Pearl Izumi Tour Series

Motherwell has today had the privilege of being host to this fantastic Tour Series and what a show they put on. 

So many dedicated sports men and women competing in fast paced street racing.  Not many towns have the opportunity to host such fantastic events so to have it in my own home town felt fantastic.

There were numerous youth races throughout the afternoon,  street entertainment and the two big races were tonight.  Ladies at 5.30pm and mens at 7.30pm.   Ladies raced for 50 mins and men for 60 mins plus 5 laps which also included several sprint laps.   To see these athletes in action was nothing less than superb.  Such stamina and strength both mentally and physically. 

I took a wander over at 5pm along with a neighbour and her son.  After the ladies race we popped in to a local restaurant for some dinner and were out in perfect timing to secure our spot at the start/finish line for the gents.  We finally strolled home again just before 10pm.. slightly cold but full of laughter.

Here's hoping we have the opportunity to host this fantastic event again in the future and huge thanks to organisers and athletes for bringing their sport to my town. 

Time for bed now so toodles

Xxx

Two and a half minutes to go!!

At the start line waiting for the horn to sound

Pipe band before the men's race began

Female cycle race..  50 mins of racing!

Bank holiday Monday

I'm on holiday!!! 

Well it's been fab so far..  Friday I got my hair done, Saturday was the wedding and Sunday..  well they do say it's a day of rest so that'd exactly what I done lol. 

Yesterday we started off by popping out for some lunch at a garden centre.. One I've been going to since I've been a child.  Sadly they had a sign up saying they will be closing on 30th May.   They have decided to retire and the land has been sold to property developers.  My heart felt saddened as it holds such memories from my childhood.  Guess that's what you call progression though eh just sad it's yet more bricks and mortar and less green countryside. 

Upon our return and after a wee visit from mum we donned the training shoes and set off down the park for a walk.  OMG there were lots and lots of geese!!!  Couldn't resist getting the phone out to snap a few pics as the little ones were so cute.  I'm privileged to have such a beautiful park on my doorstep that serves not only the local community but also athletes from around the world such as during the Commonwealth games.  

Today my home town is hosting the Tour Series cycle racing so some of the streets have been closed to allow the track to be cleared, winners podium to be set up etc and needless to say there's a few traffic issues due to diversions but hey ho..  I've got housework, washing and grass to tackle today then I intend on getting the training shoes on again and taking a wander over to watch the 2 main races.   Ladies at 5.30 and gents at 7.30.   It's only a 1.7km track so it's going to be extremely high speed road racing!!!

Well.. Toodles for now and catch ya later.

Xxx

Lots of them just chilling out

Fantastic memorable day

Well Saturday was the bosses big day when they finally lived their dream and became Husband & Wife.  

I can honestly say it's one of the best wedding I've been to.  Lots of love and laughter filled the air from beginning to end and by end I mean when we finally arrived home just before 2 am on Sunday morning lol.

The company was second to none and the food was delicious.. The groom,  best man and ushers were very smart in their tartan attire and the bridesmaids looked beautiful but I have to say the bride stole the show (as she should) as she was simply radiant.  

You see so many dresses with layer upon layer of tulle... Some are so low cut you're waiting for a boob to pop out and some are so heavily encrusted you actually wonder just how much it weighs.   Gaynor's I have to say was what I describe as plain and eloquent.   Her skirt was not encrusted or anything but sat beautiful throughout the whole of the day..  The bodice was covered in such delicate lace and to finish it off was a beautiful silk ribbon and bow around the waistband with a diamond and pearl embellishment in the centre.   It was simply devine.  

All that's really left to say is a huge thank you to Donald & Gaynor for allowing me to be a part of such a special day for them and one I will remember for a very long time to come. 

Xxx

Arriving at the reception

A little blurry but you can still see the detail of her dress

Her hair piece was so elegant

Brides shoes..  lace to match the bodice of her dress

Brides Ring

Bridal bouquet..  All arrangements on the day were made by the brides fair hands..  multi talented so she is

The first dance

Work mates Alan, June & Eileen in the background

Hubby dancing with my work mate June

Love unites

Been a busy week again and loving it.   Have posted some other pics taken throughout the week just for a quick update and tomoz I'm off to get my hair dyed (time to hide the greys) ready for the bosses wedding on Saturday.

Yes we get to celebrate and join Donald and Gaynor as they pledge their love for one another in front of friends and family and we (the staff) get to join them.  Glad rags are ready to go so just the hair and makeup to do on Saturday and looking forward to socialising with my work colleagues.  I'm sure I will manage to snap a picture or two of the happy couple and possibly some of the rest of the mad crew too lol.

So right now whilst typing I've got a little black and white fur baby who has just climbed on my lap and is meowing in my face wanting a groom..  sometimes I think a child would be quieter lol.  Guess I better go grab his brush else it will be the paracetamol I'm looking for! 

Catch up again soon

Lorraine xxx

Saturday we had the pleasure of spending the days with friends to celebrate their sons First Holy Communion and a most enjoyable day it was too

Got my hair restyled last Friday and have to say it feels weird not putting a pony tail in every day to go to work

Think he enjoyed it lol

Hubby's birthday cake..  chocolate cake with caramel centre and caramel drizzle topped with toffee popcorn..  quite apt for the auld American!

Neil the sloth popped in to the shop last week for a wee visit so we gave him the grand tour lol

Dum dee dum..

Oh my..  looks like someone's been a naughty boy!!!

Apologies for the lack of posts the last few days folks but as many of you will know I don't exactly sleep a lot at nights but the last few I've been dropping off on the sofa just after 10pm which for me is a minor miracle!   

Today we celebrated the old hubsters birthday and I'll try to post pics of his cakes tomorrow.. yes I did mean as in plural!  Lol

So work has been a hive of activity this week..  it's been so busy the last few weeks (even more than normal) and all we seem to do just now is continually unpack and restock.  On top of that there's another little surprise lurking but I can't reveal what that is just yet..  you'll just have to be patient lol. 

So before I settle for my chill session I thought I'd share another little make with you all and the list of ingredients are as follows

Brusho for colouring wall and water colouring image
Darice brick wall embossing folder
Visible Image Tweedledum/dee stamp
Visible Image  Drag and Drip stamp
Wow embossing powder

Sponsored by www.craftworldonline.co.uk

TTFN
Xxx

Flutters all around

Evening all..  today started off with some nice sunshine which has gradually faded to rain.  Guess there's always hope for tomorrow eh! 

Anyway, on to today's make and share.  

Products used:

Brusho
Spellbinders matting and layering Die
Memory Box Sylvan Corner
Visible Image Follow Your Dreams stamp
Wow embossing powder
Stick It
Versa mark

Off to chillax a while

Happy crafting
Lorraine xx

Sponsored by www.craftworldonline.co.uk

Hunkydory announce their new Create and Craft demonstrator... none other than my dear friend Pauline Wheeler.  Am so happy for her

I'm speechless

Well folks it's a celebratory month as the bosses prepare to marry and the final countdown is on.. 

Last weekend we had the Spring Extravaganza event.. 

This Saturday we have... well I think you best read it as I'm still in shock lol..

M8, Junction 26, and Craft World is located at 36 Kelvin Avenue, Hillington Industrial Estate..  look out for the big sign on the corner!!!

Feeling a little blue

Quick post today folks..  have felt awful all day as what I thought was an allergy over the last few days would now appear to be a cold.   What a shock I got this morning when I looked in the mirror..  you would have thought I was wearing red eye liner and had a big red nose too.  Wasn't a pretty sight by far. 

Anyway after several sleepless nights caused by coughing and sneezing I've finally nodded on and off the last few hours so hoping I get a few more zzzzzz's before the alarm goes off.

What a fabulous weekend we had in the shop with yet another extremely successful Extravaganza weekend with fabulous feedback from customers.   Always gives you such a good feeling when customers tell you they've left inspired.  As for today..  well we thought with it being a bank holiday we would be pretty quiet and get a chance to restock the shop shelves but no...  We were non stop all day!  So busy in fact we were 40 mins late in starting lunches lol.   Was fabulous though and the day just flew by. 

So before I sign off here's a quick list of the products used on today's card. 

Brusho
Sweet Poppy steampunk dress stencil
Doobadoo modelling paste
Visible Image Time After Time stamps
Wow embossing powder
Ken Oliver Alpha Stamps
Distress Ink

Right folks I'm off now so Toodles
Lorraine xx

Samples packed.. kit packed

Well folks I know I've been AWOL but between all the new stock arriving in the shop this week and working in samples I've simply not had the time to do much else. 

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd is the Craft World Spring Extravaganza Weekend Event.  All are welcome,  no need to book as demonstrations are ongoing throughout the day and there's free parking too.

I'm using a variety of products and here's one of the samples I've made using an Indigo Blu stamp and Brusho.

Time now to chill for a wee while before bed as it's gonna be a busy weekend ahead and I'm so looking forward to it.

Happy crafting
Lorraine xxx