Uni assignment

So I've started my university photography degree course, and have a few assignments to do.  Going to post any links that find on the internet on my blog as easier to find them.  I know if write them all down on bits of paper they are going to get lost.  So from time to time random links will appear.  Course going well got loads to do, will upload new photographs at some point, and write a more detailed blog entry.  Only quick entry as going to the cinema soon.

Brief One, Part 2 Photographic Dialogue/Semiotic Analysis. Research links

http://contentdm.ad.umbc.edu/hine.php

Been so busy

I have fallen really behind in updating my blog again, life seems to have taken over again.  Its that dreaded time of year again where its time to start planning towards Christmas.  Even though its only the beginning of September if I don't start now my poor son will have no presents.  I have already picked up a few bits and pieces, dvds, wii game etc.  I am now going to concentrate on getting the main presents.  We went to Smyths toy store yesterday and he was in heaven, so many different toys to look it.  I was dreading it as thought all I would hear is "can I have, can I have" but he surprised me and just looked around.  I told him to look for ideas to put on his Christmas list to give to Santa.  He didn't add much as most of the stuff in the store was already on his list.  He had a go on a scooter in the store and has asked for one, debating it as nothing wrong with the scooter he already has.  I hate Christmas shopping close to Christmas, so fingers crossed I can get it all finished early.


I have enrolled on my university course and start in 2 weeks, I will be doing a 2 year degree in Creative Industries (Photography) Course.  Really looking forward to starting the course, hopefully will improve my scrapbooking as well as learn photography.  Starting the course gave me the inspiration to do Project 365, as better late than never I guess.  I'm trying to stick to it this time, doing well so far.  Some days just hard to know what to take a photograph off, especially when don't go anywhere.  I don't want 365 photographs of my son smiling at me, even though I love photographs of him I want something different each day.  I don't think I will post everyday on the blog with my Project 365 photo, as probably forget.  So I will attempt to add my weekly/monthly LOs from the project.  


I have been busy creating LOs as usually, I also managed to create a new signature tag.  Captivated Visions released a new kit called 'Happy Snapper' which is available here at Scrap Matters

This is my favourite kit at the moment, maybe something to do with me starting my photography course lol.  I created my facebook profile picture using it, and my signature tag for the Gotta Pixel forum.  Would love to redesign my blog using this kit, but have no idea where to start.  All a bit technical for me, might attempt it though.  Here is the profile picture and signature tag I created.

Simply Scraps is having a CT call so I decided to apply for that, keeping my fingers crossed.  Have applied for various CT calls in the past but no luck yet.  But there are some very talented scrappers about, compared to some LOs I see don't think mine are spectacular.  I have also been entered into a draw to win a guest CT spot with Connie Prince.  If you 'like' her fan page on facebook you are entered into the draw.  You can become a fan off Connie Prince Designs on Facebook here.  


Some fabulous kits been released recently, here's a few of the ones I like.  Need to watch my budget as spend way to much on digital kits.  All kits are linked to Gotta Pixel store where you can purchase them.
My Boys Page Kit by She's Full of Scrap




Atta Boy Kit by Mye De Leon


Happiness Happens Kit by Connie Prince & Enkay Designs


Time now to go make a coffee.  Thinking about completely redesigning my blog, including changing the name.  But stuck for ideas at the moment.  

Had to share this fantastic blog

I came across this wonderful blog yesterday and just had to share it, the blog is a mothers maternity leave hobby.  While her baby is taking her nap she creates a scene around her and takes a quick photo.  Have to be the most adorable baby photo's I've seen.  Fantastic talent.


Milas Daydreams
http://milasdaydreams.blogspot.com/p/faq.html

Future digi scrapper in the making

Really late updating the blog, life took over again.  I had a nightmare of a weekend, window hinge broke.  Callum went over his dads Friday so had some time to relax. I went on a spending spree over at Gotta Pixel, and bought some lovely kits from the Gotta Grab It event.  I also went way over my usage on my dongle bill :( this digital scrapbooking hobby is getting expensive.


I purchased the following.

Here are the LOs I created using these two new kits.

I love you this much kit by Connie Prince

Growing on Me kit by Spinky Dink Scraps,
template by Lita for Simply Sketchy
 challenge at gotta pixel

When Callum came home today he asked if he could use the computer.  He said he wanted to make a scrapbook page like mummy does.  So I sat him down on my lap and gave him instructions on how to use Photoshop Elements 8.  Here are his LOs

Kit used Jelly Beanie by Connie Prince
Wordart by Jennifer

Kit used is Being a mom
Wordart by Jennifer

He created the LOs on his own with instructions from me, all I helped him do was change the colour of the word art as he found this difficult.  He arranged all the papers, elements and photographs himself.  I think I got a future digi scrapper in the making.

More Layouts

Here are some more LOs I created over the weekend and today.

                              Kit used is iNSD Blog Train                   Kit used is Off the Beaten Path

                                                                                               by Captivated Visions

                               Kit used is Spring Showers                    Kit used is Sunday Afternoon

                                      by Lindsay Jane                            by Trixie Scraps & Sarah Bennet

Kit used is I'm Not A Lion by Connie Prince

4 Page LO Kit used is Arts & Crafts by Lindsay Jane

Swimming Certificate

Been busy today creating lots of new LOs.  Took Callum to his swimming lesson this morning and he is doing really well.  He got his Stage 1 certificate and badge today from his last lot of lessons.  He was so happy to finally get it.

Picture is not the best as it was take on my phone.  The photograph gave me the inspiration to create this LO. 

Kit used is Another Paradise by Lindsay Jane

Speed Scrap

So I managed to stay awake for the speed scrap with Connie Prince on Friday 6th August (little late updating blog) Here's the LO I created. Really enjoyed chatting in the chat room as well, so hopefully manage to attend the Speed Scrap this week.

Kit used is Jelly Beanie by Connie Prince
Wordart by Jennifer

Two Page Layouts

So I was suffering from a creative block yesterday and most of this morning.  I started a few LOs then decided that I didn't like them.  This afternoon I thought I'd try again and had a go at creating a two page LO.  I choose to use Captivated Visions Off the Beaten Path Kit

And here is the 2 page LO I created.

I found it easier creating a 2 page LO than I thought I would, having the extra space to journal and show the photos made it easier.  I was so happy with my first attempt at a 2 page LO, that I decided to make another.  This time I choose to you Connie Prince & Mye De Leon Collab Kit Park Play Day

And here's the 2 page LO I created.

Also discovered that Tesco can print 12x12 pages.  If the prints are good might buy a album and design a few more 2 page LOs to go in it.  Also made another LO using Connie Prince Mister Wonderful Kit.

This has to be one of my favourite kits, its sums up my son perfectly.  Adorable but cheeky.

No plans for this weekend, my son was supposed to be at his dads tonight. But his dad is ill so we've just spent the evening watching TV.  We hired Clash of the Titans last night, story line wasn't excellent but overall a good film.  Callum has asked if I will buy it on DVD, so that's another film to add to his Christmas list.  Got a mountain of ironing to tackle in the morning.  Then Callum has asked if he can go and watch the monster truck show that is on.  I'm debating taking him as I'm not sure that he will like it, not because of the monster trucks as know he will love these.  Just worried he wont like the noise as its going to be loud.  We can buy tickets on the gate an hour before the shows starts, so I'll see what he wants to do tomorrow.  Time I went and made a cuppa coffee, trying to stay awake for the speed scrap with Connie Prince at 1am (8pm EST).  Failed last time, might have better luck tonight :) with the help from some coffee.

Cant concentrate

I have no son tonight, he's stopping with his nan, I had intended to get some new LOs created.  But I cant concentrate at all, started loads of LOs but didn't like them so started again.  Given up now going to watch TV instead.  I did manage to create my signature tag, for use in the gotta pixel forums.

Kit used is Defining Me
by Trixie Scraps

Had a good week was my birthday Thursday, got few cards and some money off my dad.  Bought myself a new dress out of my money.  Went out for a meal on Friday with my son, mum, sister and nephews.  Yesterday me and Callum went shopping, didn't buy much.  Typical when I have some money to buy some new clothes cant find anything I like.  

Thats my boring week summed up really, as I haven't done much scrapbooking life seemed to take over last few days.  Fingers crossed get lots of LOs created in next few weeks, as its a new month lots of new challenges on Gotta Pixel.  Cant believe its August already thought don't know where this year is going.  Only few weeks till our family vacation, and I cant wait.

New Layouts

Finally got some new layouts created today.  I bought two new kits yesterday We are family a charity collaboration kit by Geek Chic Scraps, Litabells Designs, simply.scraps, Connie Prince, Lauren Grier, Kristin Cronin-Barrow, Jennifer Fox, Sir Scrapalot, and Nikki Epperson to benefit Sally Bouley (KyRainbow) and her fight with cancer.  This is the LO I created using the kit.

I also bought Defining Me by Trixie Scraps which matches my blog. Here's the LO I created using that kit.

I was so pleased this page got choose for a gallery stand-out by pepsibubbles over in the Gotta Pixel forum, I love when I get a gallery stand-out.  It makes me feel that my hard work is appreciated.  So thank you pepsibubbles.


Its my birthday tomorrow :) going to be the grand old age of 29, another year closer to the big 30.  I've got no plans for my birthday, probably just have a lazy day in the house with my son.  Got a few cards to open which will be nice.  Today has been spent doing housework and arguing with my son.  He had a answer to everything today, I stood and thought to myself i'm arguing with a 6 yr old and he's wining lol.  Gave up in the end and ignored him, after 20mins of grizzling he gave in and apologised.  Stroll on back to school time.  I finally got my letter through about my student funding :) cant wait to enrol on the 26rd aug now.  Start looking for a decent digital SLR camera now.  Its all a bit overwhelming as not sure which make, model to buy.  A lot of people have recommended the Olympus E series, but i'm a fan of Canon.  Which is what my basic camera is.  Will have to have a good shop around and see what's about.


Right off to bed now, as im sure I will be awake bright and early.  Even though it will be my birthday I doubt my son will let me have a lie in.

:( in pain

I haven't got any LOs created today, due to lack of concentration.  I've been suffering with a bad back on and off since just after Christmas.  At the time my doctor told me I had a trapped nerve, and prescribed diazepam and pain killers.  After about two weeks my back was better, but has not been completely right ever since.  Well I've gone from having lower back pain to a really horrible burning pain in my neck.  I visited the doctors today and she told me that its tension or something, she's prescribed pain killers and referred me for physiotherapy.  But unfortunately there is a 6-8 week waiting list for physiotherapy :(  So its looks like I'm just going to have to put up with the pain for a bit longer.  Luckily the painkillers do help.  So today has been spent cleaning my house, doing the washing, which has now turned into a mountain of ironing and relaxing in front of the TV.  I found a great group on facebook how to photograph your baby you get help and hints on how to edit your photographs. Right I'm off to take some painkillers and try and get some sleep. Night

Fantastic weekend

I haven't actually had time to get any LOs created this weekend, life actually took over for once.  Saturday was spent rushing around, firstly had to take my son to his swimming lesson.  He is slowly learning to swim, he is booked in on some beginner intensive lessons on 9Th Aug which I'm hoping will help him improve.  He was disappointed this weekend though as he was supposed to get his certificate, but it wasn't ready.  Told him we will collect it when he goes for his next lot of lessons, fingers crossed it will be done by then.  Then I had to take Callum over to his dads, he's staying with him till tomorrow.  I had to rush back then to go to my hairdressers appointment, had a family party to go to on Saturday night.  Had a fantastic time at the party and only spent £5 fantastic night all round lol.

Me before my night out

I woke up late today and had no plans at all, was going to spend the day being lazy and watching tv.  But my sister called and asked if I wanted to go to the Big Cheese Festival, which is a large event with craft stalls, funfair, live music etc.  So that is were I have spent this afternoon.  Had a good afternoon watching my nephew enjoy the funfair, eating waffles, drinking coffee and sampling some Welsh Liqueurs :)  The coffee was delicious, bought a small jar of hazelnut coffee, wish I'd bought some more.  But definitely going to be ordering some more off the company's website, Jaccs Coffee.  The liqueurs were rather nice as well they were from Condessa Welsh Liqueurs.


Had a rather quiet evening, just been watching TV and browsing the net.  Been having network problems this evening though, so trying to establish a internet connection has been a nightmare.  Telephoned Orange and was informed that the telephones masts in the area aren't working properly. So basically got to put up with the problems until its fixed. Finally connected long enough to update my blog.  Just going to chill in front of the television now and watch Sherlock Holmes and drink my coffee.

So here goes another attempt at creating a blog, and actually sticking to it.  I am determined to update this blog on a regular basis now.  First of all must give credit to Trixie Scraps for the wonderful blogware I used to create the blog.  I have used the Defining Me blogware, you can purchase this here at Gotta Pixel.  I haven't got any new LOs created today as been working on my blog, which seems to have taken up my whole evening.  And still haven't got it completely right, having trouble uploading my background image.  Will try again in the morning.


Today was spent food shopping, not the most glamorous day but it had to be done.  Started out with no plans this morning as my son, Callum wasn't very well.  Poor thing had a temperature and complained of a headache.  But after some breakfast and a shower, he decided he was better and wanted to go shopping.  He seemed fine while we were out and even managed to eat dinner, cheese & ham subway, packet of crisps, cookie and a juice drink, you'd never think he was ill a few hours earlier.  He's not 100% better, he put himself to bed early this evening, and has a temperature again.  Cant figure out what's causing it though. See how he goes over the weekend, and take him to the doctors Monday if he's still not right.  Here's one of my favourite LOs I created using a picture of Callum.

Kit used is Mister Wonderful by Connie Prince

I was disappointed to hear today that I hadn't been picked for the CT call over at Gotta Pixel.  But wont stop me applying for other CT calls in the future as if don't try then never know I guess.  I actually applied for the Trixie Scraps CT call as well, still waiting to hear about that one, so fingers crossed.


Don't think will get many new LOs created over the weekend, as got a busy weekend.  Callum has his swimming lesson in the morning, and he gets to pick up his certificate. Then need to drop him over to his dads as he's stopping with him for the weekend, then home to have my hair done as got a party to attend in the evening.  And in between all that I need to decide what to wear out, as was supposed to take my shoes to be re-heeled today and completely forgot.  Don't think i'll get time to get them done tomorrow.  The joys of being a single mum, never seem to have enough time to get everything done.  That is certainly the case this weekend, my ironing pile is still in the kitchen and will probably still be there tomorrow.


I hope you all enjoy my blog, time for another coffee now.  Im going to try to stay awake to take part in the , Speed Scrap with Connie Prince over at Gotta Pixel.  I will come back and post my completed LO on my blog, if I take part in the speed scrap.