Sarah Hurley Blog

Some News... (Part 2)

The second part of my news today....

I am now also working with a fabulous company called Crafty Ribbons!

Please pop over and take a look at their online shop, there is so much variety - print, bling, dots... *sigh* I love ribbon and was so excited to have a big bag of it arrive!

I have so many ideas for projects but for the moment I'm content to just look at the pretty colours! LOL (seriously though, projects coming soon!) First up I'm having a go with the new cotton and twill ribbon selection, super quality and sooo many colours to choose from and you can recolour if necessary with your Promarkers etc... and stamp on it (demos soon) - gorgeous!

So thats all from me, no more excitement this week unless something wonderfully unexpected happens later in the week (I can hope, right? :o) ) Thank you for all the lovely comments yesterday.

I'll be back tomorrow with some crafty stuff - I actually managed to make something today - wooo!

Sarah x

Some News... (Part 1)

Today I get to share some good news!

I recently had a lovely parcel in the mail from the people at Kuretake who have asked me to do some work for them - yay!

They have such a HUGE range of products that I haven't even had chance to try them all out yet!

I have to say though I am LOVING their writer pen which I'm using on all my scrapbook layouts at the moment and in my art journal. The artists sketching pen is also great - no annoying 'stopping working bits' in the middle of a sketch!! I can't wait to crack on and try the rest :o) Will post some of my projects soon.

I have more news to share tomorrow so please pop back!

Sarah x

Feeling Lucky

Its been a funny day today, nothing magical has happened, I started with a visit to the docs (35 mins, *sigh*) which went OK, no more tests or poking and prodding for 2 weeks (yay!) then a few emails caught up on, then a wave of exhaustion hit and I fell asleep. But somehow today I'm feeling incredibly lucky, so happy with my lot. Funny isn't it, how nothing can really change except maybe your attitude but all of a sudden you feel 10 times better. Obviously not everything is perfect, I have yuk days, I wish I lived closer to my family (although I'm lucky OH's mum and brother live close by), I'd like to lose a few pounds (or maybe more than a few) I'd like to have more money (wouldn't we all!) I wish my hair was straighter, I'd like to be about 5 inches taller (although then I wouldn't be able to wear giant heels when I go out with OH, so maybe not!) but overall I'm not doing too bad and today I have a big smile on my face, feeling blessed :o)

Yesterday I ventured out in the cold and rain for a little solo shopping trip, I don't venture out that often these days as I'm usually working pretty much 7 days a week, and even more rarely do I go out alone as usually it's OH dragging me out to remind our friends what I look like! and I do feel anxious in crowded places. But yesterday I braved the crowds and the elements and hit the shops! I bagged myself these lovely bargains (I'm not showing the bags of clothes!!! LOL - in my defense it has been a while)

and got back soaked to the skin and freezing cold but feeling quite proud of myself! Of course, being soaked through gave me a great excuse to change into the new PJ's I bagged (I do have a bit of a PJ obssession!) although my hair was beyond repair!!!

Tomorrow I really must do something creative, despite my NY resolution I'm yet to do much drawing or crafting, although I have done some digital work, but I can't show that to you yet as its for a client.

I forgot to mention yesterday that this weeks challenge is sponsored by Letraset so pop over and try and bag yourself some Promarkers!!! I'll be getting mine out tomorrow and I can't wait :o)

I also realised I'm still yet to show any pics from Wonderland, although you can see some projects my lovely DT made with it over at the Challenge Blog so pop over and take a quick look! - I'll post some more piccies in the next few days but here are the characters, these come in lots of variations including digi stamps and coloured images - I've printed out some stuff so I can make some goodies with it myself tomorrow, can't wait!

I also have to tell you about 2 wonderful new companies that I'm working with but I must save something for later - I think that was quite possibly the longest blog post in history so I shall shut up now!!!

Sarah x

January Guest Designer

A new month brings a new Guest Designer and the first of this year is the lovely Jo - welcome Jo!

Jo is from Wales, she is very very busy juggling husband, family, animals, work and the most amount of crafting I've ever known anyone to do!!! Pop over to her blog and see her gorgeous work.

Jo will be setting the challenge this week so please pop over to the Challenge Blog and take a look

Sarah x

p.s. I've had lots of people ask me how they get to be a Guest Designer, mostly it is people who's blogs I have seen or people who the DT have sent my way! If you would like to be considered you can e-mail me here

Confession Time

I must confess that even though I had TONS to do today and made a good start that I was so tired that I had a little nap in the middle of the day - siesta! I'm so glad I did though because I feel much better now that I have a couple more hours of working in my PJ's ahead of me while OH watches the footie.

I also had someone try to hack my bank account this morning - NOT good, but luckily it didn't work and now all is secure again - phew! Some people!!!

Today was my "I was an Ice Dancer in the 80's" inspired look with one of my favourite pairs of boots that I don't get to wear that often.... (matched with a puffball skirt of course, LOL)

I was standing on Fuzzybutts blankie to take this, she was NOT happy!

Don't forget tomorrow there is a brand new Challenge over on the Challenge blog, with a new Guest Designer and a lovely sponsor prize!

Now I must get on, nothing has come off the list today!

Sarah x

More Spring Cleaning!

Last night I got a sudden burst of energy around midnight and spent two hours cleaning and reorganising my studio (it's still only half way done!) this morning I cleaned and organised my desk and updated my to-do list. I was going to take all my Vogue's out of the fireplace and put them away but I like them there and it would look empty without them I think, there is room for a second row on top so I've got space for another 2-3 years worth :o)

I'm quite liking this spring cleaning malarky, makes the mind a cleaner, tidier place! I think I'm all caught up on e-mails now as well and I crossed 3 things off the new "to do" list - good start!!

I have also found a new love for accessorizing, I've always loved scarves (I have a collection of vintage 40's and 50's headscarves for my stepford wife days) and legwarmers and hair accessories but jewellery always irritated me so I only ever wore my earrings and my engagement ring but I seem to have become obssessed with big chunky rings and bracelets recently - this is todays little (big) gem...

Now I'm off for some Toad in the Hole (yum!) and some alone time with my Aurora Teagarden book which I'm LOVING!

Sarah x

Happy New Year!

A Happy New Year - I hope this year will happy, healthy and prosperous for us all!

I havent started this year as manically as I usually do, for me everything has to be perfect, house clean, everything in its place, diary planned out etc... or I feel I've failed before I have begun. However in my new frame of mind I have worked through some of the things I wanted to do at a slower pace and allowing my OH to help without me glaring at him eagle eyed and huffing because he isnt doing it exactly the way I would! and I have taken some time to just sit around in my PJ's, read books (not for business, just for pleasure!) and play on my recently abandoned xbox - and I have loved EVERY minute! It's amazing how much better you can feel when you just give yourself a break!

I know I have a TON of emails to catch up on, my studio looks like the scene of a devastation and my diary isn't properly filled out yet, but you know what? it will still be like that tomorrow and I'll get round to it! All of my deadlines are up to date, everything is being done and I'm doing the best I can while taking time out for myself - selfish? maybe, but about time! I've even planned a day off for myself next week, I'm going to go out, have a Starbucks, linger in a bookshop or two, bliss!

I am also making lots more time for creative projects so expect to see the return of pretty pictures here very soon!!

The plan for tomorrow - a BIG cup of coffee to ease myself back in, catch up on my emails, fill in my diary and then back to work on some projects for clients, promarkers will be out - can't wait!

I hope your New Year has started well :o)

Sarah x

Goodbye 2010

In a few hours we wave 'Goodbye' to 2010 and hope that 2011 brings better things. 2010 was a mixed year for me, on the one hand some incredible things happened for me and on the other there were some big struggles, it was a BIG improvement on 2009 though so I'm hoping 2011 will be better again and a positive year for everyone and bring happy things to all.

This year has taught me....

- Not to trust people instinctively - I always trust what people say and yet again this year it's led to a few issues for me, from now on everything will be double confirmed and in writing!

- Not to give too much away - people only know what you tell them, so don't give too much away!

- Weigh up the options properly before taking your steps - the quickest option isn't always the best, sometimes waiting is better!

- Don't let people hold you in the past - keep moving forward!

- Don't be paralysed by fear - whats the worst that can happen?

- Don't always say 'yes' I'm not Superwoman and I hate to let people down

And my new years resolutions are....

- Cut out anyone toxic from my life - Anyone who takes and takes and never gives or makes me feel bad about myself or my choices or makes me sad is GONE - life is too short to hang on to these 'vampire' people that suck the life from me, this will also give me more time to concentrate on all the wonderful people I have in my life or could have in my life!

- Spend more time creating - I've felt this year that I haven't had as much chance to be creative as I would like, this year is going to be my most creative year yet!

- Concentrate on CHANGE - this is my word for the year, there are changes I have been wanting to make for some time and this is the year they happen!

- Enjoy the moment - often when I achieve something I immediately think "but now what?" from now on I will enjoy my achievements and revel in them a little bit instead of beating myself up about the next thing

- Be Brave - Just do it! Whats the worst that can happen?

- Be ME all of the time - Sometimes I find myself conforming to what I think people think I am (if that makes sense) but no more, I'm the only version of 'Me' there is so I have to do a good job of it!

I hope you have a wonderful New Year, 2011 is going to be INCREDIBLE! :o)

Sarah x

Spring Cleaning

It feels so murky outside at the moment with all the piles of dirty slush everywhere and the fog, its really horrible, it makes me want to get all the things at home shipshape and shiny for the New Year. B spent today cleaning the upstairs of the house (I just have to finish organising my studio) and tomorrow we are shopping for some organisational stuff, we desperately need more storage! I think every crafter thinks that the next box / pot or organiser will change their life, I'm hoping the next one will really get me on track :o)

I also need to transfer everything to my new diary and notebook and get my New Year 'To-Do' list ready to go, file away my old paperwork and make sure my accounts are done to the end of the year (thats actually B's job not mine, I'll just tip out a load of old bags and purses so he has all the receipts, LOL) Then I need to start listing my NY resolutions, I think I have all mine ready and I'm really looking forward to making some changes. I noticed on Facebook / Twitter etc.. that lots of people were talking about their "one little word" which I now know is related to the Ali Edwards class over at Big Picture. I think it's a great idea to have something to keep you on track and I'm pretty sure I know what mine will be. I just need to make something pretty with it on to keep on my desk for the whole year....

Speaking of pretty, check out the lovely ring I wore today *sigh*

Sarah x

Christmas - Part 2

Christmas Day was lovely, we woke up to the smell of the turkey and with stockings from Santa waiting round the tree (for all of us this year not just the little ones - yay!) Then Taz and Shaun came over and we started the present exchanging - we don't give all our presents in one go like some people do, we spread them out throughout the day so the excitement lasts longer!

Here is the tree, behind Xena being very intense on Mario Kart Wii! and a little close up....

And both little squishies opening their Santa Stockings.... (See the concentration in their faces!)

And B opening his....

Dinner was scrummy, my BIL actually said he thinks its the best one he ever had! (I made the Beef Shaun, don't forget that!) of course some people can't resist playing with their food, meet Tazzy the red-babybel-nosed reindeer, LOL......

I'm feeling much better today after a 15 hour sleep!! and I've spent the whole day in my new Eskimo PJ's and Christmas slippers, bliss!

My poor little squishies are still ill, I hope they get better soon, it's horrible being ill at Christmas, especially when you have new toys and just want to play!

Sarah x

Home Sweet Home!!

So today we finally arrived home again! It doesn't matter how much of a lovely time you have away there really is nothing like coming home again!

Soooo... about my trip, get yourself a cuppa, it's a long one....

Firstly we had a nine, yes NINE! hour journey to get there (we didn't know if we would actually make it!) most of which was standing on squished trains or icy platforms holding a fat little pooch and all of our luggage - one of my arms is still shaking from the nerve damage I endured that day!! but we finally got there and my BIL very kindly come to pick us up from the station - I have never been more pleased to see him!

We were all ill over Christmas except my dad but we rallied round and still had a fabbo time, none of us were really up for party games but sitting round together opening pressies and stuffing our faces with mummy making us tea with whiskey in it (it's medicinal apparently, and who were we to argue!) was lovely. Most unusual present went to my sister this year who bought her BF a Bungee Jump - "Merry Christmas Dear, jump off a bridge"... nice!

We did have a few trips out, mostly Christmas shopping and food shopping, although I finally got to see my sisters chickens and ducks that they keep, there are even a few wallabies round there! They were super cute, I'm not that keen on birds but I could have been tempted by a wallaby (imagine holding that for 9 hours on the train though!)

Here are a few of the 14 chickens they now have....