Me 2 You

Hello fellow crafters, s'me again.

Made another card for my mum's birthday tomorrow, this time it's from the children.

The bear stamps are from KanBan which I picked up in Hobbycraft yesterday. Couldn't resist them as they are the cutest bears ever (apart from Forever Friends of course) and they were a bargain. The stamp set not only includes the bears but also the clothes to dress them with too, not to mention the many sentiments and greetings that came with the set and all for less than a tenner. I think there are about 18 stamps in the set altogether! Amazing price! And, these will be great for kids cards too.

Anyway, like I said, it's just a quick card from the children to give to their nanna, so I wanted to keep it simple.

Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs, Fae xxx

Happy Birthday Mum

Well, I finished my mum's birthday card for my dad to give her, and here it is, the finished project, using the image I coloured in earlier. It's surprising how quickly glitter can dry when they're in direct sunlight. only took about five minutes and then I got cracking on my card.

I used Promarkers: Blossom; Cinnamon, Cocoa, Blush, Ivory and Forest Green to colour the image and then used some coloured pencils to add highlights and lowlights which I then went over with Sansodor to blend it in and then I added just a few highlights with a white pencil. I then covered the flowers, her shoes, parts of her dress and bits of her wings with 'Star Dust' Stickles.

To finish it off I mounted the image onto diamond mirri card and pleated the ribbon along the bottom (I love how this looks) and then added the background pink paper (from Craftwork Cards) and some pearls. Then I added the flowers and the accents in the centres. Job done!

Hope you all like it, I'm fairly sure that my dad will think it a 'special, special' card. You know what men are like, I could've just printed the words 'Happy Birthday Love' on the front and that would have been sufficient for him. But nevertheless, I think SHE will love it.

Thanks for dropping by.
Hugs, Fae xxx

Bev's Blog Candy

 Bev, over at 'All the things I love' blog is giving away some fantastic candy.  All you need to do to enter the draw is leave a link to your blog so that she can find you and if you fancy, mention it on your blog (not necessary to be in the draw and if you don't have a blog simply leave your email address in the URL). The winner will be announced on Friday evening (3rd September.

Good Luck. Fae xxx

Faerie Fae

It is my mother's birthday tomorrow and my dad called to ask me if I would make him one of my 'special' cards. I thought they were all special personally, but apparently, it has to be really special.

Last night, I was having a browse around Tiddly Inks and various other websites and this little fairy caught my eye, and guess what??? She's called Fae. Well that was it, I had to buy her and she's really cute too. So I started colouring her in this morning when I got up and have just finished. I can't put her on a card yet as the glitter is still wet but I thought I would give you a little sneaky peaky at her before I added her as I think she is just too cute for words.

P.S. Sarn, just to let you know, I got to page 110 of 'Midnight Sun' last night and eventually told myself it was time to sleep at 1.30am. I didn't want to sleep as I wanted to finish reading it but my eyes were too heavy. I love it... thanks for letting me know. Will no doubt finish it all this evening...then what will I do????

Thanks for dropping by on this beautiful sunny day.
Hugs, Fae xxx

Sympathy...

My friend Claire, asked me to make her a sympathy card over the weekend, as sadly, her friend had just passed away. She wanted me to make her a sympathy card with Eeyore on it as, I believe, Eeyore was one of her favourite characters. This was tough for me because how do you make a sympathy card with a Winnie the Pooh character on it, NOT look like a birthday card?  Anyway, I mulled it over and played with a few backgrounds and then I finally came up with this...

The card inside simply reads... 'With Deepest Sympathy'

I hope she likes it.

Thanks for stopping by. 
Hugs, Fae xxx

I've got a blog award

Hi fellow crafters, I've just returned from a short holiday in Norfolk and I am delighted because I had a look at my blog and Keryn has awarded me a blog 'cupcake' award, how lovely of her.

There are five rules to accepting this award:

1. Thank the person who forwarded it to you. Thanks so much Keryn, I am chuffed to bits.
2. Display the award on your blog.
3. List 3 things about yourself
4. Post a picture that you love
5. Tag five people you would like to forward this onto.

Well the three things about myself and fairly obvious to most who have read my blog, and are as follows:

• I love Stephenie Meyer for creating the Twilight series and for just bringing out a NEW book called The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, a vampire created by Victoria to defeat The Cullens in Eclipse, its a story about her perspective on her new life and how it feels to be a vampire etc etc, and because it's written by Stephenie, a brilliant read.
• The second thing about myself is that I love to craft, particularly cards but other things too.
• And finally, I am a twenty year old rock-chick trapped inside a thirty-somethings body.

The picture that I love, that always makes me smile is: Because it is a naturally created heart frame in the middle of a snow covered hedge. Makes me think of log fires and cuddling up on the sofa with a loved one. Whoooooah Fae, enough of the mushy stuff! Moving on...

and the five people I would like to forward this award onto are:

Lisa, Sarn, Peri, Julie and Cherie

Thanks for visiting and thanks again Keryn, for the lovely blog award. Very large head now...thanks.
Hugs, Fae xxx

Paper, Ink, Color! Blog Candy

There's some fabulous Blog Candy over at Paper, Ink, Color!  You have to become a follower of Chrissy's blog, which is no bad thing because her cards are fabulous and there's a whole load of inspiration over there. Then post her candy on your blog and link it back to hers.  If you click on the photograph above you will be linked directly to her blog.

The candy will be closed on 31st August 2010 at 23.59 GMT and the winner will be notified on 1st September. Good luck everyone (and fingers crossed for me x).

Thank you for taking the time to visit me and don't forget, even if you don't want to take part in the blog candy offer, pop over to Paper, Ink, Color! for some great ideas and inspiration. Lovely blog Chrissy x.

Hugs, Fae xxx

Pink Patience

Okay... so I know I said today would be a MAN day, but I soon got bored with that idea and couldn't resist using this image of Mo's (called Patience) that I had previously coloured in together with some of my fab freebie background papers from My Minds Eye that I recently got from Card Marking and Papercraft magazine.

So... onto the card and how I put it together.

First I covered my base card with the pink spotted paper and cut a strip of the green patterned which I think went really well together, and border punched it with my MS 'Doily' punch. I added a length of ribbon at this point too and tied it in a bow. I then added the coloured image (which I only coloured with water colour pencils, no Pro Markers this time as I wanted something softer). I then drew around my favourite glass again with a pencil and left the cats tail and other bits out so that I didn't cut over these (I wanted to cut around them). I then simply added the flowers and the flower gems and pearls to the centres.

Hope you like the finished result. Sorry about the poor quality of the shot, the light was not so good today due to the lack of sunshine. This weather sucks!!!

Anyway, hope you like the card and thanks for stopping by.
Hugs, Fae xxx

New Layout

Hi girls
As you can see, I have given my blog an update again. I decided it was time for a new look and I found this really lovely place that offers free blog layouts over at Leelou Blogs (link at the top of my blog). 

Anyway, I had a good look through as there are so many lovely layouts to choose from and decided that this was the one for me, at least until Halloween and then I'll change it again, oooh and she has some lovely Christmassy ones too. Can't wait for those.

Anyway, hope you like it and find it easy to follow.
Once again, let me know your thoughts, if you do or don't. I won't take offence... well not much anyway lol!

Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs, Fae xxx

A MAN card

Hi girls,

As a rule, I don't generally tend to make many MAN cards as they are usually a nightmare to have to think about. But, I got this digi stamp from Di's Digi Downloads and had to find a good use for it, to make me feel better about downloading it.

It's a lovely image that just about sums up every man I know, with the odd exception so I thought today would be MAN day. I went to my trusted 'Inspiration Jar' and pulled out a few ideas and this is what I created.

Here's what I did:

The designer papers are from my stash and therefore I cannot tell you who make them, but they were only very small pieces so I decided to use them up.

Two pieces of blue designer paper stuck down and mounted onto black card stock with only a very small border and then mounted onto the base card. I added some blue spotted ribbon, wasn't sure about this but I think it works?? and then the image, which was coloured with my Pro Marker pens and coloured pencils.  I drew a circle around the areas I wanted (using a glass) and then cut around it. I roughed the edges up slightly using my craft knife.  I then cut a scalloped circle using my nesties and Big Shot and mounted the image onto that. I added the sentiment, which I handwrote and mounted onto black cardstock and then added the gemstones. Hope you like it???

Thanks for stopping by to visit me today.
Hugs, Fae xxx

Flower Power

I made another card today with another one of Di's Digi Downloads. Another cutie, don't you agree? Anyway, onto the card.

I coloured the image with my Pro Markers and pencils and I added some glitter to the Prima flowers.  I then used some freebie papers (which I added to the base card) from Cardmaking and Papercraft Magazine. I mounted the image onto some coloured cardstock which I created with my circle scalloped nesties, which I ran through the Big Shot. I then added some card candy and some swirls made by using my Marianne Creatables and my Big Shot. I finished with a sentiment from Craftwork Cards and that's that.  Hope you like it???

Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs, Fae xxx

The Cats Whiskers 200,000 Hit Giveaway!

There is a lovely Blog Candy giveaway going on over at the 'Cats Whiskers' blog to celebrate going over 200,000 hits!!! WOW!

All you have to do is post it to your own blog and then leave a link on Mr Linky.  Winner will be announced on or after Friday 20th August!  Hope I am lucky enough to be chosen, I just love those flowers and the spell binders. Anyway, good luck to one and all.

And remember... you've got to be in it to win it!
Hugs, Fae xxx

P.S. Please just click on the photograph for a link to the Cats Whiskers blog. Good luck x

At the beach...

Hi crafty friends
Just a quick one from me today, just to let you know that I am still around and haven't fallen asleep on my laptop!!! As if (ahem!). 

Well, today's digi image comes from Di's Digital Downloads and it's soooooo cute. I love them. I was visiting my friend Lisa at WishCraft when I came across these lovely digi stamps that she was using and I just had to have a look for myself (mistake number 1).  I came across some of the cutest images I have seen and just had to have them (mistake number 2) and proceeded to download SIX of them (mistake number 3), but hey... you only live once, and what little I have I can't take with me so whoops!!! Paypal!!! Kerching! What the hell, it's only money (and my childrens inheritance ha ha ha - not any more).

Anyway, 'nuf of my waffling on and down to business. Here's my card, hope you like it and thanks for taking the time to visit me today. Hope to see you all again soon.

Hugs, Fae xxx

All the things I love BLOG CANDY

There's some lovely blog candy up for the taking on 'All the things I love'. Promarkers and Flowers...

Click on the photgraph and it will link you straight over the Bev's blog at 'all the things I love' for more information.  Entry is by Mr Linky only. All you need to do to enter the draw is leave a link to your blog in Mr Linky so that they can find you and if you fancy, mention it on your blog (not necessary to be in the draw).  The winner will be drawn on Thursday evening (19th).

And if you don't have a blog you can still enter - enter your full name in the name box and in the URL box underneath just link back to Bev's blog http://bevscrafts.blogspot.com and keep a note of your Linky number in case you're the winner.

Good luck girls, fingers crossed x

Wishcraft Candy Time!

Hi Girls
S'me again. I have been a visitor to Lisa's blog for a while now but have never become a follower due to the fact that I follow so many blogs and I find it hard to keep up with them all AND visit them all on a regular basis.

However, this evening I have noticed that, to celebrate one whole year of blogging, Lisa is offering a mystery blog candy to anyone who is already a follower to her blog or would like to become a follower (so long as they STAY a follower as she finds it very depressing watching people leave once the blog candy has been drawn, and I can't say i blame her for that).

So, that's pretty much all you have to do. Pop over to her blog as she has already posted one picture of what is on offer and it's lots of lovely Christmas goodies. Good luck ladies, be sure to have a look through her blog as she has some really beautiful cards to inspire you and thank you to Lisa for this lovely opportunity.

Lisa's blog can be found here...

P.S. Blog Candy winner will be drawn on or after 31st August 2010. Good luck!

Hugs, Fae xxx

LOTV Blog Candy

Hi girls
Just a quick note to let you all know about some fantastic blog candy.

All you have to do is post the 'LOTV Ideas to Inspire' Blog Banner in your side bar with a link back to http://ideastoinspire.blogspot.com/ like I have done and then put your name into their Mr Linky. Simples!!!

Draw will take place on Wednesday 18th August so get their banner posted before then and you could be in with a chance to win these li'l cuties. Good luck x

Hugs, Fae xxx

Pro Ball

Here is card number... oh I've lost count... Whateva!!! It's the LAST one today!  Well I did say I had been busy. But I've been sitting down, so I've still been good (Claire).

I made this one for Karen's Doodles blog challenge. Which was to make a card using Orange, Yellow, Lime Green and a Splash of Blue (oh and, of course, one of Karen's Doodles).  I think I passed. Although there might be a little bit more than a splash of blue!

I merged two of Karen's images together and printed them off and then coloured it in with watercolour pencils and sponged some blue into the back ground to break up the white area.

I then added the 'Summer day's designer paper to the white card stock (sorry, can't remember who made it as this was only a little piece of the original 12 x 12 paper and the name is no longer visible. I then added a few buttons in the same colours to finish it off.

I was going to give this card to a friend of mine who has 'twin' boys when it's their birthday. Which isn't for a while yet, so who knows... maybe I will... maybe I won't. We shall see???

Thanks for letting me bore the pants off of you today with all my cards. I don't think I have EVER posted so many in one single day?? But yes, I have been a busy girl. Going to sleeps now, to dream about what I can create today... TODAY HAS BEEN A GREAT DAY and I want to thank you all for your words of encouragement and support.  Thanks girls x

Hugs, Fae xxx

Summer Heat

And here is card number FOUR!!!

Another Mo image (now there's a surprise) which I have mainly coloured in Coral and Cinnamon Pro Marker pens.  I used my Martha Stewart 'Stars' border punch along the bottom edge and added a peach coloured sentiment and some card candy that were received with my goodie bag from Craftwork Cards. I then added three neutral coloured flowers and added some pearls and some pins (that came with a really cheap needlecraft set from Poundland.  I have no intention of using it as I cannot sew to save my life but I knew these pins (that came in about eight different colours) would come in very handy. The background paper was from a My Minds Eye freebie paper pack with Simply Cards and Papercraft Magazine.

I have made this card for a close friends' birthday, but I cannot mention any names because a) she looks at my blog and b) she hasn't received it yet.  Her birthday is fast approaching (at the end of the month) and I knew this card would be perfect for her.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you have liked my cards made so far today?  This has to be my favourite.

Hugs, Fae xxx

Lewis and Kimmie

Here is card number THREE.

This image, again from Mo Manning at Digital Pencil Too, is of Louis and Bronte (the dog being Bronte) but I just can't help calling it Kimmie, as it looks so much like my English Bull Terrier 'Kimmie'. She's just so sweet. I will post a picture of her as the bottom of this post so that you can see what I mean, the resemblence is almost uncanny and you can imagine that this image itself was destined for Lewis' birthday card in September, because this is almost definitely Lewis too, always scoffing, especially cookies ha ha ha.

Anyway, this one was coloured in with watercolour pencils, again no water in sight, I just love the way they blend into each other so perfectly, even without water. and added a few highlights, a coloured background and some coordinating ribbon and this was what I created. hope you like it?

Oh... and as promised, here is Kimmie...


Thanks for stopping by,
Hugs, Fae xxx

Kai in the Snow

Here is card number two.  Another of Mo's lovely images.

This time I coloured him with Pro Markers and added a little grass coming through the snow, just to break up the white. I know that white is a colour too, but I don't like to see too much of it on Christmas Cards otherwise the image can sometimes just look 2D or lost. So anyway, there's an idea???? Add grass to your snow, especially if it's English snow, we never get enough of it (with the exception of early 2010 that is).

I added some glitter and a few highlights and some christmassy papers in the background from Dovecraft.

Thanks for dropping by.

Hugs, Fae xxx

Blue SHADE Blues

In my new found capability of being able to sit down and make cards, you will see from the entries I am about to post that I have been a busy girl today.

Got up this morning and after having a wash, breakfast and getting dressed, placed a soft, plump cushion on the kitchen stool and sat there with my children colouring in images and crafting cards... yippeeeeee {she cries} and this is one of the cards I created today.

I thought it was about time I made a Christmas card as I haven't been doing the 'Rudolph Day' so far this year so anyway, here's a very blue Christmas Card for 2010.

As all you die hard Mo fans can probably tell, I have merged two of Mo's images together and then I have coloured it all in in ONLY ONE SHADE OF BLUE!!! This little piece of inspiration came from my Inspiration Jar this morning... I have used my 'STARS' border punch by Martha Stewart to decorate the bottom edge and have added some ribbon and a sentiment. The 'jingle all the way' wording was a free download from Create with TLC (thank you). The background, again blue, was run through my Big Shot with a 'dotty' EF.

Please feel free to leave a comment if you like my card, or even if you don't. I like to hear constructive criticism, it makes me work harder to please you all.

Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs, Fae xxx

Blog Candy Giveaway

It's time to let you all know about the most adorable blog candy that I have ever seen.  These lovely stamps are by Nelli Snellen and Tiets over at http://cardsbytiets.blogspot.com/ is giving them away as her blog candy. All you have to do is leave a comment, a link to your blog and be in it to win it! Candy giveaway ends on 18th August. Good luck!

Hopefully I will be lovely enough to win these gorgeous images as I can already see in my head what I would do with them if I were the lucky recipient. Guess if not, I will have to wait for a pay cheque or two before I can own them for myself.

Thanks for such a wonderful opportunity Tiets. Fingers crossed for everyone who takes part.

Hugs, Fae xxx

Make it Crafty DT Call

Make it Crafty are looking for a NEW DT member.

How to submit your interest…

If you would like to be a part of Make it Crafty’s first ever design team and help your fellow crafters with a technique or two please send an email to:  crafts@makeitcrafty.com.au

Within the email, please include:

1. Your name and a link to your blog
2. Tell them about a technique that you are confident with and include a sample project using this technique.
3. Tell them about a technique you feel you are not so good at or are trying to learn
4. Include one of your favourite projects and why it is your favourite

Please help spread the word about the DT call on your blog or groups.

CLOSING DATE

1. The design team call will close August 25th 2010 and if successful you will be contacted within a few days of that date.
2. The design team will be anounced Sept 1st 2010.

Good luck if you're entering x

Konichiwa

Even though I have been down today and said that I wouldn't make a card, because of my boredom and obvious mood swings, Lianne set up the kitchen table with all my craft essentials and ordered me to sit down and make a card. Usually I like to stand up and craft but she told me to try it whilst sitting down, and I have to say, I think I did alright. It certainly alleviated my boredom for all of thirty minutes and it did cheer me up just ever-so-slightly.

Anyway, the digital image is another of Mo's (now there's a surprise), which I coloured in with watercolour pencils and mounted onto black cardstock with a very small border.  The jade and pink papers were enclosed in my 'goodie bag' from Craftwork Cards as well as the birthday greeting.  I cut the pink swirly paper with my Big Shot (well Lianne did the rolling once I had positioned it... definitely can't do that yet!) and then I added the ribbon charm, the ribbon, the flowers and the gems.

The colours all worked perfectly together I think and I just love that the papers from Craftwork Cards have a slightly metallic sheen to them and are foiled of course, which definitely adds a luxurious quality to them.  Anyway, that's me done for the day, Hope you like it?
Thanks for dropping by.
Hugs, Fae xxx

No Cards today...

Hello fellow bloggers.

I am bored today. I am in too much pain to be bothered with anything other than watching DVDs and I am having a bit of a 'down' day today too.  Feeling very sorry for myself and the painkillers don't appear to be doing much either.  Have to go back for my six week follow up on the 21st September and I am worried that I may have already done too much to hamper my recovery.

At one point I felt that I was well on the road to recovery but now I feel about 100x worse. Perhaps a good rest is all I need really and lots of sleep. People keep telling me that I should be sleeping a lot more than I am so I'm going to have a little nap in the hope that it will make me feel better.

Catch you later blogger-peeps.
Fae xxx

Coexist

YAY, I made my first card since the op. The first of many methinks. In fact... now that I know I can do all the cutting and sticking etc etc (don't worry girls, I was careful and I took my time before you all start shouting at me) there's no stopping me.

Here's my first card...

The image is from Mo Manning at Digital Pencil and is called 'Coexist'. She is such a talented artist and I love her dearly for creating all these amazing images for us. I coloured it in watercoloured pencils and used a sponge to add ink around the edges.

I used my new punch by EK Success that I bought from Sue on Watford Market and then I added some flowers, some candy, a 'star' charm, some Die Cuts by Marianne Creatables, some ribbon and a sentiment.

Hope you like it girls. Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs, Fae xxx

Coloured Images III

AND... these images are from ww.pinkpetticoat.co.uk

Well, that's it so far for the FINISHED coloured images I have done. A lot of the remaining ones are started but unfinished because for a while I couldn't concentrate on anything. But you will see them soon on finished cards.

YAY! Can't wait.  Might even try a little one this afternoon just to see how I get on.

BTW: That order I placed with Craftwork Cards yesterday lunchtime ARRIVED TODAY!!! Talk about fast delivery, I wish everyone was so quick on the ball (I can't believe it) so THANK YOU Craftwork Cards for making my day, it was like Christmas morning and I haven't been so excited to open a box in so long. Yippee!


Thanks for listening to me waffle on peeps! See you soon.
Hugs, Fae xx

Coloured Images II

And here are the next lot.

These are 'Precious Moments' NOT digital stamps but colouring pages which I found by 'google-ing precious moments' and these gorgeous images were what I printed out before I went into hospital.

These aren't the ONLY ones I printed off but they're all I have coloured so far.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Fae xx

Coloured Images I

I thought you might like to see some of the images I have been colouring in while I was inn hospital and while I have been at home.

I'll start with a selection of Mo's images.

These are my favourites at the moment and I can't wait to get cracking on making cards so that I can see what they'll look like in a finished project.

All of these images are available at http://digitalpenciltoo.com/ and they have all been coloured in with watercolour pencils (some have been touched up with Sansodor as well, but not all) hope you like them.

I look forward to your comments.

See you later guys, thanks for stopping by.
hugs, Fae xx

More waffle from my sick bed

Oh my... I have to get back on my feet soon. All I have to do all day, every day is trawl the internet for ideas and inspiration and I have just spent more money than I should have at www.craftwordcard.co.uk on lots of new goodies to keep me occupied over the coming weeks... I am a very naughty girl and it's all Sandra's fault! 

She sent me a beautiful 'chocolatey' card in the post (along with a really scrummy bar of Galaxy chocolate, which I ate all to myself) and I just had to text her to thank her and find out where she purchased the lovely chocolatey message on the front! She text me back and told me it was from Craftwork Cards. Big mistake! I immediately went onto their website and although it would appear that they no longer have the 'chocolate' themed messages, they have all sorts of other lovely goodies, which of course I couldn't just leave there!!! That would be madness! So I got out my trusty debit card, blew off the cobwebs (I wish) and placed a rather large order, which wasn't actually THAT much money but I qualified for a FREE GOLD MEMBERSHIP!!! That really sounds bad now, I know. But, you tell me, how is a girl, who has just had a major operation supposed to recover when there is nothing coming in through the letterbox except get well cards and bills??? Don't get me wrong, the get well cards are all lovely and each and every one of them make me smile when I open them, and although they sit on the shelve, and continue to make me smile, they don't give me that Christmas morning buzz, so I did a little retail therapy on the net!

I am feeling guilty, but I can't wait to see what comes through the post in the next few days (even though I know what it is because I ordered it).

Love you all and thanks again for all the lovely cards and messages.
Visit again soon to see what my new goodies inspire me to create. I have about a million images here that I have coloured in since the operation (as I am still not allowed to use my craft knife to start making cards) and I can't wait to get started. Maybe I'll try something gentle on Monday?????

I still find it hard to comprehend that almost EVERY movement the body makes involves using stomach muscles. Even cutting a little piece of cheese the other day hurt my stomach. How can that be... if every movement involves using stomach muscles, shouldn't I have a six pack by now?????

Waffle over for now, but please come again soon and I will definitely have something worthy of your attention. I want to start creating cards again... I'M SO BORED!!!!!

Love always, Fae xx

Post-Hysterectomy Waffle

Hi guys and girls. Well it's been six days since my operation and although I went in on Wednesday and came home on Friday the pain is really still no better today.

During the keyhole operation they must have filled my stomach so full of gas to enlarge the area that when they microstitched me back up again, most of it was still in there and now it feels as though I have boulders in my stomach. Boulders that keep moving into each other and crashing about inside. Which is NOT okay if you cannot expel the gas naturally (ahem, I think you know what I mean???).

Anyway, friends and family have recommended laying on my left side with my knees up (can't do that...not allowed), drinking hot water from a kettle (obviously cool enough to drink but still hot - didn't work), walking up and down in the garden (didn't work either, too painful to walk too far), sucking peppermints (if I see another polo mint I'm gonna scream!) etc.

So, here is my question for the day... has anyone out there in blog land got any ideas that could help me? I know that some of you ladies must have had some kind of operative procedure in the past and, if anyone has experienced what I am now currently experiencing and knows of a way or something to buy that might help, I would VERY much appreciate it, just so that I can start to feel comfortable and normal again. PLEASE???

And if anyone fancies getting me a packet of MAYFAIR SMOOTH cigarettes in the meantime, that too would be VERY helpful as I can't ask Steve buy them for me, as he thinks I have given up! Which I intend to do once he has - he is the one with half a lung missing after all, so it's a good fib!  But of course, now that I NEED to have a cigarette, it's the one thing I cannot ask him to get for me because he thinks I no longer need them, knew it would turn around and bite me on the arse somehow... eventually!!!