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TITLE: Super Saver Shipping Promotion... and much more
DATE: 05/16/2009 12:09:46 PM
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Heck, where on earth do I start? Having lost two of my last drafts (why, why, WHY does that always happen to me???? ) this will be a longer post than usual  - so grab yourself a cuppa, kick of those shoes and don't you dare fall asleep over my waffle.

First off I have a SUPER promotion going on in my {esty} at the moment - I ship ANYWHERE in the world for only $0.99. No matter how much or how little you purchase from the shop you will only pay $0.99 for shipping. Bargain or what? Not only can you find cards, kits and displays but also lots of embellies like tickets, pins, buttons. New items will be added on a bi-monthly basis - so stay tuned for vintage book papers and more tickets and embellies. Be sure to tell your friends about this Super Saver Shipping promotion - additionally every order totally $15 or over will receive a free gift, too!

Yesterday evening I was a happy bunny again because I managed once more to snatch a Cricut cartridge from my fave E-bay seller {here}. £29 including shipping from the US to the UK - I have this bidding lark down to a fine art. I love the {stretch your imagination} cartridge; the below images are just a fraction of what you get *swoon*.

29-0422

Right now, there are only four more carts that I really want - so if you have one of the following and would like to sell them to me, please make me an offer
:)

Graphically Speaking
Doodle Charms
Tags, Bags, Boxes And More
Wild Card

Let's move away from crafting for a bit and delve into my usual day by day life. I am so glad that I can use my elliptical trainer again, after my foot has recovered from its bout of {plantar faciitis}. I would have never thought that I would miss working out...so, now I am back on the treadmill but I am still struggling to get the last stone (14lbs) off. Last month I only lost 1lb during four weeks and that bugged me. Sure, at least it's a loss but I get frustrated when I work out, eat healthy and that flippin' fat just keeps clinging to me.

But then I saw {this} post on Sasha's blog and I got thinking...why not try it? You see, I am VERY skeptical about those kinda things. However, I trust Sasha and when she says it works, then I am sure it does. I googled the stuff up and found a retailer in the UK who sells 45 capsules for £28.99 including shipping. See it {here}. Now, some may say "holy cow, that is a lot of money" but let me interrupt you right there - it is £0.64 PER DAY and you will hardly eat. When you think about the money you save on sandwiches I would say: Give it a try.

SX-techimg-hand

So, I have been using these capsules for the last three days now and you know what? They DO work - it's kinda scary because I keep wondering "where have you suckers been all my overweight life?" Don't get me wrong - I am NOT substituting eating for the capsules, far from it but they assist me in getting off this plateau that I am stuck on right now. Once I get hungry I do eat something but stop as soon as the hunger feeling is gone and I do drink LOTS of fluids. The first thing I do each morning (well after I am finished washing and all that jazz) is have cup of coffee and one of these capsules. I am not feeling hungry in the slightest before the early afternoon and I have HEAPS of energy. There is nothing of this light-headedness or head achy feeling you usually get when you don't eat. You just feel great! Just remember to NOT take them too late in the day and do NOT drink coffee in the late afternoon or early evening - trust me on that one. Caffeine usually doesn't keep me awake but in connection with these capsules I was not able to get to bed before 2:00hrs each night. But I am also not knackered after only four hours of sleep - Amazing.


And last but by no means least - this weekend is you last chance to get your name in the hat for my American Thickers RAK. See the post {here} and leave your comment. Who knows, you might just be the one with the correct answer!


Have a great and productive weekend everyone - I will be back on Monday with the newest{2s4u} challenge and some great and exciting news from the 2 Sketches 4 You Team.


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TITLE: Upsy Daisy Designs DT Work - May 2009 PT II
DATE: 05/13/2009 04:41:00 PM
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I told ya, that I simply CANNOT stop creating with {udd} products. Not sure what it is but whenever I look through my stack of papers, I end up using Upsy Daisy. Don't get me wrong, it certainly is not a bad thing, I am just so surprised that one Manufacturer has captured me so much that I would be content to scrap with nothing but their stuff.

Would you think I am nuts if I told ya that I have all my assignments done through to July already?? That is just HOW much I enjoy creating with their product.

For this layout I have gone wild with the different brads and rub ons....and have you noticed those blue flowers? They are actually diamond shapes from the #UDD0176. Grafton paper of my beloved {man about town} line, which I arranged so it would look like a flower. And of course I couldn't stop myself from using my trusted favourite flower from the #UDD0168. Ella Bella paper again. I only have four of them left now...argh

** click on image to enlarge **

LO - Cologne
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers:
Upsy Daisy Designs - #UDD0168. Ella Bella, #UDD0162. Amour, #UDD0176. Grafton, #UDD0130. Stillness
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD185. It's A Girl Thing, #UDD189. Oh Happy Day, Alphabet; Brads - Upsy Daisy Designs #EMB001. Bebe Boy, #EMB003. Its a Girl Thing
Tools: Stamps - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD209. Girl friends,
#UDD0106. Floral Flourishes; Stamps Away - Butterfly; Border Punch - Fiskars Apron Lace; Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug Swiss Dots


And I also completed a quick card for the lastest {card patterns sketch #14} challenge.


Card - birthday0509
Cardstock: Bazzill, Stampin' Up
Papers: unknown
Embellishments: Flatback pearls white - Papercellar; Flatback pearls blue - Katycards; Stickers - Making Memories Tiny Alpha
Tools: Butterfly Stamp - Stamps Away; Square Punch - unknown


Looks like I have an obsession with Butterflies lately...but that is not my only obsession. Stay tuned for one of my more embarrasing confessions. And don't forget, there is still time to enter the RAK for a set of American Crafts Thickers -> see {this post}




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TITLE: 2S4U - Kazan's Sketch #26
DATE: 05/11/2009 03:26:00 PM
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I am so super excited because today is my first reveal as a 2S4U DT member *doinghappydance*.
This week we were sponsored by {the cutting cafe}, amazing designs of printable stamps and cutting files by {regina easter}.

Add this to the wonderful sketch from {kazan} and creating a card is a doodle!

PICT0001 2
Kim_S-11_May_09
Cardstock: Bazzill, Papermill
Paper: basic Grey
Embellishments: Stickers - Making Memories Tiny Alpha; Flat backed pearls - Paper cellar; Flower - Petaloo
Tools: Butterfly Punches - Woodware, Dovecraft; Border Punch - Martha Stewart; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots
Printable Stamps by Cutting Cafe: Frame Set, Monogram Set

So, are you gonna play along with us?? Check out what the rest of the DT did and leave a link to your own creation on {this} post. We would love you to join us!



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TITLE: Upsy Daisy Designs DT Work - May 2009
DATE: 05/06/2009 03:00:00 PM
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I know I keep saying it but I REALLY and TRULY love working with {udd} products. So much so, that I find myself not even bothering with buying new papers because I keep grabbing Upsy Daisy papers and embellies. Cannot wait to see and work with the new releases....I bet they are gonna be marvelous.

Anyhoo, here is what I did for this month.

The background of the layout was done by stamping the {flourish} stamp along the edge of the cardstock. It was sheer luck that I actually had an inkpad in the same colour as the paper - it works fab, I think. See the white flowers? You may have noticed that they pop up A LOT in my creations and that is because I ♥ ♥ ♥ them. They are without a doubt my most used UDD item evah! It is handcut from the "Ella Bella" paper of the {circle of friends} line and I am just about running out now...*weep*

6_Month_Cutie_Kim_Sonksen
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs - #UDD0168. Ella Bella {circle of friends}; #UDD0137. Scrumptious, #UDD0136. Sweet, #UDD0133. Delectable {cupcake}
Embellishments: Brads - Upsy Daisy Designs {#EMB005. Unwritten}; Stickers - American Crafts, Making Memories
Tools: Stamps - Upsy Daisy Designs {
#UDD0106. Floral Flourishes}; Cricut cartridge - Home Accents; 3-D Paint - Jones Tones


Can you tell that I really love creating cards these days? And with UDD it is super simple to put a funky card together as all papers and embellies just work perfectly together.

Birthday_Card_Kim_Sonksen
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs - #UDD0137. Scrumptious, #UDD0133. Delectable {cupcake}; #UDD0168. Ella Bella {circle of friends}
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs {#UDD190. Sweet Celebrations}
; Pin, Button, Twine - Scrapitude
Tools: Border Punch - Martha Stewart; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots


My last project for this month is a wee bookmark. I forever dog-ear my books to remember which page I was on and I really need to get out of this habit. What better way to learn by creating a "tweet" bookmark, hu? I stamped the background and hand cut the birdies from a sheet of paper and added a couple of rub ons. I think the whole project only took me in the region of 5 - 10 minutes. Simplez :)

Let's_Read_Kim_Sonksen
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs - #UDD0131. Harmony
Embellishments: Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs {#UDD189. Oh Happy Day}, {#UDD0123. Basic Brown Alpha}
Tools: Stamps - Upsy Daisy Designs {#UDD0106. Floral Flourishes}


Lastly I finally come to this month's RAK - to win this set of American Crafts Thickers, have a pop at answering the following question:

How many Layouts did I create in 2008?

Thickers giveaway

The person who is closest to the actual number will win this RAK and yes, this is open to Internationals too - so let your friends know :)
This RAK will be open for at least a week - good luck


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TITLE: 2S4U - DT TOOT
DATE: 05/04/2009 03:53:42 PM
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Congratulations to me!!! I was super excited when I received the email from {laura} and {Kazan} last week that I was chosen to become part of the Summer DT for {2 sketches 4 you}. I have been drooling over the work their DT did over the last 11 months and many times I have I thought "I would love to be on that team" when a new call went out. And now I am so darn excited to be part of it. YAY!!!

DT 2S4Y blinkie

Every Monday you will find the DT inspiration for Kazan's and Laura's Sketches and what's even better is that you will be able to play for prizes! Yep, that's right - and Internationals are welcome to play, just like this week, you will play for a prize pack provided by Sakura of America consisting of Micron
3 Pen Fine Lines Set  (archival acid free) and Souffle and Glaze
Sticklers and will be awarded to the winner of Card Of The Week. Check out {laura's sketch #25} and get crafting :)


Other than that I have been really whiny...yup it is that time again when I am struck by a cold. Ohhhh I revel in it, I am telling you and I drag myself through the house in a fashion as if I am on death's door - poor me ;). But that didn't stop me from creating a layout and a card, I am not THAT ill.

Card - Anniversary
Cardstock: Bazzill
Papers: My Minds Eye; Graphic45
Embellishments: Button, Pin, Ribbons, Twine - Scrapitude; Stickers - Making Memories; Ticket - Melissa Frances
Tools: Cricut cartridge - George, Going Places; Cuttlebug embossing folder - Swiss Dots; Border Punch - Martha Stewart


The card was done as a commission for one of my work colleagues and I was delighted that I found an excuse to make use of my new Cricut cartridge "Going Places". Gotta love the potty people holding hands *giggles*

And as for the layout - I just decided it was time to be brave and cut into my extensive stash of My Mind's Eye papers. All I seem to do is collect them but never use (just in case that paper line may be discountinued). So, I delved in and it didn't even hurt to use it. Notice the huge bottlecap holding the journaling? That is one of the Maya Road ones and I flattened it in my Cuttlebug; clever, hu? I mean, you can't create a layout about beer and NOT have a bottlecap on there somewhere, right?


LO - The Real Thing
Papers: My Minds Eye; Vintage book paper - Scrapitude
Embellishments: Punchinella, Bottlecap, Tickets, Buttons - Scrapitude; Stickers - Rusty Pickle, Frances Meyer


Check back on Wednesday when not only will I be able to share my {upsy daisy designs} DT projects with you but also have another RAK up for grabs. Remember when I mentioned  THICKERS in {this} post? Stay Tuned!

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TITLE: Beer Festival 2009
DATE: 05/03/2009 04:36:39 PM
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>> Picture heavy post - click on any image to enlarge <<

What a weekend! I can't believe that we have been out for the last three days and now it's all over....Lyndon's mum arrived on Thursday and this time we were blessed with wonderful weather too! Usually, Linda always brings the rain with here but no so this time :)

Linda and me pond Linda lyndo

On Friday, we left early, around 9:00 am and took the bus up to Bonchurch, a quaint little town with the cutest little pond. Much to our amazement we were able to get really close to the ducks too and I managed to get some real good close-ups.

Duck Duck2

Walking along the seafront, we made our way to Ventnor and stopped of at one of our favourite Pubs, the Spyglass Inn. Last time we went there was in November of last year, you can see my post with pictures {here}.

Spyglass

After we re-charged our batteries and gave our feet a little rest, we carried on to the Dairyman's Daughter, you can see more inside pictures in {this post} and we decided to take Linda to our fave Pub as we knew she would love the ambiente. We were right, she adored the Pub and we stayed for a while.

Lyndon me pub

The next day we got ready to get to the annual Real Ale festival and to take a ride on the beautiful {steam train}. Hard to believe that this train was built in 1916 and is still in service! Granted there is only a small section of tracks left for the steam train but it was quite an experience to take this ride.

Carriage Train
Me grin Trees

Once we got off in Havant Street for the festival, we made our way to the tent with the good stuff :) Yes, we DO like to drink beers and wines and yes, I DO write about our pub crawls and festival outings a lot but quite frankly, that is the only time we are willing to spend money on going out. We are not into going to theatres, cinemas or going out for dinner. We much rather save our money and on specific dates make a real day out of our booze walks...

Linda and me bench

Anyway, I digress. This year, I actually got a bit more into the taste for ales and bitters. I always used to prefer my lagers but I think I am getting the tastebuds for the ales now. I like that you can buy your drinks in either half or full pints during the festival, as I prefer to get halfs - just in case I may not like the ale I have chosen. And true to being a woman, I chose my ales by sound of name...if it works for horse racing it surely works for picking ales, right? So my picks for this weekend were: Hop A Doodle Doo, Holy Joe, Spooky Moon and Inspiration. Cute names, hu?

Lyndo
After the festival we made our way back home and got some Pizza to finish the day of - yum. perfect ending for me. You can never go wrong with a lovely Pizza :)

A few hours ago Linda left to go back home and I have been busy uploading the pictures from the weekend and getting all my crafty projects up to scratch. There will be another post tomorrow evening from me, so please come back for a visit.
Have a great Sunday everyone