Green and grey layouts...

I got engaged two weeks before my cousins wedding and because i live with my auntie, the excitement in her house had reached fever pitch!!  There has been non stop talk about flowers, dresses, invite designs, rings, reception decorations etc etc.  I've learnt a few lessons by observing the build up to my cousins big day such as.... don't bother you're fiance with decisions about minor details, keep your mum on board with all the plans, decide what is a priority in the budget because you can't have it all (sadly), look at lots of wedding blogs with a notebook close to hand and above all have lots of fun with all the planning :)  The polaroid picture is from Nancy and Betty stationery.

I recently went to Malawi for a couple of weeks for a university project and whilst there, my friend and i went to a Wildlife Park along the Shire River.  Our hosts son took us in his (temperamental) car.  Whilst driving through the park we came across a big herd of elephants.  We naughtily got out of the vehicle to take better photos and after a few minutes made the decision to drive on but the car wouldn't start!!  After a quick push the car rumbled into life and we made our hilariously panicked getaway!

I love the American Thickers that i bought in a recent supplies splurge and i think these brown puffy ones are my favourite.  I also really like the swirly green paper from 'Crate Paper' and have used it on a couple of layouts.  These are my favourite colours at the moment, hence the green and grey inspired wedding invitations.

Autumn fun!

How cute is this pumpkin that I made for David!! It's now taking pride of place next to his plastic skull (they look like a very odd couple!)

As part of my wedding day countdown chart i've planned little fun things for us to do together and having an autumny picnic in the park was one of them.  It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon and is so nice to just chat and eat outdoors :)

 We collected lots of conkers at the common and made this seasonally romantic heart.  Love conkers all eh!

I was so gutted to read that Scrapbook Inspirations magazine is going to cease publication :(  I loved the magazine and all the features and inspiration and new products and techniques.  I read the magazine at work, sitting in the ambulance between jobs, it was perfect escapism and i'm going to really miss it.  I was proud to have some of my layouts featured in the Readers Gallery and will miss the thrill of seeing my layouts in print!

Sneaky peak..................

Well here is a glimpse of part of our mini- book wedding invitation.  There'll be a few little alterations such as ivory ribbon rather than brown but it's pretty much ready to go into mass production, so excited!!  Just need to choose a bible verse and a decent photo of the two of us.  I bought the stripy paper about 6 months ago (before we were engaged!) because i loved it and thought it would be perfect for our wedding stationary and it was the last 10 sheets on the shop (with no guarantee of a re-order), had to have it!  Let me know what you think.....

Scrapbook party!

My auntie was treated to a scrapbook party, by her daughter, at our local scrapbook store.  Six of us went and we made this gorgeous mini-album.  It was a great evening where we were treated to cheese and biscuits, wine and chocolate dipped strawberries, yummy!  I also bought myself a glitter pen.  Thanks for organising it Susie :)

Rough and Tumble!

My fiance loves doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and he's got natural talent for it! His instructor is really impressed with his progression and hardwork, i'm proud :) I went along to the class one week and got some action shots! This layout is quite boyish and funky, i love the novelty cardstock by Crate Paper and added my own favourite things......buttons and doodles!

The letters are American Thickers (black vinyl) and i got them in the sale from a recent on-line order, bargain find!! I've also had a big splurge on 'October Afternoon' goodies, they're so gorgeous so expect to see their products in some layouts coming soon :)

Back from Africa :)

Just got back from a two week trip to Malawi, had a great time!! Went with my Uni friend Ella and had a few 'behind the scenes' tours of the local hospitals as part of a research project for uni. Stayed with some family friends, this is our hosts grand-daughter, 5 year old Lauren, she is the cutest kid :) Took these photos during one of the many power cuts, i dressed her up in ALL my jewellery, she loved it and was strutting around like a little princess :)

On one of the Saturdays we went to an engagement party, it was quite the experience! The day started with the ring giving ceremony then we had bioled rice and goat for lunch (which Ella couldn't stomach so palmed it off to the village kids who were more than happy to help her eat it!) In the afternoon there was the gift giving ceremony which basically involved dancing around the couple and throwing money (notes) at them which they use for the wedding and starting married life. The couple got a total of the equivalent of 10 months of a teachers wages out there, nice! Below is a picture of the goat being cooked on outdoor fires.

Had to do all our washing by hand, Primark clothes do not stand up well to this tough scrubbing!!

Went to a wildlife park and this was the sign by the entrance. Thought it was very funny that they felt the need to clarify that hunting was prohibited and removing animals was not allowed!

Well i'll be doing some scrapbooking today in between my uni lectures so will update with my new layouts tomorrow :) Is good to be back on British soil.