Something tasty....

a bit of soup...

I am a bit late to the party as I  have just returned from hols and the posting and receiving happened whilst I was away, then there was the catch up on return...washing, playing, ironing, playing, tidying, playing...

I was partnered with Kristina of  Wild roses and blackberries and looking through her blog was overwhelmed at all the different styles she likes to tackle.  To be honest, I wasn't sure what I should gather together for her, but on closer inspection realised that what I create with is not what Kristina creates with {often}.  So, it was a case of teasing out of her some favourite colours/textures, adding a focal and clasp {of course} and some "extras".....

This is what I sent Kristina, hoping {fingers firmly crossed} that she would love the colours as much as I do.

I also found out that Kristina has a "thing" for dragons and, as I live in Wales I couldn't resist adding a little something extra to her package.  Afterall, the Welsh dragon is our National symbol {besides the Daffodil}. I took the beads on holiday with me and went "hunting" for a dragon...

I found two lovely dragons, one to look after her hot drink and one to protect her when she goes out into the big wide world, I also added a stick of Rock {No.8 which can ONLY be found in Pwllheli}....sadly, I forgot to take a picture of them as I was too engrossed in taking pictures of the soup! 

I know Kristina will share them with you tho!

I have recieved my soup from Kristina but I need to get some decent photos of the gorgeous-ness before I can share, unfortunately the weather has been gloomy for the last few days....but stay tuned it's getting brighter by the weekend!

Bead Soup will be shared worldwide on 17th September...make sure you return for your bowl!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Grabbing it by the balls.....hopefully!

I am FED UP of being in a rut....of being in a melancholy/apathetic mood which seems to have taken over my whole being...I've tried {on countless occasions} to shift it but nothing's doing...I WANT to get on with life, but I need to pass through this force field first. I feel like my days are just passing me by...I have a mind full of things I want to do/achieve...within the confines of my four walls {getting out is a whole other issue!} but they are not getting past the "thought about" stage.....I AM FRUSTRATED people!!!!

I am, however, trying to grab it by the balls, so to speak {no offence fellas!} today I am messing with the blog, so excuse the transition stage {the way I am feeling it may last a while!}...other things I want to tackle this week are: giving a shout out to my Bead Soup partner, getting organised with a "to do" list, a catch-up blog post and some housework {shakes head at this one!}...that will do for now, I have SO much stored in my head that just thinking about it is overwhelming me...

I hope you are all gearing up for a busy/eventful week....I think I may be jealous if you are!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Colour Challenge "Ocean Raindrops"

As it's a VERY wet day today, this week's colour challenge is inspired by a trip to Cardiff Bay on another VERY wet day!

So all you crafters, artists, knitters, jewellery makers, crocheters, photographers {and anyone else} out there, if you feel you want to take part, post a link below...I would LOVE to see what you create! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Colour Challenge "Riverside"

I've seen colour palettes on quite a few blogs, whilst hopping about the world, and have always wanted to create one.  There are some really gorgeous ones about. 

So this afternoon, with 5 minutes on  my hands, I decided to have a go {well, it was either that or get on with some cleaning!}   

Here's my attempt, using my entry to the Countryfile competition as inspiration...

Now, if you've got 5 minutes on your hands and feel like a challenge to create something from these colours {in whatever medium you create in/are comfortable with} I would LOVE to see it.  Just link below so we can all visit your creation ;o)

If it takes off...I just might make it a weekly thing...

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Who would have thought, me...

...a photographer!

Well I suppose, when you think about it, we all are!  Afterall, you don't have to be a "professional" to be a photographer....you just point and shoot, don't you?

Millie: my sweet souled girl

I have captured "moments in time" throughout my life, from toddling around with toy cameras, school trips, family holidays, teenage years to having my own kids and "freeze framing" special moments: a first Christmas or birthday, cutting a tooth, first day of school etc, but all of these moments have happened IF I've had a camera on or near me....it was never a case of  "can't leave the house without my camera", "where's my camera, I must have it with me" ~ if it happened, it happened!

A Rainy Cardiff Bay

Then, there was a looong period of not taking a single photo...I mean long, as in years! 

That was until I started creating/blogging a few years back...I would makes things, take a picture and post it on my blog...but still, that was all it was.

Last year I decided I wanted to get back on track with the garden and so started Project Flowerpot, I thought it would be nice to keep a photographic record of the garden year and to share it on my blog/facebook page...not only did I do this but also took photos of the food we were eating, books I would dive into, if we went out & about...I was snapping just about anything and everything!

Cajun chicken, Feta salad and new potatoes in seasoned olive oil

At the same time I discovered a "new love"...the Macro button! 

W.O.W!

I LOVE IT!

 If I can shoot it in Macro, I do! 

Right now flowers are my passion using the Magic Macro button...you "get" what beauty is all about, and....I can't stop!

My camera is attached to my hip!

garden Clematis

I have to stress, I am NOT obsessed, in any way, hell I don't even "KNOW" how to take photos!

I JUST POINT AND SHOOT and hope for the best...

 Of course, there are a million photos to get just one good one, but boy when you see "the one" it's like your hearts pings!

It IS magic!

I have been participating {for the last 12 weeks} in a challenge in blogland, which takes place every Sunday called I heart Macro, hosted by Lori.....you link a photo you have taken in Macro mode on her blog and then bloghop to everyone else who is taking part.....

Now, I love my "novice" photos, but truly, you MUST go and take a peak at some of the submissions in this challenge...I am awestruck! 

The comments some of them have left about my entries are very inspiring too, to think they see my photo as "beautiful", "fabulous", "stunning" or "gorgeous" simply makes me smile and want to get better....although to achieve this I will definitely need to change cameras....my cheap little Samsung point & shoot is not gonna cut it, quite frankly!  

underside of hanging basket during severe winter of 2010

This challenge has ignited a spark within me, I am SO inspired {I am even dreaming of cameras}...I want to be as good as these awesome photographers...

And then last week, whilst watching Countryfile on tv, my mother mentioned they announced their annual amateur photographic compeition was open and "you should send yours in"....well, I nearly snorted my coffee out through my nose! 

But do you know what, I HAVEN'T STOPPED THINKING ABOUT IT!

So I have entered! Arrgghhh! 

It's exciting just to be taking part, the winning photos will be made into a calender, with monies raised by the sale of them going to Children in Need.  Very worthwhile. 

There are 12 categories, of which you can only choose four to enter. 

The winning photo, chosen by the public, will get to choose camera equipment to the value of £1,000.  The winning photo chosen by the judges will get to choose camera equipment to the value of £500. 

As I said earlier, I am a complete novice so my expectations are not high, but being part of it is a great feeling ;o)

Here are my entries:

Category: Water Worlds {taken at Roath Park}

Category: In All Weathers {a favourite tree}

Category: Leisure and Pleasure {taken at South Beach, Pwllheli}

Category: Plant Life {a wild flower}

I'll let you know if anything happens! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Hold onto your hats!!!!

It's here!!!

The Bead Soup Blog Party sign-ups start today,

for three days only.

If you want to take part, then pop over to Lori's blog, click open the registration form and sign-up, there were over 200 participants in the February bead soup, but I feel this one will be even bigger!

 There are already 89 participants {and sign-up has only JUST opened!!}.

I had SO much fun during the last bead soup!

Go, hurry, skit....sign up!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx