Project Life 2012: May part 2 Chloe turns 15

I will be linking up with The Mom Creative for Project Life Tuesday, as always. If you've hopped here from there, a big welcome; and if you haven't visited yet, drop by for inspiration and lots of fun stuff.

After a break last week, I'm back! Rather than a regular PL page, I have a spread all about one very special occasion - the celebration of my amazing daughter Chloe turning 15! I'm finding it quite hard to believe she is actually 15 now, as it really does seem like just yesterday that she was a toddler and following me around everywhere! However, she is turning into one fabulous young lady, and I'm privileged to be her mother.

Chloe's birthday fell on Sunday but it was a whole weekend of celebration - friends came to stay - one on Friday and two on Saturday, we went out to eat on Saturday evening at our local Chiquito's and the girls chilled on Sunday after Chloe had opened her cards and gifts. It was all about the fun, food, moustaches, bubbles, giggles and more fun! Oh and Adam, there was a lot of Adam, especially when he tweeted her happy birthday. She hasn't stopped talking about that.

Rather than my usual talk around the photos, I'm pretty much going to let the photographs speak for themselves this week. I used a mix of digital templates (wonderful Cathy Z tiny templates are much in evidence here, Simple Stories Happy Day range, Echo Park This & That and Charming range, as well as lots and lots of photos.

The double page spread:

The left side:

The right side:

Left side close ups:

Right side close ups:

Looking back, it was a busy old weekend. That would explain why I am feeling a little sleepy right now!

Till next time.

Flowers, friends and freedom

It's taken me a few days to get round to writing this blog after the event. I think I was waiting for reality to sink in, but it seems that's going to take longer than a few days.

I've left work. And not for a holiday; for good. After 13 years (minus those lost 6 weeks back in the day), several changes of role, so many friends and countless moments of hysteria, chaos and crises; it somehow seemed, to both me and those around me, that I was part of the furniture and that I'd never leave. In many ways, I was quite happy with that. Having spent so much of my life there, it felt like home, and I was comfortable there. It made me so emotional saying goodbye to people that have meant so much to me, and knowing I will no longer be seeing them every day, and I was even more emotional when I got the flowers, gifts and especially the cards with lovely messages. (Hurrah for the joined up world of social media, which means goodbye doesn't mean losing touch.) But things change. Things have to change. I had to change.

This is my new beginning. And it's amazing.There is a whole world of possibility out there. I can do anything that makes me happy and that challenges and inspires me. I'm excited to find out what I can be and what I can offer to the world. But before I start that search for my new life, a break. I'm taking some time out to unwind, let go of the old life and remember who I am.  Oh and go to New York of course.

So, for now, I'm saying a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me and laughed with me over the past 13 years - it wouldn't have been the same without you. You may no longer be colleagues, but you're still friends, and I'm looking forward to sharing my new adventures with you.

The smile factor, or why I have laughter lines

Going against the Monday grain, I'm not going to list the things that make me mad/sad/bad, but rather, here's a list of things that make me smile. It's in no way comprehensive, and in absolutely no order, but everything on this list makes me giggle, smile or give out a hearty chuckle. So, thanks to...

1. Opening a new book...oh the possibilities for getting lost in another world.
2. The smell of freshly made bread - mmm.
3. Chloe - in all ways, but especially her witty words. The girl can totally rock a funny comeback.
4. Old Mr Ben cartoons. Classic.
5. My friends. They are the best.
6. Billy Connolly. Gerard Kelly. Enough said.
7. Cornflour - have you tried this? Hours of endless amusement!
8. Turning on the tv to unexpectedly find one of my favourite films on.
9. Looking through old and no-so-old photos.
10. Karaoke/Singstar with Irene and/or Chloe.
11. Illicitly sneaking a swing on the supposedly for kids swing parks.
12. Picnics. Even the word makes me smile.
13. New craft stash.
14. Getting parcels in the post - even when it's items you've ordered and paid for, it feels like presents every time.
15. Getting into a newly made bed - ahhhhh.
16. Jelly - just because.
17. Songs by Deacon Blue/Hue & Cry/ The Big Dish/Love & Money/ Wolfstone - music from my youth.
18. Painting my nails.
19. Glee.
20. Texts!