Day 1, Prague Incentive Trip 2011

OMG, the last 4 days has been the most amazing trip I have EVER experienced in my life! I have been with the most amazing people. I've laughed till it hurts, cried with happiness, screamed with excitement and been well and truelly spoilt rotten on this fantastic journey -there's so much to share with you! I had to take 2 flights to reach my final destination from Southampton to Amsterdam then on to Prague which all started at 4am on Thursday morning. I'd never done a connecting flight before and I was travelling on my own so was all a bit nerve racking. There were no hitches though and I sailed through each airport finally reaching the hotel just after 2pm. My jaw hit the floor when the car pulled into the courtyard entrance to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel - it was beautiful! My room didn't disappoint either which had a massive bathroom with 2, yes 2 sinks....'his' and 'hers' I presume?? And a telly in there!! I was on the first floor and opposite my room was the door to the gardens - gorgeous! I hadn't actually seen anyone at that point so I went on a little adventure to find everyone. I found Shelli, Paula and Kellie waiting in reception for me. They hadn't realised I was already in the hotel and I'd been there 1 1/2hrs! lol Those Czech's are really efficient you know...;) The weather was absolutely scorching so with a few hours to spare before our evening meal I went for a walk with Pam Morgan and Paula Gorry across the famous Charles Bridge... Then it was back to the hotel to get ready for our evening meal. It was then we ALL got to meet up properly. Poor Jules and Monica had been on a horrendous journey with delayed flights but made it just in time.

(left to right - Amanda, Michelle, Jules, Natalie, Bekka, Me, Monica and Paula) And this was just the start of our fantastic trip! I'll be back tomorrow with more photo's and don't forget, I'll be randomly picking the winners of the Owl Keychains later today. Leave a comment on this post here if you'd like to be in with a chance. See you later! Jo

Prague 2011 Swaps and a Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Oh my goodness, I will be in Prague on the European Incentive Trip as you read this post. From the moment I achieved this amazing reward last September I still haven't been able to fully accept the fact that I'd made it. But here I am, 4 hours before I leave for the airport writing this post still thinking it's a dream! One of the best parts is meeting up with all the other very talented achievers. In the last 3 years of being a Demonstrator I've found some amazing friends through Stampin' Up! and I can't wait to see them again!!! Of course there has to be swapping that takes place so here's what I've made for everyone - my good old owl keyrings in their own little box. Hope they like.

Now I have 10 of these litte cuties to give away. If you would like a chance to receive one then please leave a comment below. I'll randomly draw 10 names next Tues so pop back to see if you're a winner. Good luck!

See you next week with photo's of my trip!

Botanical Gazette Monthly Scrapbook Kit

Once a month I run a Scrapbook Kit Club and this month we've been using the Botanical Gazette DSP. As you will see over the next week I've taken to these papers in a big way, along with the French Foliage stamp set, and I'll be showing a few things I've made. This months kit has been VERY popular and I've just a few kits left which are available to purchase.

The kit contains:- 6, 12x12 sheets of Botanical Gazette DSP 2, 12x12 sheets of Marina Mist c/s 2, 12x12 sheets of Early Espresso c/s 2, 12x12 sheets of Old Olive c/s 1, 12x12 sheet of Very Vanilla c/s 1, 12x12 sheet of Cherry Cobbler c/s 3 x window panes 3m of Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon 12 assorted Big Designer Buttons £15 plus postage.

(unless you are local and would like to collect.) You will also have access to the Scrapbook Blog where you can view more ideas along with past kits. Please email me at jodumbleton@aol.co.uk if you would like to purchase this great value kit and the chance to sample these fantastic products!

French Foliage

Sometimes I simply pass something by without a second look, do you ever do that? That's what happened with the French Foliage set in the Mini Catalogue on page 15. My downline Helen was stamping with this set a few weeks ago - I fell in love and immediately ordered it. Well what can I say, it's such a beautiful set. I've used it on a double page layout for the Scrapbook Kit Club, used it over and over on a Mini Album I've been working on and made a few birthday cards too. I'll be showing these projects over the next week. Today though it's Fleur's birthday, and here's the card I made for her. It was a true labour of love this one and I'm really pleased with the outcome. I've included lots of stamping for a change along with the fabulous Music Notes Wheel which I adore! I've embossed the birdcage using the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and added Champagne Shimmer Paint daubed onto the raised areas. There's so much detail on this I couldn't stop myself! There is quite a shopping list for this but if you'd like to know about any of the products I've used, please drop me an email at jodumbleton@aol.co.uk

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLEUR!

You deserve something special.

Jo

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