Friday 30 April 2010

Feelin’ Blue lol xxx

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I do love this image – you probably noticed lol xxx

I did try hard not to use her again for this week's Just Magnolia challenge but I caved in at the last moment. 

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And it’s perfect for this gorgeous sketch by our Bev which is this week’s challenge. As always, the awesome JM girlies have produced some beauties to share with you so if you get a sec, nip and check it all out peeps :)

Picture 002 copySo this is my take on the sketch. I used my fab Copics in the following colours -

B0000, B00, B02, B32, C1, E0000, E00, E21, E33, E50, E53, R20 YR00

I have to be honest and say that I think I majorly cocked up with the shades of blue I used here but hey ho!! And oops, spot the blob of glue under one of the flowers – dohhhhh!!!!! Slap dash Phillips strikes again (hangs head in shame).

Will I never ever learn to CHECK FIRST before putting them on here?  Well it would seem not :(o

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Moving swiftly on, both papers are Wild Rose Studio. The gingham is from the Spring CD and the pink polka dots is from the Pola Dots paper Stack which is available from Tracy at Dies To Die For – you can see it here.

Can you see the gorgeous pattern on the punched border? Its a new border punch called Modern Garland, and I’m fairly sure that these will be available on the Dies To Die For website soon.  The pretty blooms are all Wild Orchid Crafts.

While I’m thinking about it, remember me telling you about the brilliant ultra smooth Craftwork Cards digi card that I’ve been using to print and stamp onto? Well Tracy now has it in stock in packs of 10 and also packs of 50 sheets. The smaller packs are a great way to try first but I would image that once you’ve tried it, then like me you won’t want to use anything else.

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So there you go.

I’m on another flyer today cos I have loads of work to do and stuff to get to the post office and shopping etc. It’s never ending!! But we have a Bank Holiday so it’s an extra day off work, woohoooo!! I think we will be going to a falconry fair in Shropshire if R has his way, and yes, the man flu did materialise (what did I tell you peeps!!!).  Although to be fair, we haven't had the couch and blanket routine yet so there is hope that it isn't too serious this time (can you tell I am just not patient with ill men?)

Ohh I forgot to tell you that Emma did her parachute jump. She said it was AMAZING and would do it again for sure. She said she felt like she was  floating rather than falling and the worse bit for her was sitting in the plane with the door open – not something we usually see I suppose. 

Anyway I’ll be off and get stuck into my ‘to do’ list and see you soon as soon.

Hugs to all xxxx

Thursday 29 April 2010

Sniff, Sniff :(

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Hi there chickadees and hope everyone is well, unlike me who has started with a cold (or man flu as it’s sometimes known!!). It’s a good job that you can't hear me as I'm typing cos it isn't pleasant, so I guess that I really am as sick as a (pink)  pig. Where on earth did that saying come from, does anybody know?.

Anyhoos, it’s time for another challenge over at Lili Of The Valley and this week it’s a fab challenge cos it’s

Here Comes Summer

so if you get a sec, nip over and check it all out – there’s 2 Busy bears stamps of your choice up for grabs, and you don't even have to use a LOTV image either :)

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I used this gorgeous lil busy bear which is called Window Box and you can see it here.  I coloured her with my Copics (list of colours at the end) which I got from Tracy at Dies To Die For. The papers are a mixture of Wild Rose Studio Polka Dots which you can also get from Tracy, and Pink Petticoat gingham

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I'm not sure if you can tell from the pics but I cut a semi circle out of the gingham panel and then raised it over the image. I then glued all the  beautiful Wild Orchid Crafts blooms around, and finished off with a few pearls from The Hobby House. With hindsight, I should have used all white pearls as the pink sort of gets lost against the green, but there ya go :(

Copics used were BG01, BG3, C00, C1, C5, E0000 E00, E21, E31, E35, E37 E50, E53, R20, R32, YG23,

Well me and my cold are going to buzz off now.

I’ll have a little bet with you that it won’t be long before his Lordship develops one but his will be far worse than mine. In fact, it will be so bad that he will be forced to lie on the couch with a blanket over him looking like Penny the dying pig (it’s an expression from round this way and no pigs were harmed during the process!!). 

Have a great day and I’ll see you tomorrow lovely peeps.

Snotty hugs (ohhh how utterly revolting!!) xxxx

Tuesday 27 April 2010

This Nearly Killed Me lol xxx

 Picture 003 copy I thought it would be a good idea to

Do Something Different

for our Papertake Weekly challenge this week.

So, what to do???

Well, I considered a few options and then i thought ‘what is it that I never ever do?’, and of course the first thing that sprang to mind was to  publish a card on here without any mistake . Now that WOULD be different, hee hee. But I didn't think it was really a viable option,  so I went with plan B which was to attempt to do a card with zilcho design paper.

Picture 001 copyAnd this is what I did.

Thank the good Lord for Cuttlebug folders and Bazzill card cos I was struggling a bit at one point. Anyway we stuck to it and I have to say that I am not too unhappy with how it turned out after all.

I coloured Tilda and the stone background with my new best friends, the Copics, and added some bling in the form of Glamour Dust cos it’s very girlie.

You can get your Copics and Bazzill card from the very lovely Tracy over at Dies To Die For and the Copics I used here were -

E0000, E00, E21, E31, E35, E37, E49, E50, E53, R0000, R11, R20 YR0000, YR00

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These beautiful blooms were from Wild Orchid Crafts. Aren’t they pretty peeps :)

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The pins were also from Wild Orchid Crafts and the ribbon was from my stash. Good old Martha's finest was from Dies To Die For.

Picture 005 copy I used silicone glue to make it look like she was leaning out of the window.

And that’s me done.

If  you get a sec, nip over and check out what the other girlies have done this week – there are truly some stunning bits of work, and loads of new ideas and inspiration. Plus as we are sponsored by Simon Says Stamp, there’s $25 worth of goodies up for grabs as well.

I’m dashing yet again cos I have shed loads of stuff to try and get done and not a lot of time to do it in cos I have to collect Miss Kyla from nursery later as Emma is working late.

Have the best day peeps and see you back here soon as soon.

Hugs to all xxx

Sunday 25 April 2010

Party Time :)

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Yes, it certainly is for these three cuties. 

Now  (oooh here comes another excuse!!) I have to say that the editing of this bit took out the grey line thing I put in so it didn't look like Emma with her balloon was just squatting, but on the main card you can actually see it there!!

But are they not the sweetest trio? They are the new Sugar Plums Party Set which is now available from Tracy over at Dies To Die For. You can see them right here, and not only are they beyond cute, I think these are amazing value.  They are also available as singles.

So I used them for my Anyone For Anya card which this week is based on …

sketch #9

… this sketch.

There’s some fabulous DT work as always and a lovely prize from our very own Yvonne so nip over and check it all out when you get a sec.

I’ll do the shopping bit at the end again and in the meantime, here’s the pics.

Picture 001 copySee the grey line thing?

She looks like she is sitting down now doesn't she!!

 Picture 004 copyA bit mean with the pics today – sorry my lovelies.

But I am on a bit of a flyer cos we are off for the mother of all bike rides again.  Tis worth the John Wayne walk cos I am losing a fair bit of lardage which is all good. We are off on hols with Emma in July and I’ve  heard that Greenpeace are going to be in the area at the same time, so I don’t want to take any chances lol xxx

So Copic colours used were

BV0000,  BV00,  BV02,  BV04,  BV23,  BV31,  C00,  C1,  C5,  E0000, E00,  E21,  E31,  E35,  E43,  E50,  E53,  R20,  V04.

Not much use with the papers once again sorry chicks – they were in my 12 x 12 box and were from one of them Scrapbooking kits. I have a feeling they may have come from QVC but wouldn't swear to it.   That delish Martha’s Doily Punch is from Tracy at Dies To Die For and the teeny pearls were from The Hobby House

So that’s it for today.

Have a fab day whatever you are doing and see you in the week.

Huggiest of  hugs xxx

Friday 23 April 2010

I Hate McAfee But I Do Love Tilda xxx

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And how could you not love her.

But I tell you peeps, I was nearly up the wall with this computer, and for once it wasn't me or anything I'd done, unlike most of my techie issues!! Yes, I realise you will find that hard to believe but tis true.

So thanks to Mr  McAfee who is supposed to look after me, I was late getting this to Bev so it won’t appear on the Just Magnolia blog until later – grrrrr!!! More in a sec.

But first,  I have to say a HUGE thank you to everybody who left me comments and joined in my mystery blog candy. And without further ado, the winner is - drum roll …….

Doc1 The early birdie got the candy box lol xxx

Yes FIONA it’s you my love so please drop me an e-mail with your snail mail addy and a nice shiny pink box will be on it’s way you  xxx

So this week we have another treat for you over at Just Magnolia Challenge  because our challenge is Anything Goes. So you can do anything you want and as long as you include a fab Magnolia image, you could be in with a shout for an blooming awesome prize.

We are sponsored this week by the lovely peeps that are Paul and Siri at

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And get a load of the prize -

Just Magnolia Prize Pic_thumb[1]

Hw completely FAB!!

All the JM girls  have used some Wild Orchid Crafts loveliness in their work and if you get a sec, nip over and check it all out.

Re my card, I thought I’d do the pics first and then the shopping list and Copics colours etc at the end again. I think maybe it makes it easier to see what’s what and it won’t get bogged down by a shed load of my inane waffle etc lol xxx

So, here’s the pics -

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Tilda was coloured with Copics in the following shades – BG0000, BG01, BG10, BV0000, BV00, BV02, C0000, E0000, E00, E21, E31, E50, E53, R20. Copics and Martha Stewarts Doily Punch are available from the always wonderful Tracy over at Dies To Die For. Blooms are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the pearls are from The Hobby House. 

I got the papers in a sale somewhere and I’ve had then ages., The only clue on the pack is that they are Innovations Craft Accessories by the Salco Group. So not much help I’m sorry and the same with the ribbon cos that is another randomer that was just lurking about.

Now this  *~£&”_??^&$ McAfee thing

I hope that not too many of you were affected by it cos loads were. Apparently it sends out automatic updates and one of these updates that went out did something to the program files on your computer. So one minute it was OK and the next it kept shutting itself down and re-booting, over and over again. I was doing me best to stop it but to no avail and I was starting to panic a bit because earlier on I had tried to download some egg incubation free trial prog for Richard and I git a message saying it couldn't be verified, so I stopped the download straight away. That will teach me, but in my defence I was only trying to help him (your Honour!!)

So I really thought it was me.

What a relief therefore when our IT boys said it wasn’t. And that is something they don’t say very often, poor beggars, cos it usually IS me.

Anyway we are all sorted now :) So on that positive note, I’ll say tarra and see you soon.  I hope you have a fab day and huggiest of hugs to all xxx

Tuesday 20 April 2010

You Would Not Believe ….

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… what a funny few days I’ve had.

Between work, which is driving me up the wall and no electricity on Sunday for half the day (hence no AFA card so I’ll save it for another day), plus computer probs AGAIN. I’ve been totally and utterly demented, grr!!!

I tell ya, if I wasn’t grey already, I soon would be.

I haven’t made a card since Thursday which might not seem like long but to me it’s AGES., but today I did – woohoooooo.

Picture 004 copy And this is it.

It’s based on one of me sketches which I did for this week’s Papertake Weekly and its ……

ptw #39 … this one.

I coloured one of the new fab kit Tildas with the good old Copics which I got from Tracy at Dies To Die For and I’ve had a few e-mails asking me about which colours I use so I’ll list them at the end – hope that helps chicksies (and if I haven't replied to you, please bear with me xxx).

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These beautiful papers are My Minds Eye Lush (blue) which you can get here from Tracy. They are so soft and pretty, don’t ya think?

Martha’s finest is also from Tracy and the fab blooms are from Wild Orchid Crafts. NOT a good pic really but the tiny roses have a pretty blue edge to them. And the bling stick things which you can barely see due to my fabulous photography skills (please don't be jealous lol xxx) were from a local warehouse.

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And that’s my card.

The Copics colours I used were -

B00, B0000, C00, E00, E0000, E21, E31, E35, E50, R11, R20, YG0000, YR00

If you get a sec, don’t forget to nip over and have a look at what the other Papertake girlies have done and maybe have a bash at the sketch as well. Ohh and there is a fab sponsor as well :)

Now before I go, I must thank everyone who took part in our blog hop on Friday – it was a total success and loads of fun. And thank you so much for your lovely comments which really mean the world to me.

Have a great day and huggiest of hugs lovely peeps - see you soon xxxx

Friday 16 April 2010

There’s A Big Birthday Blog Hop ….

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… going on over at Just Magnolia, woohooo!!!

Yes, Just Magnolia is one year old!

And to celebrate we are running a blog hop which is being sponsored by Simon Says Stamp. Not only are they sponsoring the prize for the regular weekly challenge, there is also an amazing prize that has been sponsored by Simon Says Stamp for the blog hop which you can see over the the JM blog..

The theme of this week's challenge is

Thank-You.

For the DT this means the hugest of thanks to all our lovely followers and entrants each week, and also to our amazingly generous sponsors for the fabulous prizes they put up each week. We appreciate each and every one of you xxx

So welcome to our birthday blog hop and we hope you have lots of fun mooching round our blogs and seeing what we’ve all done. Ohh and there might be a bit of yummy candy on offer as well. Where it is, nobody knows but make sure you start and the beginning which is right here and you won’t miss out.

So if you are joining me from Michelle’s blog then you are in the right place.

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So this is my thank you card and of course it's based on the fab sketch which our Mina has created for you.

I was sooo excited when my new kit dropped through the letter box and even more so when I opened it and saw the contents. Well this little sweetie caught my eye straight away so I knew I had to use her.

I’m going to do the next bit slightly different today as it’s a special post. I’ll put the shopping list bit at the end and I’ll leave you to have a look at the pics in peace.

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So that’s my card :)

Image is from the new Spring Kit, coloured with Copics. Blooms are Wild Orchid Crafts and the punch is Martha's Doily gorgeousness from Dies To Die For (as were the Copics). The pink gingham paper is Pink Petticoat and the tulle is from Crafts U Love. Twine and ribbon are from my stash.

Now did I mention blog candy?

Oh yes, I think I did.

ed

It’s all wrapped up and ready to go (and shiny paper is very difficult to photograph).

But what’s in the box?

Ahh well, that would be telling cos its a surprise, but if you leave your name with Mr Linky, and then Mr Random Thing chooses you next Friday, all will be revealed cos it will arrive on your doorstep as soon as soon after, no matter where you live in the world.

I’ll give you a clue though - it’s crafty stuff lol !!!!

OK now enough teasing and on with the hop.

The next place you’ll want to pop over to will be Dena’s blog where you are sure to find yumminess (not to mention shed loads of inspiration) in abundance.

Enjoy the hop and good luck with the candy hunting peeps xxx

Thursday 15 April 2010

Lemon Lili (And A Bit Of Pink As Well!!)

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Morning lovely peeps and I hope you are all well today :)

It’s the most gorgeous morning here in Chester – like a hazy summer’s morning really – and I hope that it’s the same where you are.

Well it’s time for another Lili Of The Valley Thursday Challenge and we have a fab sketch this week from the one and only Bev …..

lotv2_thumb[2][1] … I loved using this one, thanks chick xxx.

And the DT have as always created some gorgeous work to share so nip over and have a mooch if you get a sec. Also, don’t forget that you don't need to use a LOTV image if you want to play along as well.

ed So here’s what I did.

I don't often use lemon and pink together but it’s such a lovely combi. The prob for me is getting the lemon to look nice on the pics. This looks a bit ‘arsh but IRL it’s much softer.

The image I used is On The Garden Wall and it is just so sweet I think, and you can find it here. I don’t know if you can see but I used a bit of Glossy accents on his specs (I am using that stuff quite a bit of late but it does add a little something I think).

And of course I did the Copics thing (you can get them from Tracy at Dies to Die For; they are ever so fab aren’t they).

Picture 003 copy I’ve have these papers for years and years – literally. They are Making Memories and that’s about all I can tell you, sorry. The beautiful blooms are of course from Paul and Siri over at Wild Orchid Crafts and I added some punched leaves and a little pearly beadie thing which I had in my ‘wedding invite bits and bobs’ box.

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Here’s a couple more and a bit of Martha’s finest as well which Tracy at Dies To Die For can sort you out with :)

Picture 005 copy And that is that for today.

Just to remind you that the fabulous LOTV Busy Bears Collection will be released on the 21st April – I bet you will glad to hear cos they are awesome images and SO easy to colour.

And at the same time as the Busy Bear release, LOTV are releasing a new collection of 4 Cute Cats and Dogs complete with really useful sentiments. This collection costs £14.99 and I’ve seen it and I can tell you that this is bargainous value. There will be some sneak peeks from the DT this week so keep your eyes open for them peeps :)

We went out on our bikes AGAIN last night – we are turning into seasoned bike bods for sure. The good news is that without even trying, I have lost 3lbs this week. I could not believe it. So to celebrate that fact, tonight we are cycling to a pub near us and having some grub and then cycling home again. No doubt the weight loss will be down to 1lb after that but never mind – it’s a start!!

So that’s me done for today.

I’ll see you tomorra for a special JM Challenge cos it’s our birthday but until them, have a fab day and enjoy the sunshine.

Hugs to all xxx

Wednesday 14 April 2010

Some FAB Candy :)

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I just had to tell you about this.

My teamie over at Just Magnolia, the loveliness that is Jacque, has had a blog birthday and she is celebrating by having a mahooosive candy give away. Check out that little lot – woohoo!!!

Jacque is right in the middle of another round of chemo at the mo but she is one of  the most positive and inspiring people I have ever (not yet) met lol xxx So if you get a sec, nip over and check it all out.

Jacque, you just keep going girl and I’m sending love and hugs your way xxx

No card today peeps but there’s one tomoz – pink and lemon meets LOTV, know what I mean!!!! And there’s one on Friday cos there is something VERY special happening over at Just Magnolia but I cant say any more cos the JM girls will have to kill me if I open me trap.

So have a fab day and see you in the morrow.

Huggiest of hugs xxx

Tuesday 13 April 2010

There's A Bit Of A Cute-Fest ……

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Over at Papertake Weekly.

Plus a bit of a treat for you all in the shape of a bit of discount on your crafty shopping, thanks to our sponsor this week, One Stop Card Crafts

And of course there’s the fab DT’s cardage to feast your eyes on so nip over and check it all out if you get a sec.

So our challenge is all about cute this week and I think this lil kitty cat is as sweet as sweet can be. He’s Thomas and he is one of the new Lili Of The Valley images which are now available and here’s where you can find him peeps.

edit1Of course, I used my Copics cos they are just fabulous and I love them more each time I use them. I cannot begin to tell you how sad Richard thinks I am for drooling over ‘some felt pens’ but if you want to get yourself some of these babies, just hop over to Tracy at Dies To Die For and she will sort you out with some no probs, cos that’s just the sort of sweetie that she is xxx

The fabbytastic (or should that be tabbytastic lol xx) papers are Pink Petticoat and I’ve used Gingham and Little Harlequins. Verry delish!!

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I put this pic is so that you can see how I edged the image with some Glamour Dust. I also did the flowers cos I just cant stop once I start with that stuff!!!

ribbon

We haven’t seen my fave ribbon here at the pig sty for a while and I thought it was about time I remedied that. Ohhh I just LOVE it.

And there’s a bit of Martha on display as well, which Tracy can sort you out with as well :)

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And that is me card for today lovely peeps.

Now I just realised that the glue hadn't quite dried where I'd stuck the sentiment on. I used the silicone stuff and obviously squashed it on the way to the light box thing to take the pic.

Dohhhhh!!!!

I'm off to lie down in a dark room whilst repeating my new mantra ‘I must check my cards more carefully before I take their pic’ several times until it actually sinks into the three remaining brain cells that are lurking in the dark space that is my bonce!!!!

Now that IS sad lol xxx

Have a great day sweet peas and see you soon a soon.

Huggiest of hugs xxxx

Sunday 11 April 2010

Sweetest Pixie

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Heyy peeps and happy Sunday.

I hope you are all enjoying this fab weather we are having. We actually caught the sun yesterday.

This week has flown and once again it’s time for another challenge over at Anyone For Anya. Don’t forget that you can now use your Swiss Pixies and any CC Designs that you want as well as your TGF images.

And that’s what I’ve used today cos I do ‘heart’ these lil sweeties so much.

The image I used today is Birgitta On A Tree Stump and she is one of the gorge new images that Tracy now has in stock over at Dies To Die For. You can see her here and also the new Nora On A Swing.

Picture 005 copyI coloured her with my new bad boys ie the good old Copics which I think are just the best (yes, I have well and truly defected!!). My Nikkie had a go with them yesterday but she is still a Pro Marker girl she says, but they might grow on her. These pretty papers are the Wild Rose Studio Paper Stacks – I used the Polka Dots (not that you couldn't tell that lol xx)

You can get these papers from Tracy as well as whichever pens float your boat :)

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The lace is from Wild Orchid Crafts – I just love how clean and white it looks – and the teeny pearls are from The Hobby House. I used them as a cover up because you could see the DST through the holes, and me no likeee!!!

The buttons and twine are from my stash.

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And that’s the old card.

The sharp eyes amongst you might notice that dopey Dawny has struck again if you’ve been over to the challenge blog - I have made a booboo with my watermark thingie. Yes, there is a typo and I have put Dawny Pp. which sounds all kinds of wrong if you say it out loud. I MUST get that sorted very soon!!

Well we had a fabulous day yesterday out on our bikes, even though we must have looked like a right load of saddos all biking along together. We cycled into Wales and then did a loop back to Chester – nearly 14 miles, as a certain part of me can testify lol xxx. And our Kyla was on the back of one of the bikes on one of those tag along things. She loved it, even if she didn't quite manage to pedal all the way. Emma was quite sure she didn't love it but I have my doubts if she meant it.

We stopped off for a quick drink in a pub along the canal and just watched the world go by while we had a little rest. Just wonderful and in a weird sort of way, very relaxing.

So we might venture out again today – just the two of us. We’ll see later on how we feel. It’s the last day of my hols and I must admit that I am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow – even if I do work from home :(

Never mind – there’s always the lottery!!!!

Have a great day peeps and enjoy your Sunday, whatever you are doing, and see you next week.

Huggiest of hugs xxx