And there I went planning out the month of March and than something popped up which meant I have to make some big changes in my plans. As most of you might know I have been suffering with back pain for a couple of months. I had a scan last Friday and on Sunday I started having excruciating pain. The results show I have a herniated disc which is the cause of these pains. I'm on heavy medication (which is something I don't like but which is necessary) and it also means I am in no state to create or to do anything else. I feel like a zombie and all I want to do is sleep. My doctor just reduced my medication to help get rid of the sleepiness.

 I need to give my body time to rest but I feel that little voice in me already worrying about preparing exams for school, how I'm going to help my students and how I am going to keep things going at home. I feel useless and as if I'm letting everyone down. Maybe I try to hard and put to much pressure on myself. I think that if I can't keep up and live up to expectations people will see me as a failure. They don't. I am the one who puts that image into my mind. I am working on letting myself heal but that urge to always be on top of things is still deep down inside. I am my worst enemy at times. 

I'll try to keep up with the schedule so tomorrow I'll be back with a little class close-up from one of my many fellow teachers at BPC.

 

And just to finish off with a bit of creative fun, here is a colour combo I created over a year ago for Esprit Scrapbooking .

Have a great weekend.

Lilith

New schedule ...

I am working on a new blogging schedule. I'd like to blog more regulary but I have limited time so organisation is the key.

Each month I'll post a new monthly blogging schedule. I'll be starting this new set up in March. It will mean that I won't have to blog everyday or on set days but that I can spread my projects over the month as I please. Here is what you'll be able to find in the monthly schedule:

• product close-ups: I'll take a closer look at product and see how we can use them. I'll use new  as well as older releases
• lift yourself: as the title says I'll left an older layout and give it a new twist.
• challenges: I'll regularly post challenges which you can participate in. Winners will receive a prize.
• Classes: I'll also post about some of my classes and classes of fellow teachers at BPC. There are so many fabulous classes out there.
• Layout videos
• Favourites (favourite layout, favourite recipe, favourite photo ...)
• and ...... random items which might tickle my inspiration. 

 

I decided to lift this layout I made in November 2012. It has all the design elements that I love using. Layers, flow and white space. I'd love to see you lift an older layout. If you do add your link using the INLINKZ button below. At the end of the month I'll randomly pick a participant who'll get a RAK from me. 

I went with a white and blue look with some hints of grey. I used some older stamps to add detail to the background. As I'm running low on white cardstock I used some a sheet of paper from a 12*12 patterned paper pack from AC. Usually only one side is printed. I have so many and some designs I don't use so using the white side is the best option.
See you soon with more projects.

  

An InLinkz Link-up

Bright and Happy

That is exactly how I'm feeling. My back is feeling so much and as soon as I have my podiatric insoles I'm certain it will be even better. Being in pain has made me realise how it is to be unwell and live normally. I think of all those who are having to struggle with this daily. If ever someone nearby is suffering I'll try to help them in what ever way I can. My kids are growing and thriving, I'm on mend and I am grateful for that.

Family life isn't always easy but we are learning. Most important is that we are creating memories and bonds. When life gets tough we can count on one another. 

I love seeing photos of with our kids. My husband isn't very wordy but his look says it all. He is so proud of them. 

I used one of my favourite dies for this layout. Just layered elements and went for a bright and happy look. 

This is the die I used for the layout. It is the Xcut Decorative Dies - Doily - Vintage Notes. I usually link to Scrapbook.com but they don't have this one. There are quite a few others. You can check their array of doily dies HERE.

Here is the video showing the from start to finish process.

Just around the corner

I prepared a video and a layout for a collaboration. Sadly the person organising wasn't feeling too well and it was cancelled but I can so my layout and video here. One thing I have learnt over the years is that we should first take care of ourselves. Sometimes we forget and we keep going on and on until one day we just can't. Our body shuts down. I hope my dear friend will feel better soon. 

Valentine's day is just around the corner. I don't really celebrate it because I believe we should show our love and affection for people all year round. Love should always come first. If it is love for others or ourselves. So here is a layout all about love. I used one of the very rare photos of my husband and I. And I think my sister's wedding photographer captured us perfectly.

 

Click on the image below for the cut file

I'll be back on Sunday with another video.

A bit of sunshine and more publications

Just popping in to wave hello and show some photos and a layout.

This layout was made for the ESPRIT SCRAPBOOKING magazine and I got to try some products from CUSTOM & CRAFT. I LOVED the bright yellow and black in this collection. 

And a couple of photos of the snow which has now melted ...

Have a wonderful week and see you soon. I'll have a video for you on Wednesday.