Oh Hello!!

Bex is Back! With Maisie in our new home!

And for the first time ever I got a pic of Maisie not looking suicidal - love that she is sticking her huge stinky tongue out!

Moving was a nightmare as moving always is - but I am quite impressed to say that although I have been out all of today the majority of stuff is now unpacked or in the loft.

I reckon tomorrow should see the end of it then I can relax and start crafting again YEY!!!!!

I'm still not online on my own PC as Dad really is a technophobe and I am going to have to completely redo his hash of an attempt at an internet connection in order to get me online - but I am sure I can crack it over the weekend (When Dad is not here to interfere!)

So Bex is a happy bunny and I already feel quite at home so I am sure in a week or two everything will be just Grand.

I say a week or two as we have a Cat / Dog Issue to deal with .......... I need to toughen Maisie up and get her to stand her ground rather than cower and hide!!!!

Will be back soon with proper update xxxx

Love Bex (and Maisie!)

Remembering Susie xx

It seems so long ago at times- I cannot believe another anniversary has come by so soon.

And at other times like today - it seems like yesterday.

So today I am remembering Mum as always and am wishing she was here, but am grateful for all she taught me in the time I had with her x

Sending you much love Mum xxxxxxxxxxxx

Love Baby Bex xx

Family

Lisa Challenged us all over at the forum to create a LO featuring the word Family.
I have LOADS of old photos of both my parents that I am keen to put into acrchival safe LO's.
I LOVE the above photo of my Dad at 9 months with my Grandad. My sister Rachel and my Dad are very similar in character - and I love that Dad and Rach were both grumpy babies!
It really does capture the "gentle" man my Grandad was - In fact I tried to add journalling and got really upset! So a fairly simple LO from me with it.

I have so many more pages to do and have decided that Dads album will be in 6 x 12 format because well, I like it!

Hope everyone has had a good weekend - back to work for me tomorrow and I will be counting the days as I finish on August 31st ...............

Love n Hugs

Bex

Sunny Friday!

Wow the weather here really is GLORIOUS.
I definately picked the right week of the year so far to be off work.
I hope it continues through the weekend - then by Monday I will be back in the office - BOO.
Anyway, this week I have stamped up LOADS of images ready for making cards.
As some people will know my mate Sue has HUNDREDS of stamps and I am constantly borrowing them to play with.
Well - I am moving on September 1st back to my home town of Leigh on Sea so I have been stockpiling a HUGE stash of stamped images. I have also been sorting out stuff ready to move as I will be working full time up to the day I leave.
I have also started changing all the contact details labels on my stock cards - naff job and is taking AGES!
Busy Busy life this end - I am looking forward to a bit of R&R at the end of the month!

Right back to the craft chat
The stamp in the card above Sue claimed not to really like - so I borrowed it and made about 10 cards with it. Sue now likes it and wants it back - suppose I will let her lol. I think it is a great stamp - sadly I am not clever enough to do any jazzy techniques with it and have used it in the simplest form.
So I have used this as a sample for a very simple challenge over at the forum.
Folks deserve a little easy one every now and again!
Have a great weekend all x

Love Bex

Week off progress update!

Hello All!

Well I have been having a mighty fine week off work.

It is such a shame I have to go back on Monday .........

I have actually achieved quite a lot. But not much to show for it!

Did a major spring clean on the house which was overdue ...

Had a lovely afternoon with Sue chatting and eating cream cakes - yummy.

Had a lovely morning with Kathy today chatting, stroking papers and drinking coffee.

I actually love that I have friends who have lots of craft stash - makes me feel normal for having so much!

Right so on to the crafting side of things.

I have mainly been making cards!

I have been trying to use up paper etc so have been making in batches of 6 for stock.

Here are a couple - I will blog more tomorrow when I have sorted out pics etc

The first is for a challenge on the forum to use gems on a card ........ nice and easy!

So I made a batch of boys skater cards - all similar but different lol

The next not so easy .......... Kathy sent me home this afternoon with clear instructions to do the DCM little extra.

OK so normally these are nice little challenges - I often read and think ooh nice - I could do this etc if I had more time ............

This one though! OMG A card with 3 arrows, 3 circles and a square.

Reckon this is quite tough myself!

So here is my attempt and I haven't cheated for once

And for the record - the 3rd circle is a circle gem on the flower on the dress.

PHEW

Will be back tomorrow with more x

Love Bex

Sunday - Not so Crafty!

Hmmm Today I have not really made much! Apart from a mess ............
I have been having a good old sort out of all my craft stuff (and cleaning - heaven knows why!)
I found this little doggie die that I have NEVER used so challenged myself to use it.
AGES later and this is all I could come up with.
I did have a lot of "Essex" sayings making me laugh like "You look Ruff" but I wasn't sure they would sell!
So here is doggy and he has been put in the folder again probably never to be used as he is far too fiddly!
And I did try to make it to the Template Challenge Sue set over at Just Bex Forum.
Well it is no where near it but I will enter it anyway cos I am the Boss and Sue ALWAYS cheats
I am giving up on crafting for today and am instead going to retire to the lounge with a big box of cards that need packaging - BORING JOB - got to be done though,
Hope all are well
Love Bex xx

Saturday

First I want to say really good news about Suesjoy!

Her brain tumour was removed successfully and she is recovering well. She still has lots of recovery to go through so I am keeping up my positive thoughts for her and her husband Sujoy and little Anjoli. I am not a particularly religious person but i really do believe in the power of positivity and wishing people well. I am sure it helps even if at the most simplest level that people know they have friends thinking of them and willing them to get through things.

So, what is happening in the world of Bex?
Well it sure has been busy this end. Work has been totally frantic and I am really excited to have the next week off! YEY this means I am on day 1 of 9. 9 Blissfull days at home.
So of course along with the many jobs I have got to do this week I am crafting!

I have SO many challenges to catch up with over at the Just Bex Forum.
I am gradually working through them though!


Here is the first set my the totally gorgeous Lisa - It is to do a LO that makes you laugh.
OK so this won't make you laugh perhaps - but it has an element of humour and I hope Lisa agrees and gives me the point!
My sister has high visions of actually being an angel. She has recently claimed to be growing wings I believe ........... well this LO is entitled BAD ANGEL

The second I have completed was set by Esther - to make a card using "Tantalising Tangerine" which otherwise translates to orange!
I love Esthers colour challenges as they really do focus you to use things you may not normally put together. Here is my effort!

So now I am about to do some of the boring jobs that need doing and will craft again this evening

Love and hugs to all

Bex

Some more challenges completed for the Just Bex Forum!

Challenge 12 - To use shaped scissors.
Well i found some - and have now realised why they were not even in my craft room but had instead been relegated to the box in the spare room!
Me and shaped scissors do not agree - and I am not sure we ever will - but here is my effort!

Challenge 10 - To use Charms!
Well I have quite a lot of charms here - and I have to say I am not sure the last time I used one.
However - After seeing all the fab ways of using them on the forum I may just revisit them and start using them up! Not sure i would buy more though.
So here is my effort using a wee baby charm!

Challenge 17 - Chocochino Colour Challenge
A fab challenge from Est to make a card using chocochino colours! (As in the drink sold in Thorntons apparently :))
So here is a erm Brown card!


Right I also have 3 LOs on the go that I am determined to finish so off I go.
And if you fancy a challenge then head on over to the forum and have fun!

Love n Hugs

Bex

Challenge 15

OK so on to Challenge 15 over at the forum
This one was set by the fab Esther and involved using a card using pink and green, Oh sorry, Succulent Strawberry and cool Kiwi!
I have borrowed this stamp off my best buddy Sue - and today I have stamped about 20 of her for future use as she is quite sweet!

I have also completed a LO challenge but light is fading so will add it tomorrow when I can photo it in daylight x

And to anyone reading who believes in the power of positive thought - please say a prayer / send positive vibes to the gorgeous Sue (SuesJoy) as she is in hospital at the moment and facing surgery on Tuesday. I have EVERY faith that she will be just fine - but positive thoughts really can't do any harm eh?
So huge love and hugs go out to Suesjoy and her family x
Love Bex

Challenge 19 - A Card Lift

OK I couldn't resist making a crimbo card from Nicky's Fabulous Card lift challenge!
Papers are the gorgeous Crate Papers ........ YUM.
Love Bex

Template Challenge

OK I am starting on a catch up mission ......... slowly!

The Team Challengers on the Forum are fantastic and have set 19 challenges for me to play with ..............

So here is the first.

Sue set a template challenge which I have translated into this little effort x

Love Bex

Poundland Challenge!

So over at the Forum the Team Challengers are doing a FAB job at keeping us busy!
Lisa set a really hard challenge to produce a LO for under a quid.
Now I will admit to being a total paper snob. So I was not prepared to rummage around for scraps etc and tried to do something with some of the fab stash I have here.
One excel spreadsheet later and a LOT of cursing I have achieved the above LO which cost 99p.
YES REALLY

OK SO I am lucky that I bought this Crate Paper at Trade price :) Which did help ...........
But hey - I am a paper snob - did I mention that?

So the above layout is my Dads Wedding Day pic from 6 years ago. Bless :)

Love Bex xx

MIA - Sorry!

So as an apology a rare treat for you - or not as it may be :)

About time I revealed a recent pic of me - and you should feel honoured as I am totally camera phobic (with good reason!)
So here is a very recent pic - a couple of weeks ago in fact. (Oh and I am the blonde one - the dark haired beauty is my gorgeous sister x)
Taken at Wembly AFTER standing for like over 2 hours watching some band ...............
So yes I was hot and sweaty and shiny and tired.
But here I am xxxxx

SO bring back the crafting I hear you shout - well It will happen.
But suffering a bit at the moment with all work no play syndrome I am afraid - am on to it though :)

Love n Hugs
Bex

Still Playing catch up - as I always am!

So a few cards made - the first one was for a challenge set by Samm to include a mode of Transport on a card or Layout. SIMPLE I know - but I am not spending hours making stuff for a 4 year old (and a 3 year old - did 2!) Cos they really do not give a toss about cards - they want presents. Crikes in this day and age probably a PS3 or IPOD !!!!!! So there xxxx

This one is for a challenge set by Esther. To make a card using blooms .............

Easy - I have hundreds of the bloomin things!!! Not sure about this one - but it is made and my 200 target is now down to 180 ...............

Well it is actually lower but until I provide proof it is 180 ........ so watch out for the next installment!

And if you want a challenge - or about 100 it seems - pop on over to the forum where the team challengers are quite frankly AWESOME at keeping us all busy!!

More tomorrow x

Love Bex

On a Mission Day 2!

OK so today I have made another 10 cards for stock using up stuff!!

The choice this morning was the Basic Grey Stella Ruby Pad and I am pleased to say I have made a dent in it!

5 Cards made using the paper - then I got bored with it (Mind you I was using the same stamped image which I Stamped yonks ago using Sues fabby stamp!)

Ah and of course it fits in nicely with the fashion challenge over at the forum!

I then decided I had rather spoilt myself and should in fact use some papers that I have never used and had for a Looooong time!

So I made 5 more - but will save them to show during the week just in case I achieve nothing else!

Love n Hugs

Bex

On a Mission!

Oh yes I am. I have decided that as from now I am on a spending ban until I have made 200 cards for stock. (Which I hate to say would make a dent in my paper stash - but not one that I would mega notice!)

This might sound drastic - BUT I have so much stuff here - so apart from essentials like glue and double sided tape - that is it until 200 cards made! I do intend to do this by the next pay day obviously :)

So today I have managed to finally return the broken sewing machine and exchange it for a shiny working one - YEY!
So the first tray of papers selected to actually "use" are the fantastic Junkitz Love Lines. Honestly these papers are FAB. The above cards are all fairly simliar, and VERY simple in design, tbh these papers sort of lend themselves to the same sort of card. But I have made 12 today so that is only 188 to go! Still have loads of the paper too .........
And these cards count as one of the challenges over on the Forum. To use those rose buds that you all have lurking somewhere ......... I haven't used artificial flowers in AGES but thanks to Sues challenge not only have I used a handful out of the drawer FULL ........ But I kind of like them again!

So OK on to the next paper tray - or shall I pick a 6 x 6 pad?
Endless choices ...................

Will report back with more tomorrow x
Love Bex

A Tag from Est (Via Kirsty Initially)

OK I hate Tags as you know - but this is a good one sort of and interesting - so please play!
I will upload the MASSES of crafty stuff soon = have a new camera and still playing to get decent pics etc
BUT also I have some FAB bloggers who are not crafters - so this is for you xxxxxx

My roommate and I once: Erm OMG what did me Kate & Karen not get up to!!! (OK no dirty stuff Del) Mainly we went out on the Piss then got home and played the boardgame Risk. Sad but Oh So Cool!

Never in my life have I: Neglected those around me. Whatever I have going on I think i am always available for anyone who needs me.

High school was : Erm an experience that felt like a big paper bag of rebellion that I punched through. But I punched gradually as my Mum was Head Teacher :)

When I'm nervous : My palms sweat - but tis OK I run them through my hair and all is dry and well lol (then go home and wash hair!)

My hair : Is blonde and mega curly - I should spend more time straightening it and looking good - but life is far to short to be arsed - so I slick it back in a ponytail 90% of the time x

When I was 5 : I really upset my Grandma. We were at Pontins and I totally destroyed my Sisters bed "arrangement" - threw her teddies everywhere. Then denied it = but had been seen in the act. Can't remember why I did it but my Grandma remembered it for years ...............

When I turn my head left : At work I see a very gorgeous guy called Sam who makes me laugh. He is 23 without a care in the world and he is so funny. Ar home I see the kitchen that needs cleaning always ...............

I should be : less of a bitch - But my bitching is always fun and tbh well justified!!!!!

By this time next year : Far too big a question - so will settle for as happy as I am now x

My favorite aunt is : No Aunts this end. BUT as I have no Mum now either(well I do in heaven etc) I will say that "adopted" Aunty Pat rules this place xxxxx I Adore her x

I have a hard time understanding : Why people feel the need to moan constantly on line - OK the web is an outlet - and I get that - But on the whole I am positive and HATE reading blogs etc that are all "Moany!" If something really bad happens I talk to real friends about it. I try to keep it out of my on line life x

You know I like you if : Simple - I CHOOSE to talk to you. Either in real life, blog life, forum life etc.

My ideal breakfast is : Smoked Salmon and scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast - in the sunshine if I can!!

If you visit my home town : And I happen to be around - you WILL meet my Dad as I adore him and he is there x

If you spend the night at my house : You will be in PJ's by 7pm. And you better like dogs x

My favorite blonde is : My Eldest sister - she is the sweetest person to walk this planet. Not one bad bone in her body.

My favorite brunette is : My Middle Sister - who is like me so we can bitch and laugh and drink coffee and smoke far too many fags

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds : Who cares - as long as they don't hit my windscreen like an unfortunate pigeon chose to. Fly High I say

I shouldn't have been : Born blonde - and an Essex Girl - it is unfair!

Last night I: Chilled in PJ's with the pooch. Watched TV, Surfed - ate too much - as you do x

A better name for me would be : Happy with my name - Just Bex - i am what I am

I've been told I look like I - Erm recently my sister - years and years ago - Phoebe from Neighbours

If I could have any car, it would be : Not bothered. A Car gets you where you need to go. At what speed you allow for x
Oh hell - actually give me a Merc SLK x

So there is a little bit - or a lot about me xxxxx

Thanks Est
Love Bex xxxx

Ooh Yummy Paper Kit!!

OK So slack blogger Bex here :)
Honest Life is SO manic so please forgive lack of blogging!

Anyways - above is a pic of the FANTASTIC 3 Bugs in a Rug Kit N Caboodle "Tickled Pink" Scrapbooking Kit.
Trust me this is LUSH.
It contains 9 12 x 12 Papers(ALL of which are FAB)
A Monogram Alphabet over 2 sheets
A sheet of Die Cut Tags and Sentiments
And a sheet of fab Stickers

SO why am I posting this?
WELL it is the prize for the points winner over at the Just Bex Forum
So if you are already a member and playing - well you have a few days to complete more challenges and be in with a chance of winning.
If you are not a member - well hell - July is only a couple of days away so SIGN UP now and be in with a chance at the July prize.
Every month a fantastic prize is on offer - and all you have to do is PLAY.
Over at the forum we judge on sheer enthusiasm - and I LOVE it!! So come on over to my place!!!

Sorry PSML - I am so not funny xxx

Love n Hugs
Bex

Forum Challenge @ Just Bex

I have done this LO for the latest challenge running on the Just Bex Forum

The Challenge is quite an easy one really - to make ANYTHING as long as it includes products sold by the Fabulous Scrapbooking Castle who Sponsor us.

AND the bonus is that they are looking for work to display on their website - Fab!

So I have used the great papers from Urban Lily "Urban Boy" Collection.

Honest these papers are LUSH and sort of make the page without too much effort!

OK must run - Another challenge to get on with :)

Love n Hugs

Bex

Oh Hi!!!

Hello Bloggers! Sorry I have been so slack at blogging lately x

OK so first up the above is a card I have made for Sue's Template Challenge on the Just Bex Forum. Nice and simple - I love templates for when you need to make cards and are feeling a bit "lost". I actually made 5 last night using this stamp and trying to make a dent in the huge stack of offcuts of paper I have! Won't bore you by uploading them all though :)

So Ok what has Bex been up to? Well life is pretty busy as usual. Work is good, I am enjoying what I am doing and it is so local with a great group of people - so as I have to work I really can't complain!

The forum is going from strength to strength and taking up a lot of my time.

I have spent a lot of time setting things up and now have a FAB team of girls on board helping to create inspiring challenges. And I am loving being able to play - well OK I haven't played much but will do!

As for this week - busy week at work as always.

I am also heading over to Wembley on Tuesday with Sue and her Hubby and one of her boys.

Looking forward to it muchly as I haven't seen Rach in quite a while.

Other than that not a great deal to report! And I need to go and CREATE as I have a HUGE list of Challenges to catch up with!

Hope you are all well, and I will try to visit blogs and return comments throughout the week x

Love Bex