My Window on the World

Signs

2009-10-14T00:36:00.000-07:00

Bet you thought this post was going to be about something paranormal with a title like that! Sorry to disappoint but it is actually about signs of the wordy variety. When I got my new kitchen extension two years ago I bought a sign that said BAKE because, as anyone who knows me will agree, I am heavily into baking. Next came the EAT sign, then along came COOK to complete the kitchen set. Then I found a sign that said LIFE IS GOOD which was very apt as it fitted in with the Project 365 digital scrapbooking I have been doing at Weeds & Wildflowers, where one of the kits is called 'Life is Good'. Next came WELCOME, then LOVE in white, then WASH, then LOVE in red, and finally the latest in my collection is HOME SWEET HOME.

Do you think I am a bit of a compulsive buyer of signs?

Here is the latest one.....

And here are some of the others.......

Do you have signs like these in the house? What are your favourite things to decorate a room with?

Getting in the mood for Halloween

2009-10-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love any excuse for fancy dress, heck I even had a Wild West 40th. So with Halloween coming up I am starting to think about costumes, I am leaning towards Pirate Queen but who knows what I will end up as! Anyways I thought I would just remind myself of last years costume and here it is..... This is me and my OH at my friend Heather's party (which she will hopefully have this year too - hint, hint!) The fab kit is All Hallows Eve from Weeds & Wildflowers. Just in case you were wondering, OH is wearing a mask (he's not really that old and wrinkly), unfortunately I am not wearing a mask, that is me (but I do have alot of make-up on)!

This year Halloween will be a bit sad for me as my youngest DDs school closed in June and I was very involved in the PTA there and we always had a Fancy Dress disco for the kids at Halloween. Many an hour I have spent doing face painting or serving on the tuck shop, printing out certificates for best costume or best dancer, helping sort out DJ music or clearing up the sweetie wrappers after it is all over.

Do you dress up at Halloween? Do you have a party?

Leave a comment and let me know what traditions you have at this time of year.

Beads, Beads and more Beads

2009-09-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

As some may know I have been doing a silversmithing course for the last few years and this year I started a beading class as well and it is fab. I now have a new addiction to rival Farmville! Do you have any idea how easy it is to get completely carried away with buying beads online? I sat down on Monday to order some beads and before I knew it I had ordered 3 lots from 3 different web sites LOL. It was a complete accident, I had no intention of spending so much but it just happened, it was absolutely not my fault. They were just so pretty and colourful and sparkly and they called to me!!

Anyway I tought you might like to see my first attempt at beading. It is a bracelet for my DD and I just love the colours, they are so cheerful.

Do you wear jewellery? What sort do you like best?

If you know of any good places to buy beads let me know!

Tagged and an Award - all in one week!

2009-09-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

I am really chuffed to have been tagged by Gaelikaa and given an award by MelRoXx.

First the tag.....

All you have to do is pick up the book nearest to you, open it on page 161 and copy the fifth sentence.

The book closest to me is Jamie's America but unfortunately P161 is a full page picture so I will use P162 instead. The fifth sentence reads, "Give it a go." And indeed that is what I would say about Jamie's recipes so hows that for spookyness!

I am passing the tag on to anyone who reads my blog and wants to take part.

The award from MelRoXx is lovely. It's the You Add Sunshine To My Day award. Isn't that such a nice award to pass around, to show all the people whose blogs you read that you enjoy them.

I am passing this one to Ayak at Turkish Delight, and Gaelikaa at Gaelikaas Diary. I love both of their blogs about the countries in which they live cos they really make the people and places come alive with their stories. If you haven't visited them yet DO IT NOW!

The Liffey Descent - action shots this time

2009-09-19T06:30:00.001-07:00

OK so last time I posted the fun pics of the weird and wonderful hats from the 50th Liffey Descent and I think it's about time I posted some of the action shots, after all that is what the race is all about. So without further ado here ya go.

This is my OH at Straffan weir and at Lucan weir.

This is my DS (probably the youngest competitor in the race) and a friend.

This is my friend Karen at Straffan weir, right at the start of the race.

If you ever get a chance to try white water kayaking or canoeing, give it a go.

If you want to get ahead, get a hat

2009-09-09T23:56:00.000-07:00

As promised I have put together a little collage of some of the weird and wonderful head gear we saw at the Liffey Descent last weekend. The first Liffey race was held in 1960 and 50 years on it is still the biggest, toughest and most challenging river marathon in the world. It is 17 miles of weirs and rapids, with a large lake and a 500m portage thrown in along the way. I first watched the race in 2007 and as I stood in the grounds of the K Club at Straffan weir and waited for my OH and friends to come over the edge my heart was in my mouth, it was truly terrifying. Above the thundering roar of the water the commentator could be heard to say, "There's carnage at Straffan" and that description was very apt. I will post photos of the actual race later in the week, but for now here are some of the colourful hats we saw along the way.

Apologies and an Award

2009-09-09T02:29:00.000-07:00

First an apology..... I just wanted to say sorry for not posting for ages, it has been chaotic getting everyone back to school, doing uniform shopping, shoe shopping, books/bags/pencil case shopping etc. We have also been to two canoe races in three weeks down in Dublin (photos to follow) and on top of that I have to shamefully admit to a growing addiction to Farmville on Facebook.

Secondly, I am so chuffed that Gaelikaa from the fabulous Gaelikaa's Diary has given me an award. If you haven't visited Gaelikaa's blog yet then pop over there now. She brings India to life with her writing.

Since all the blogs I read have this award I am not going to pass it on at the moment but it means I will have to get out into the blogosphere and read some more so I can pass it on soon.

I am photoshopping my photos of the Lower Liffey Race and of The Liffey Descent so I will have a post about the races tomorrow (I hope) but for now I will leave you with this photo which made me smile. In case you don't recognise them, this couple are dressed as Smurfs. There are usually quite a few funny costumes and strange headgear at the Liffey Descent so pop in tomorrow to see some more pics.

A Wedding to look forward to

2009-08-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

We have been celebrating an engagement this week which means that we will have a family wedding coming up early next year at which my DDs are going to be bridesmaids, so there is alot of excitement in our house at the moment and lots of drawing dresses and googling wedding bits and bobs. In honour of the occassion I took this photo, and I also used it as my last assignment for the photography course I was doing at Feel Good Photos. It's a shot I have been wanting to try for a while so I am so glad I finally got round to it.

It got me thinking about my own wedding photos and I realised I don't even know where my album is. So my task for the weekend is to find the album and show it to my youngest DD who has never seen the photos before.

Yay, an Award

2009-08-18T04:02:00.000-07:00

I'm so chuffed to have been awarded the 'Fabulous Blog' award by Gaelikaa over at Gaelikaa's Diary and Ayak over at Turkish Delight. Both these lovely ladies write fantastic blogs that really bring the country they live in alive to their readers so if you haven't paid them a visit yet, do it now!

OK, back to the award......... the rules are to list 5 things you are addicted to and then pass it on to 5 more bloggers, so here goes.

I am addicted to (in no particular order):

Farmville on Facebook
Starbuck's Skinny Latte
Photographing my family and friends
Digital Scrapbooking
My homemade Nachos

I am going to pass this on to -

A Mad Scientists Musings

Diary of an Allotment Widow

Riches of my Soul

Snaps and Shots in My Space

Welcome to My World

Bubbles at I ♥ Faces

2009-08-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

I just had to enter this shot in the I ♥ Faces photography blog this week when I heard the theme was Bubbles. It doesn't seem to matter what age you are, bubbles never lose their appeal.

To see more Bubbles photos pop on over to the I ♥ Faces blog.

Lughnasa Fair

2009-08-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have finally got round to posting some pictures of the Lughnasa Fair at Carrick Castle. I love these medieval type fairs because there are always lots of characters to take pics of but the one at Carrick is one of my favourites because the location is just so lovely. I made a scrapbook layout from this years pics as I know I definitely want to get it printed out so it can go in my 2009 book.

The fair was full of things to do. There were people dressed up as medieval characters, children's entertainers, art & craft workshops, archery and birds of prey demonstrations, face painting, acrobats, story telling, street theatre and of course plenty of stalls selling local crafts, speciality foods, coffee & tea and a mouth watering range of snacks. Unfortunately I left it too late in the day to get something tasty and all the strawberries & cream crepes were gone!

Carrickfergus Castle

2009-08-11T07:17:00.001-07:00

I mentioned in my last post that I had been to the Lughnasa Fair at Carrickfergus Castle so I thought I would post some images of the castle today. I am photoshopping some of the shots of the fair and I will post these tomorrow but for now here is the castle.

Carricfergus Castle is here on a map and here is a picture of it from Google Earth.

The castle is over 800 years old and is now under the care of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. It sits in the town of Carrickfergus at a strategic position on the shores of Belfast Lough.
Carrick castle was built by John de Courcy but has been added to and altered over the centuries. It is now open to the public and hosts many events throughout the year. The banqueting hall has been restored and there are many displays throughout the castle to show what life was like in medieval times.

You can hire the castle for special events such as weddings, and birthday parties can also be held there. I think you can also get married in the chapel, which is extremely small and would only provide enough room for 2-3 people. I remember when I was a teenager they used to run medieval banquets which were very popular but I don't think they do them now - pity though, that would be fun!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-05T04:37:00.001-07:00

I just discovered Wordless Wednesday and knew I had the perfect picture.

My OH looking out from Carrick Castle across Belfast Lough which he had kayaked across the previous week.

For more Wordless Wednesdays go here or here.

Photos of the Lughnasa Medieval Fair at the castle coming soon.

Hooked on Cupcakes

2009-07-31T04:12:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I have a definite obsession with all things cupcake. I just LOVE them. I have wiled away many happy hours pouring over Bakerella's blog and drooling at the funky creations she comes up with. Just take a look at the fantastic Father's Day treat she made here, I don't know how she thinks of all these fab ideas but I hope she keeps at it to inspire us and make us green with envy. But I don't just love the yummy cupcakes themselves, I love anything and everything that has a cupcake theme.

Check these out...

Cupcake Fairies

T-shirts

Garden Planters

Doorstops

Soap

Wall Plaques

Don't you just love them.

So this week I am hooked on cupcakes, and I'll leave you with a shot of the delish cupcakes that I couldn't resist taking a pic of at St George's Market (and I couln't resist buying one either).
I went for the Raspberry & Lemon one and it was divine. So if you are ever in Belfast on a Saturday morning nip along to the Farmer's market and treat yourself.

This week I am taking part in the Hooked on Fridays blog party check it out here.

Meet Nate

2009-07-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

For one of the last lessons on the course I have been doing with Jessica Sprague, we had to create a collage. If you haven't tried this before you really should have a go, it's alot of fun and you end up with a great piece of wall art. I decided to use some of the photos of our day at Discovery Cove where we got to swim with Nate the dolphin. I had always wanted to do this so it was a dream realised for me and we had a fantastic day.

My First Ever Award

2009-07-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to MelRox I have just received my very first award.

If I understand it correctly I have to

List 10 honest things about myself
Pass the award on to 7 bloggers who I feel embody the spirit of the honest scrap and whose blogs I find brilliant in content

OK here goes.......

I HAVE to start the day with a latte or I get grouchy
I have a very short attention span ........... what I am supposed to be doing!
My favourite holiday destination is Walt Disneyworld, Florida
I am addicted to Bejewelled Blitz
I really want a new camera, a Canon DSLR
I love digital scrapbooking
I spend far too much time on the internet for my own good
I love nachos and fajitas and apple sour martinis on the rare occassions when I go out
I never read a book twice
Sometimes I like animals more than people

I am passing this on to..

Yay, I've been published!

2009-07-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

So excited because I have had a scrapbook layout published in this month's Scrapbook Inspirations magazine.

There's no business like SNOW business

2009-07-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is a storyboard that I did for the Jessica Sprague course which is sadly over now but I thoroughly enjoyed the two weeks and learnt so much more about using PSE. Now I just need lots of practice!

I am LOVING this

2009-07-14T08:43:00.001-07:00

The Jessica Sprague course that is. We have been adding textures, frames and text to our photos as well as playing around with blending modes and adjustment layers. It really helps to learn PSE when you have a set project to do. This is my latest offering, a photo of my DD1 taken last year.

If you have any photos that you have done this kind of thing to I would love to see them, leave a a link in the comments if you want to share.

Jessica Sprague's fab courses

2009-07-13T02:59:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a Jessica Sprague course on Frame Ups and Special Effects for the last week. It teaches us how to use various techniques in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (PSE) to add a little something to our photos so that they are a little more interesting and unique. Although I have touched up photos in PSE I have not done much of this type of thing so I have really enjoyed learning new techniques and I will certainly use them more in future, especially for photos I am going to scrapbook.

For this photo we had to get a vintage hand coloured look, I think it is not bad for a first attempt.

What do you think?

Seeing double

2009-07-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

I had such a lot of fun using PSE to create this pic for The PWL course at Feel Good Photos. I am really pleased with how it turned out and really chuffed that it is one of the nominees for photo of the week. Now that I have tried doing this in PSE I just know I am going to use it lots in the future.

I am doing an online Jessica Sprague course on Frame-Ups and Special Effects so will post some of the photos from it tomorrow.

What are your favourite things to do in PS or PSE? I would love to hear how you make your photos fun, funky and unique so please leave a comment if you want to share.

Water, water everywhere

2009-07-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what happnes at the moment a water balloon bursts? Well wonder no more, here it is. Don't you just love the way the water holds its shape for a split second before cascading all over the place.

Here's another water shot. A drop of water splashing into OH's hand. I converted to B&W to remove the distraction of the background and concentrate on the water. Not quite a crown, but almost.

In the name of art

2009-06-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

I had OH posing alot for me this week so I could get some arty shots. This is the one I am happiest with. Sreet reflected in sunnies.

My little Rock Star

2009-06-04T12:57:00.001-07:00

I am so pleased with this photo that I will definitely have to do a scrapbook layout for it. I haven't really played about with the filters in PSE before but I had a go this week and they are so cool. You can get some amazing effects. It's not often that DD1 is a willing model but I think the electric guitar helped a bit and even she had to admit that she loved this pic. I am much more confident in trying out different things in PSE now and at least if it all goes horribly wrong I can always do ctrl Z.

Pictures of the past

2009-05-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

We have this old camera that sits on top of the piano and gets ignored most of the time but when I was trying to get some pics for my photography workshop I saw it in a new light. There I was snapping away with my lovely Canon Powershot S5 IS and I suddenly remembered that this time last year I thought I would never be able to get off the auto setting and I was scared stiff of fiddling with any of the settings in case I broke it. Now I never use auto, I'm a manual girl these days. It made me look at the old camera in a different way because even though it is old and less technologically advanced than what is available to us now, I still wouldn't have the first clue how it works.

Places we never go.

2009-05-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

I'm really motivated to get out and about with my camera this week because I have just started a new photography workshop with CJ at Feel Good Photos. Yesterday I went to Stormont estate, the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is a very large, picturesque estate with grounds that the public can walk through. The main drive leads up to Parliament Buildings which are enormous and very grand. It struck me that I don't really come here often and yet it is only 20 mins from my house and is a major tourist attraction. The last time I was here was back in 2001 to see the Eagles in concert.

Anyway I got to thinking about all the other tourist hotspots in Northern Ireland that I don't visit. I suppose that is the same for many of us because we tend to overlook what is right on our doorstep. I will make a real effort to get out and visit some of our most popular and scenic locations this summer and photograph them. I might even compile my top ten places to see in Northern Ireland and post it on here for anyone who might be thinking of paying a visit to our beautiful little corner of the UK.

Here is a picture of Stormont from yesterday. What do you think?

How observant are you?

2009-05-17T13:55:00.001-07:00

I've decided that I am not really very observant and miss alot of what is around me - not a very good way to be if you want to get good photos! I was walking through Lagan Valley Regional Park last week and suddenly came across this old Borough marker.

I must have walked past it dozens and dozens of times in the last few years and yet I never noticed it before. It's a lovely old piece of local history and I enjoyed getting some shots of it. It made me wonder though what else I've missed, so I am making a determined effort to look around me when I'm out and about now. Who knows what I might find!

Your mission for the week, if you choose to accept it, is to take a fresh look around you when you are on the way to work, on the way home, out at the shops etc and try to find something that you have never noticed before. I would love it if you came back and left me a comment to tell me what you find. Happy hunting!

Daredevils

2009-04-18T02:44:00.001-07:00

Just in case you were wondering.....here are some of the kayakers showing off their tricks.
My OH, my son and my best friend are amongst this lot, so I am never short of action shots.

Messing about in boats

2009-04-18T01:56:00.000-07:00

I just love the colours in this photo. The kayaks look so inviting, like they're just waiting for someone to jump in and set off on an adventure. It's not often everyone is out of their boat at the same time and they are all lined up like this and I knew it wouldn't last long so I had to grab a quick shot while I could. It's not the perfect angle but I didn't have time to jump onto the rocks and get to the middle of the river so that I could get them from head on. But never mind, I got the colours and that was what I wanted most.

Does it make you wonder......

Whose boat is it?
Why are they sitting there?
Is that the edge of a waterfall they are on?
What is over the drop?
Where are the kayakers?

Don't you just love actions!

2009-04-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

I have been playing around with some of the free actions at the Coffee Shop and look at the difference it has made to the eyes on this shot. WOW! I LOVE it.

Here is the before shot

And here it is after

That is amazing. I didn't even do it too carefully cos I was just playing, not really trying to do it for real. Oh My Goodness, actions are soooo cool. I am definitely going to spend more time on this shot now and do it more carefully. If you haven't had a peek over at the Coffee Shop then go there NOW.

OK so here it is again after I spent a bit more time and did it more carefully. Isn't it awesome.

My Top Ten photography sites

2009-04-08T04:31:00.000-07:00

Since my favourites list of photography sites is fit to burst I thought I would like to narrow it down to my Top Ten and so here they are in case anyone fancies having a peak at them. They aren't in any particular order, they are just the 10 sites I visit most for photography stuff.

www.feelgoodphotos.com As well as being an awesome photographer Cheryl runs fantastic workshops that are great fun and really taught me loads. I can't wait for the next one.
www.iheartfaces.com A photography site for sharing people's beautiful and unique faces. Filled with tips and tutorials as well as a weekly competition, well worth a visit.
http://www.anitamundt.typepad.com/hsmshs A fun site where you can check the word of the day, make a photo to match the word and post a link to your pic in the comments. Great for inspiration.
http://photojojo.com I love this site. In their own words they "find the most kick-ass photo tips, DIY projects, and gear and bring them to you."
www.panosFfx.com Great site with loads of freebie actions for PSE and PS, as well as more to buy.
http://mcpactions.com For everything you ever wanted to know about Photoshop but were afraid to ask.
www.cheapshooter.com Helps you get the best out of your photography without blowing your budget.
www.thepioneerwoman.com Great site. For those of us who have a camera, but don’t feel altogether comfortable using it, the Pioneer Woman shares her knowledge and experience in photography and PS. There are also some great free actions.
http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/ Scott Kelby's great Photoshop blog.
http://newsletter.canon-europe.com/Web/Locale/en-GB/2009_03/default.aspx Great for tips and tutorials and has a fab gallery for inspiration.

I ♥ Faces

2009-04-07T06:35:00.000-07:00

This week's theme on the I ♥ Faces photography blog (www.iheartfaces.com) is My Friend and I. I have never entered before but when I saw the theme I knew that this photo of my daughter and her friend would be perfect for it so I am entering this one.

Easter crafts & traditions

2009-04-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

I just love this little fella, don't you. DD2 made it in school for Easter and it is sitting in pride of place on top of the piano.

I have seen a few lovely Easter wreaths on various sites this week and it made me wonder what other Easter traditions people have. We don't do much at home craftwise (though I am definitely going to make a wreath next year) but on Easter morning we have a hunt for the eggs the Easter Bunny has left before going to church. For the last few years we have had a trip out with friends on Easter Monday or Tuesday to places like The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Carnfunnock Country Park and Marble Arch Caves. Then we go back to someone's house for dinner and a relaxing evening. What are your Easter traditions?

Blooming Marvellous

2009-04-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

WOW look how much the bud on the magnolia tree has opened up in just a day or two. It looks really pretty. Apart from two cherry blossom trees this is the only colour we get in the garden, unless I plant up some hanging baskets and tubs. I am planning on doing that this year instead of just going out and buying them but since I am easily distracted it may not get done until its too late. Someone please keep reminding me!

In Bloom

2009-04-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to seeing the flowers on my Magnolia tree start to appear because it makes me think that the warmer weather is not too far away. Since it is still bitterly cold in Belfast I was quite surprised to find that some of the Magnolia buds are open already but it was a great opportunity to get a few pics as they look so soft and delicate and they last for such a short time. I used my supermacro setting and got in so close I was almost touching them. I tried to get the further away petals to look a bit blurry to emphasise the softness and I think it worked out OK.

The Herbs

2009-03-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else remember that 70s kids show called The Herbs? Perhaps I just imagined it - too much time spent talking to my herbs today LOL. Well anyway I decided that instead of always buying fresh herbs I should grow my own so I got a great planter in Ikea (don't you just LOVE that place!) and I bought some herb plants and I got stuck in and planted them.

Can you tell which herbs they are?

I am going to get another planter (really just an excuse to go back to Ikea) and plant some more.

Only problem is that I usually kill plants so keep your fingers crossed for me that the herbs don't all die of neglect.

Oasis in the City

2009-03-30T03:51:00.001-07:00

I was at Oasis in the City in Lisburn Cathedral on Saturday. Check out my digiscrapping blog to see what it was all about http://karensdigiscrappingjourney.blogspot.com/. There were quite a few local crafts people there selling their handmade products and I bought this gorgeous wall hanging for my kitchen as it matches the colours perfectly.

Black and White portraits

2009-03-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of black & white portraits I love. I really want to learn more about how to use curves etc in PSE. These were just done by choosing 'Convert to black & white'.

Cool actions

2009-03-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

I said I would look for free actions for PSE on the web and here is one that I think is soooo cool. Take any photo and turn it into a Rubik's Cube. Oh it takes me back to my youth!

It is from PanosFX. Try it you will be hooked.

The Lock Keeper's Cottage

2009-03-19T11:49:00.001-07:00

I really, really like this photo and am thinking of having it made into note cards. It is of the window of the Lock Keeper's Cottage on the towpath along the River Lagan. The cottage has been recently restored and one of my friends has been very involved in the restoration project. There is now a lovely cafe beside it too where you can enjoy a leisurely coffee or lunch and even listen to some jazz on the weekends.

Black and White

2009-03-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

I took this picture of a busker in Belfast city centre when I met up with one of the other people on one of CJ's workshops. We had a fun afternoon trying to take loads of photos without being too conspicuous.

I converted it to B&W in PSE. What do you think?

And there's more...

2009-03-19T11:40:00.001-07:00

Fave shots

2009-03-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

These are some of my favourite shots from the workshops I have done. They may not be technically the best photos I have taken but I have learnt that the technically perfect ones aren't always the ones I like best.

So what's it all about?

2009-03-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

I created this blog to record my learning curve in photography. I have done a few of the fantastic workshops with CJ at Feel Good Photos and I learnt loads. I can't wait for the next workshop so that I can improve some more. I plan on putting some of the photos I like up here and would love to get some constructive feedback on them. I will also try to find some cool free actions and other stuff for PSE (Photoshop Elements) on the web and list it here too.

Right I must go and find some photos from the workshops to upload, see ya later.