Typo

On my shopping expedition the other day I noticed a new shop had opened locally called Typo.  Think Smiggle but in more of a fashionista, olde-world, grown up way.  I walked into the shop, drooled over everything and walked out again... I couldn't decide what out of everything I wanted the most.  I can tell this place will be feeding my stationery addiction.
They do have a website so you can see some of their products.  From the looks of it they are affiliated with Borders and Cotton On.
On my wishlist at the moment is some of these bulldog clips that have urgent, file, etc. written on them (see #20), these nested frames (see #16), and some of these letters in our initials (see #17).
I think I will be returning very soon...

A personal challenge

After seeing a few of my friends on Facebook writing about C25K curiosity got the better of me and I googled it.  I found out it is a program to get you from the couch (inactivity) to running 5kms non-stop in 9 weeks.  It appealed because I would like to get fit.  I would like to lose weight.  I've tried.  I've failed.  But anyone that knows me, knows I don't run.  I got Ds for Physical Education - not for want of trying.  I am a spectator, not a participant.  Hmm, challenge.  That one little word.
I was in a department store yesterday when I noticed they had a sale on sports apparel and I decided that if I was going to tackle this challenge I would need some appropriate clothing - including a supportive bra to minimise the bounce (not exactly easy for a well endowed lady) - which is one of the reasons I don't run.  I can't remember the last time I bought a sports bra.  I don't think I have ever owned workout gear apart from tracky pants, and I don't think they count.  I figure if I'm going to look like an idiot (me trying to run), I may as well look semi-stylish while I'm at it.
I have printed the timeline found here but as suggested I will progress at the rate my body tells me to, so it will likely take me longer than 9 weeks because I am so out of form (read: about as unfit as you can get).
I have also subscribed to the podcasts by Robert Ullrey found here.  I can't vouch for the music on it but he also tells you when to run and when to walk according to the schedule.  This will be on my iPod while I'm out in the big wide world... looking like a semi-stylish idiot running the pavement.  Challenge: convince myself that no one cares what I look like or how uncoordinated I am, it's about what I will look like.

If you are like me and are overweight/obese, you have got to watch this video - so motivating!

My personal challenge is to be a better me.

project 12 - December twenty ten

As promised or should I say challenged, I completed a layout using the December sketch from project 12 (see previous post).
It has been so long since I completed a scrapbooking layout I felt so 'rusty'.  Hopefully with more practice I will get back into the groove.

Another challenge presented itself while completing the layout.  I can't stand spelling mistakes, incorrect punctuation and most things grammar - not that I am perfect at it by a long shot, but I often pick up mistakes in other people's writing.  I am one of those people that refuse to talk in modern abbreviations when sending text messages.  Anyway, I noticed after I had printed and stuck down the journaling strip that I had inadvertently left out a word, meaning one sentence didn't make sense.  I did debate adding in the missing word with a pen, but thought that it would only draw attention to it.  I then debated if I should rip it up and re-print it (including the cutting, border punching and inking) but decided I should just let it be.  I am letting go.

Journaling reads:   
I love that you will both let me take photos of you.
Emily, you certainly take every opportunity to strike a pose for photos.  I still have to get you to say something as I take the photo or you give me a fake, cheesy smile.  Those blue eyes, porcelain skin and those curls are just so you.
Sophie, you certainly don't sit still for long.  Normally when I try to take a photo you are up and gone in a blur.  Fortunately you are a little copycat and were quite [content] to copy your sister today and sit still while I took your photo.  You have such a cheeky smile.
December 2010

project 12

Scrapbook and Cards Today have begun their new project 12.  The awesome Becky Fleck (of PageMaps fame) creates a double page (2 12x12s) sketch for each month that is to be completed throughout the month so that by the end of the year you have a years worth of layouts.  They don't need to be done about the month - although I think that is a great idea and is more like an Ali Edwards Project Life which is right up my ally.

This is my first crafting challenge to myself this year.

I will be using the December 2010 sketch today with the photos I took of the girls last month.  I'll be back to share it later... yet another challenge.

one little word

Each year Ali Edwards uses one word to focus on for the year.  It is a chance to meditate on what you want to achieve and what you want to aim for - a goal.  For the year twenty eleven my one little word is challenge.  I have thought long and hard about this word and what it means to me.

"a task or situation that tests someone's abilities"
I want to put myself to the test.  I want to embrace the unknown and learn.  I want to push myself out of my comfort zone.  I know by doing this I will gain experience, enjoyment, satisfaction, friends, skills and so much more.  I am excited my the possibilities that await.


"an attempt to win a contest or championship in a sport"
I want to participate in more challenges, in particular scrapbooking challenges.  I want to attempt more.  The saying goes 'you've got to be in it to win it', but for me, winning isn't the most important part.  It is about being in the running, trying, participating, having a go.  I hope that by being challenged I can succeed with my goal of more scrapbooking layouts for the year.


I want to challenge myself and be challenged.


(dictionary definitions provided by http://oxforddictionaries.com)

twenty eleven

I am embracing a new year of papercrafting possibilities.
I am looking forward to more scrapbooking and hope to achieve at least one layout a week.
I am eager to try some new techniques and hone my style.
I am enjoying every moment with my girls.
I am recording memories as Emily starts school and Sophie keeps developing her own unique personality.
I am hopeful that I will regularly post on the blog - even if it's not craft related.
I am excited about the prospects of twenty eleven.