A warm welcome to all my visitors,

Thank you for taking the time to come and look at my blog, I really do appreciate it. I would love you to leave me a comment, even if it’s just to say Hi. It means I can come visit you!

All my designs are original, so copyrighted to me. If I have been inspired by someone elses work, I have named them in the post, and where able, I have provided a link.

Please feel free to use my designs for inspiration, I just ask you to credit me, and provide a link back to my blog.

Thanks, Shaz XX

Wednesday 16 December 2020

WOYWW #602- The Almost Christmas Edition

 I'm afraid its a bit more enabling this week- first is a set of Christmas stamps and stencils that were free with Creative Stamping magazine. I rarely buy magazines these days,but liked all the small stamps in this set. I can use them on smaller cards, and inside bauble shapes, which is what caught my eye. It also comes with a tree and stags head stencil, and also you get the mask shapes too.




Lots of images, so was worth the cost. Normally thats why I don't buy them, the cost is too high for the use I'd get from them.


 Had lots of Christmas cards arrive, thank you all, I'll try and remember to take pictures for next week!



More stencils, this time from Lavinia Stamps, I'm very keen on stencils for adding some extra interest to backgrounds, and these are quite different from the heaven alone knows how many others I have!






I mentioned this book to Zsuzsa last week, and said I'd post about it. I bought it a couple of years ago from Amazon, and it's one of the best books I've ever bought. Some amazing ways to not only make projects, but the different ways you can treat paper/cardstock to get some spectacular results. And at the moment, a real bargain, as Amazon has it used- mine was bought used too- for less than a fiver including shipping.



On Amazon, here.

EDIT: link here  to the blog post I did about it a couple or more years ago, showing some of the projects inside.



Hopefully there will be a few more crafting posts done, as having just finished a two week antibiotic course, I'm feeling much better. One of my Consultants from the hospital is also putting me on a longer course of low-dose antibiotics, so that should really help to keep on top of the problem. 

Just to make clear from last week, the Pineapple is claimed to be a great help in avoiding/getting rid of oral thrush, which is always a risk when you've been taking a lot of antibiotics, and I've had a stupid amount! 

 Regarding things to drink to help avoid UTI's, Cranberry juice isn't recommended any more, not sure why, but my Moms practice nurse recommended her to drink a glass of Robinsons Lemon Barley Water every day. Mom had a few UTI's a couple of years ago, and since she's been drinking this, she's not had one, so I'm trying that out too. It has to be that specific drink, apparently, the other Barley Waters, or lemon squashes don't work.

 Which brings us round to.......And Finally.......




36 comments:

Helen said...

I am glad you are feeling a lot better - long may it continue! I haven't got round to photographing my cards I've received either, I hung them straight up! Loving the Lavinia stencils! take care, stay safe. Helen #2

Sarah Brennan said...

Thanks for the tips Shaz. I was still believing the Cranberry juice so I will switch to the lemon Barley. Love the new goodies. Thanks for the card. Stay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #3

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

Morning Shaz, thanks for the heads up about cranberry juice, maybe it's down to the amount consumed i'd be interested to know more.. Nice set of freebies, I don't buy magazines any more either only when something takes my fancy.
I love the space saving benefits of stencils, versatile little helpers.
Happy WoywW Hugs Tracey #8 x

Mary Anne said...

Cute stamp set. Been a while sice I managed a trip to the store (since MARCH, I kid you not) and unsure if hubby is up to the task of craft mag shopping so yo enabling might pass me by...

Helpful update on the Cranberry juice - although I do like the flavour better. I had read the barley water one before but not as keen. I often drink hot water with lemon. But it's academic for me really as I have never been plagued with UTIs (knock wood quickly!)

LOL at the ornament funny...my friends with cats will appreciate it!

Happy too close to Christmas WOYWW!
Mary Anne (1)

glitterandglue said...

Morning Shaz. There's a lot in that freebie - well found! you can have lots of fun with that. I like your stencils 0 beautiful backgrounds. Glad the consultant is thinking of long term low dose antibiotics. John was on those and they were a tremendous help to him, warding off the awful chest infections he used to get - but yes, oral thrush can be a problem 0 trust all the ideas keep it at bay!
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #4

Lillianb said...

I am so pleased you are feeling a lot better today and hope you are soon back to full health, Love the stamps so might see if I can get the magazine, also love the stencils,

Happy WOYWDW Stay well and safe,

Lilian B #10

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Shaz, got your lovely card this week, thank you so much and need to photograph it and others but been so busy with mum and then our washing machine started leaking and the mechanic has just left and says we need a new drum so no idea when that will get done! Pleased to hear you're feeling better and love the free stamps and Stencil, looks like a good buy. Have a lovely WOYWW and stay safe, Angela x12x

Annie said...

Lemon Barley water is def one to help but strangely our Chemist told me to drink cranberry juice too...they all seem to have different ideas but one thing for certain is that it helps to drink plenty [whatever it is but I wouldn't suggest gin lol].
I hope you are feeling much better now and can stay well too.
Hugs,
Annie x #14

Lunch Lady Jan said...

I am so glad you’re feeling better Shaz, I was worried about you! How interesting about the Lemon barley water, I’ll remember that for future use. Those stencils off the mag are brilliant, I can see loads of possibilities there for cards and other things - the stencils are fun too, great patterns. Thank you for the beautiful card that arrived this week, just my thing...clean, simple and elegant...just like me, lololol!!!
Hugs LLJ 7 xxx

Diana Taylor said...

So glad you are feeling a lot better Shaz and hopefully the low dose antibiotics will keep things under control for you. I remember my mum swearing by barley water - she used to make her own, boiling the barley and straining it - I don't think it matters what you flavour it with, it's the barley that does the work. Perhaps Robinsons is the only one that has enough actual barley in it to work.
Thank you so much for the beautiful card and the enabling - I need to get the Lavina Owl stamp from last weeks enabling - I can't keep up with you!!
Have a great week,
Diana xx #22

Shoshi said...

First of all, Shaz, thank you both for the absolutely gorgeous card you sent us! It's stunning, and now has pride of place. I am so glad that you are feeling so much better now - long may it continue! Your new stencils look great, as does the book from Amazon - just off to have a good look at that one. Love the funnies, especially the last one!! Christmas trees and kitties definitely do NOT mix!

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi x #21

Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith said...

I doesn't take much to convince me - that book is winging its way to me as we speak LOL! I picked it up on eBay because it was described as 'as new'. Read your review on Amazon as well and had a look-inside on Amazon.com as the UK site doesn't have that function for this book. Looks good! I think most of those books published in the naughties are way better than the newer ones. Thanks so much for your lovely card, Shaz! On my blog today! Hope your condition continues to improve and you you'll be as good as new to enjoy Christmas! xx zsuzsa #27

Annie Claxton said...

Hi Shaz, what a lovely lot of stencils - stencilling and masking definitely seem to be all over the internet at the moment, loads of ideas for stuff to do with them and they're cheaper to buy than stamps or dies aren't they? hehe love the cat picture at the end! Have a good week, keep up the barley water :) Annie C #28

Karen said...

Great new stamps ~ I'm with you in that I don't normally spend the money, but that set has a lot of creative potential. Get well and enjoy crafting and the holiday! Love, Karen #32

Felicia said...

Shaz, so glad you are feeling better! I want to try the Robinsons Lemon Barley Water concoction! Have to see if I can get this in the states? I think I mentioned last week on your blog that I have been dealing with the same issues, so I would love an alternative to medicines, I'm not a big fan!! Love your wonderful freebies!! I don't buy magazines either, but what a great incentive!! The enabling HAS TO STOP!!!! LOLOL I ABSOLUTELY LOVE those stencils from Lavinia! I would love to have all of them!!! I definitely have enough stencils, but I would be willing to add to the stash with those! I must go check out the website! Those last two photos are hilarious!! The first one is sooooooo ME!!! And the second, yesssssss... those confounded kitties! LOLOL Merry Christmas! Stay safe and healthy! Blessings, Felicia #31

StampinCarol said...

So glad you're feeling better and hope you're on the road to keeping UTIs away! Great stencils and cool stamps! I love the 2 quotes. We once wired our tree top to a ceiling beam directly above to keep the tree from being knocked over.
Have a wonderful week!
Carol N #29

My name is Cindy said...

As I haven't bought myself a craft product in a while (cough) I rushed over to Amazon for that book. Will give me something to lust over occasionally even if I never get round to putting it into practice. Intrigued by the pineapple I leapt to last week's post. As I've already asked the gp for just in case antibiotics cos I feel like a UTI is coming on I'm ready to try anything. Lemon Barley and Pineapple on my tesco list this week for sure - I drink a glass of water first thing every morning so this would be easy to incorporate!! Glad to hear the cranberry is no longer recommended - that stuff is horrid!! I nearly had an accident laughing at last weeks 'and finally' contributions - very appropriate!! So glad you are feeling a bit better, may have to check out those Lavinia stencil's as there's a lot of birthday cash burning a hole in my pocket!! Have a good week, stay well, stay safe, Cindy #26 xx

Caro said...

So glad you are feeling better. I hadn't realised that Lavinia did stencils - something new for my wish list! Love the And Finally funnies. Happy WOYWW. Take care and stay safe. With love & God Bless, Caro xxx (#13)

Crafting With Jack said...

Hi Shaz, glad you are feeling better, hey I have those skills too, especially the tripping over nothing :). Thank you for the book recommendation, I ordered it. It normally takes me longer to make up my mind, but I was feeling reckless. Well it’s cheaper than a magazine!
I will let you know how I get on with it. Have a great week Angela #5 x

Chana Malkah said...

Hi, Shaz,
I am glad that you are feeling better!

I will have to check out the paper transformed book! I had a similar publication back in the day and I inadvertently sent it off to the thrift store.

Looking forward to seeing the projects you create with all your new goodies!

Hugz,
Chana Malkah, #34

Shoshi said...

Hi Shaz, thanks for your visit. I hadn't realised Americans said "spelled" rather than "spelt" - it does look a bit odd! My spelt bread was super-delicious though! I am thrilled with my new blender which has been used twice today to good effect. It is a lot better than the old one. I'm glad you have good service from your GP surgery. Our local one has definitely gone down hill since it became a subsidiary of a bigger one. Funnily enough, my stoma supplies have never been a problem - the suppliers (Patient Choice) are super-efficient. It's a small firm and you get to know the individual reps and they always remember you which is nice. They answer the phone really quickly too which is a huge bonus! Do I remember correctly that you use Bullen's? Like you, I always have a good supply in hand in case anything goes wrong, and I always keep a special bag ready packed (with supplies rotated) for the hospital in case of emergencies.

I had a look at that craft book on Amazon and think I may be asking for this for Christmas from a certain party lol! It does look brilliant. I loved your review, with lots of pictures - I'm sure that will be very helpful to a lot of people.

You have a great week, too.
Shoshi x #21

Robyn said...

loving the look of those stencils- and the cat in the christmas val! HA Ha!
robyn 35

craftyani said...

Glad you are feeling better. Lemon Barley water always makes me think of Wimbledon. I think I will give it a try. My doctor prescribes antibiotics that I take for seven days every month. Continue to improve and enjoy Christmas. Ani

Catriona said...

So glad you are feeling better-a friend’s husband takes a low dose antibiotic for the same problem as you and it has made a world of difference to his health. Happy cardmaking.

BJ said...

Oh I managed to "squash" a bauble whilst trying to see if the tree needed water. It had fallen off and I stood on it. Good job it was plastic, no cats round here. I thought it quite amusing and popped it back on the tree squashed - LOL.
Like the stencils but enabled I'm just not these days. Still waiting for the full crafting mojo to return, it was at it's peak in 2013 methinks and waned somewhat since then.
Thanks for the juice update, advice seems to change all the time good job you are in the Know. Glad you are feeling better and the GPs have taken the situation seriously this time to get you properly sorted. it's amazing what we go through before getting the ultimate treatment sometimes.
Merry Christmas if either of us are not around/forget next week BJ #25

Heather M said...

Hi Shaz, glad you are feeling better. I did have a subscription to a magazine- but a lot of the freebies and magazine contents weren't of interest, so I gave it up. I never look out for them now - I haven't been to the shops in months. I placed a big order with Lavinia so I'm hoping that arrives in the next day or two - My Christmas present from Mr M - I couldn't decide what I wanted, and he suggested it, as I was ooohing and aaaahing over the new stamps and stencils! Love them! Thanks for stopping by earlier, and your kind words on my quilts. I'm not guaranteeing that the lines are straight - but my grandsons won't notice lol. Have a lovely week, Heather xx #30

Spyder said...

I haven't got that many stencis, but I have got that stag one though...not used it yet-but there's still time! Love Lavinia stamps too, I got mine mostly as freebies from mags. I think my favourites are the mushrooms. The Paper Tranformed book looks very interesting, I bet Amazon has already sold out! Well, have a great crafty week!
Stay safe! And Thank you for my snoop! Happy WOYWW
((Lyn)) #24

Sue said...

So you reckon I need those Lavinia stamps that I've been hiding from for yonks? Guess you can never have too many stencils & they don't take up space & they're cheaper if you buy pags & they'll always come in & I really want them now🤦 ChRiStMaS hugs from Sue #20 xx

Aimeslee Winans said...

Hello there, Shaz! I have been reading but not commenting, saving the arthritic fingers these days. But I had to this time. #1 - I have Creative Stamping Issue 90 and those stamps! In Texas, yes. I bought a subscription last year and have to say, I consider it a great bargain all the stamps and dies and stencils I'm getting plus good content! Never thought I'd subscribe to a British magazine being so far away but here I am. And #2 -- I've had Julia's book since 2007 when it came out and I totally agree with your assessment. She was the original Perfect Pearls lady! They are her product. I still have all mine and need to use them more. I treasure my now old craft books. I even still have Beverly Brazelton's altered books books, she is the mother of the "altered book". But I digress. I am happy to hear you are doing and feeling better. ENJOY! My spinal arthritis's have me in a neck brace at present so I understand how hard it is to craft when you aren't feeling well. Happy Christmas to you both! XOXO

Twiglet said...

So glad you are feeling better Shaz. On the barley water thought - Mum had a nasty infection years ago and she was told to drink barley water. In those days she used to brew her own with (I think) pearl barley. Must be something in the barley that helps flush out the bug. I love the funnies - I am definitely one of those who can fall upstairs!! xx Jo

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Thanks for the visit. Time just flies by. I've seen several items from Lavinia and always like their items. Have fun with the stencils. I am keeping my winter crafty stuff out and will work on projects for next year. Seems I will be having HOME time extended. Our area is a mess with Covid, so being safe. Have a good weekend.

Julia Dunnit said...

Late again Shaz, sorry. So so glad you’re feeling better, and that a long low course of antibiotics is on the slate, sounds a good idea. Each time you get a uti it seems to knock you a bit harder than the last. Interesting about cranberry juice. Who cares, there’s still something out there that could help, so you can acquire a test for it! And just as well actually, those Lavinia stencils are lovely and I would have felt the need to go over to that website, and I’ve been richly enabled this week already, and now it’s too late to order before Christmas which is the only excuse I could come up with for needing a couple!! I once had that Paper Transformed book too, had forgotten all about it. You’ll be unsurprised to know that I can only admit to flicking through it and admiring....!

Lindart said...

Thanks for your visit to mine, Shaz, and for the lovely comments! I never knew Lavinia made stencils - something to look into! I'm glad you are feeling better, let's hope it all clears up and goes away. I've never heard of Barley Water, not something we can buy around here! I, too, seem to have some of the same skills you do...especially falling up the stairs with a cup of coffee in my hand...Have a lovely week! Lindart #33

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Lovely desky share sorry I’m late... again... 😁 well Shaz hope that Lemon Barkley does the trick for your system along with everything else, it’s certainly been draining! Absolutely love those stencils all of them, but can’t buy them here I’ve already tried so admire from afar is the go!
Thanks for sharing, and God bless, Shaz in Oz.x

{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Kyla said...

ooh did not know cranberry juice wasnt recommended now, good to know.
Yes, agree with you about the magazines, I do keep my eyes peeled in case there are dies etc included that I would use as then it becomes a better deal.

Your card arrived, hubby said, wow she is really professional! :-) What made me laugh was there was NO stamp on the envelope BUT somehow it got through the post - made me smile :-)

kyla

Susan Renshaw said...

Very tempted by the stencils!!
Sorry I am so late commenting...
Happy 602nd WOYWW!
Stay Safe and Keep Well...
Susan #23
Calling All Crafters! – My personal Blog!

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