Musical Blog Train

Welcome to the musical blog train!

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/karent/3920233/

As a teenager I remember believing that music was the most important thing, everything you did revolved around your music tastes, I remember that all the spare money from my wages went on CDs and most of the Christmas presents I wanted were music related. I’m sure a lot of you had similar experiences too.

Nowadays, thanks to the joy of You Tube, I rarely buy CDs. If I want to hear a song, I watch the video online for free. If I’m thinking of buying an album by a band I haven’t heard I can listen to their songs before I buy. As an adult, my big love is scrapbooking, so for my blog train I thought it might be fun to combine the two. In the spirit of the undisputed King of music Elvis' birthday today I am hosting a musical themed blog train in his honour, drum roll please.......

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42217706@N03/3923018528/

On this train you will be able to enjoy both art and scrapbooking made by 10 of our bloggers, including myself of course, as well as enjoying a visual and audio glimpse into their tastes in music by watching YouTube videos on the blog post. So without further ado I welcome to you to the first of 10 stops on the musical blog train TOOT TOOT!

Below are two musical themed layouts I have made:

When I was younger I was friends with some guys in the local rock/punk bands, Weymouth is a small town after all and we all used to hang out at Finn M'Couls pub:

Source: http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/25/2522/Finn_MCouls/Weymouth

Finn's used to have bands playing there all the time including my friends and I used to spend a lot of my time in this pub, it was my home from home. I have to admit that my musical tastes have mellowed a bit since then, with more of an indie slant to them as you will see with YouTube videos I have chosen as my favourite songs I hope you enjoy them and don't forget that below the videos is your link to the next stop on the train.

My Fav Music: MGMT, The Killers, Muse, The Coral, Kasabian, Green Day, Placebo, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, NPSH, The Bravery, Jet, The Libertines, Evanesence, The Strokes, Razorlight, Smoke City, Feeder, The White Stripes, Gossip, The Thrills, Hole, The Zutons and Spunge.

MGMT - Kids


I haven't used the official YouTube video for this song because, well it's a bit weird and I feel sorry for the kid he was probably a bit scared, if you want to see what i'm on about, check it out here.
The video I did use was made by Jon Salmon, here is a bit of info about this video:
"Just to set the story straight: the face-painted kids in the video are a boy and girl from Los Angeles, two friends of mine, names Raf and Abby. MGMT was not involved in the making of this video, however, they became involved down the line."
About Abby and Rafael: http://www.myspace.com/abrafever

Muse - Feeling Good


This song is an amazing cover of an awesome song, while I love Nina Simone's original, I have to admit I think I love this a little bit more. So much so that when I got married last February this was our exit song, a rather unusual choice but very us.

The Killers - Read My Mind


This song really just has that X factor it makes me so happy.

That's all from me, now back on the train everyone and on to the next stop which is Laura at the Brown-eyed Blog.

If you get derailed at any time here are the other 9 stations in order:  Laura, Anthea, Tracey, Siobhan JoJo, Naddie, Deana, Melissa, April.

Are You Ready?

....Are you ready?....

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/noelzialee/2111228215/

....for a visual and aural delight....

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/karent/3920233/

.....a tribute to a king in an 11 station blog hop....

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/87913776@N00/3241512841/

....tune in Friday 8th January 4pm GMT....

17 Again Revisited.

For anyone who is visiting my blog for the first time this is the second part of a blog train called 17 Again, if you scroll down you can see my previous post. Here I have answered the questions again, and included some that I couldn't remember the answer to before.

My hair colour is....mousy.

My hair style is....one-length.

My favourite brand of makeup is....

My "fashionable" item is......leggings in various styles including lace, animal print and blue snakeskin print with my checked baseball boots.

My favourite outfit is.....Bright top, leggings, baseball boots.

My favourite colour is.....Pink, purple and turquoise.

I drive a.....I passed my test nearly 10 years ago and haven't driven since.

On a Saturday I go....to work, I don't get weekends off.

On a Saturday night I go.....To a house party at a friend's house.

On a Sunday I go.....work.

Monday-Friday I go.....work three days, two days off.

My best friend(s) is/are.....Paul.

My favourite place to go out is......scrapbooking shops.

My favourite subject at school is.....well i'm not in school anymore.

When I grow up I want to be......I want to be a scrapbook designer.

My favourite drink is.....Bacardi & Coke.

My favourite food is.....Chocolate.

My favourite shop is......online.

I want to marry....I'm married to Paul.

My favourite actor/actress is....

My favourite band is....Muse.

My favourite TV programme is....Ugly Betty.

The one thing I want to do but can't is.....work from home.

My most used mode of transport is a....Mother-in-law's car, she drives it.

If I had all the money in the world I would....Buy a house for hubby and I, pay off my parent's and Paul's mum's mortgage, set up a scrapbooking shop.

I wish I could visit....Tokyo.

My favourite sport is......I hate sport.

This fall I .......turned 27

At Halloween I dressed up as .....nothing, but borrowed hubby's mask for photo.

I recently saw ...(movie) and thought it was ........New Moon, awesome.

I am reading .....Relentless by Simon Kernick.

The big newspaper story this year is.....MP's expenses scandal.

The most dangerous thing I've ever done....abseiled down a 100ft cliff in Sheepstor, same as before.

The furthest away from home I've ever been is......New York city.

Now it is time to get back on the train and visit Jools and see how life has changed for her.

17 Again Blog Train

Welcome to 1999!

My hair colour is....black, although it's blonde in this photo.

My hair style is....like Sid Viscious, short and spikey.

My favourite brand of makeup is....Rimmel.

My "fashionable" item is......I don't really do "fashionable" I'm more of a rock chick, I wear hoodies and baggy trousers with skater trainers.

My favourite outfit is.....my brown NOFX band hoodie, which has the Snickers logo but instead of "Snickers" it says "Punkers." I'm rarely seen without it.

My favourite colour is.....purple.

On a Saturday I go....to work at Woolworths or out with my parents.

On a Saturday night I go.....to Finn McCools pub, followed by Verdi's or The Kiva (nightclubs) in Weymouth.

On a Sunday I go.....nowhere if I can help it, i'm usually hungover.

Monday-Friday I go.....to Weymouth college, I'm studying AS Graphics and photography, AL English Literature and Art & Design.

My best friend(s) is/are.....a gang of people from college and people in local alternative bands.

My favourite place to go out is......Glastonbury town.

My favourite subject at college is.....art.

When I grow up I want to be......no idea, might go to university though.

My favourite drink is.....Bacardi & Coke.

My favourite food is.....a baked jacket potato with chunky egg mayonaise from a shop on the high street.

My favourite shop is......any alternative clothes shop.

I want to marry....no one.

My favourite actor/actress is....Seth Green/Alyson Hannigan.

My favourite band is....Green Day.

My favourite TV programme is....Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

My most used mode of transport is a....bus.

My favourite sport is......I hate sport.

This fall I .......am starting my second year at college.

At Halloween I dressed up as .....I didn't, but for New Year we always dress up, and I dressed up as a fairy with a purple tu-tu and wings.

The most dangerous thing I've ever done....is abseiled a 100ft cliff in Sheepstor.

The furthest away from home I've ever been is......Greece.

Now we take a trip, back in time to visit Jools in 1984.

Past and Present - One Year

Sorry for distracting background but the only spot with decent light is on my bed by the window, and unfortunately I like bright and patterned duvet covers. I think I'm going to have to get a big piece of mountboard to lay on the bed because this just looks bad!

The biggest thing for me last year was planning my wedding. About this time I'd just found out there had been a bit of a mix up with my friend's holiday so he couldn't do my make-up for me so I was panicking about finding someone else. I was also trying to sort out the exact numbers of people coming and who wanted to stay at the venue the night of the wedding. Only to discover that horror of horrors only a few people could stay and the venue wanted me to pay over 2 grand for the accomodation which we in no way had left out of the budget.

But in the end another friend stepped up to do the make up, and we just had to have the venue close at midnight instead of keeping it open all night for people to stay there.

This year I'm defintely feeling the effect of the credit crunch. Financial worries are a big concern especially this month. I imagine a lot of you are struggling as well, personally, I can barely pay the bills, which means no money for scrapbooking anymore so i'm having to use up my stash. I would really love to buy myself some new Thickers as i'm completely addicted to them and using other things such as stamps just isn't the same.

On the positive side, having no money makes our family pull together and I know Hubby will help me. I'm more grateful for the simple things like family, good food and, the internet. I don't think I'd cope well without the first and last of these in particular, they keep me sane! This was today's gorgeous roast dinner made by my mother-in-law, it was a lot nicer than it looks in this photo.

What keeps you sane at the moment?

Photo Friday (Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 9)

Inspired by Shimelle, I have decided to make 'Photo Friday' my new regular feature. This means that every friday I will post a photo, usually one of my own, I will clearly label if it's an image that I love from Flickr etc. There will be journaling with it. Sometimes a lot, sometimes just a few words, depending on the photo.

This particular photo i'm proud to say is one of my own. I'm not great at photography generally, although I do understand a few of the framing techniques, and I think this is probably the best photograph i've ever taken, I just love the angle and the colours.

Obviously this is the Statue Of Liberty, I didn't need to tell you that. What you wouldn't know is that this was taken in February! No I haven't altered the image in anyway, the blue sky was really there. It was one of those perfect winter days, cold but sunny with clear skies. Hubby and I went to New York for Honeymoon this february and spent a lovely day on Liberty island, although it took a while to get through all the security checks, it was like the airport again. We had such a laugh posing for photos, imitating the Statue's pose. We didn't go up inside, nowadays you can only go to the top of the base anyway so we didn't think it was worth it. I think this was probably one of my favourite days out in Manhatten, well other than finding what is apparently the only scrapbooking shop in the city which was the Portrait Bug, I love that shop, soo my taste in products. I would definitely love to go back again with hubby, maybe i'll be able to persuade him to take me again for an anniversary.

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 8 - part 2

'Pool Party' (apologies for the dark photo, it's always difficult taking photos at night)

A couple Paul and I are friends with often have great house parties on a saturday night and these photos were taken this summer at our friend's "pool" party. We say you don't need a swimming pool to have a pool party a big paddling pool and soom inflatables are just as good. I have to say I didin't get in cos it was a bit cold by the time I got around there. It was a lot of fun to watch though and maybe i'll join them next summer.

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 8- part 1

5 Fun Things To Do On The Internet:

A quick post for today.

1. Not strictly funny, but definitely the cutest kitten you will ever see. YouTube is one of the best inventions ever! I am not that soppy normally, although I do cry at films like Armageddon, but this just melts my heart everytime I watch it.

Also just discovered that Etsy have videos on YouTube, a lot of how-to videos which are great to watch. So check them out here.

2. I love to watch programmes on Channel 4od such as Spaced, Ugly Betty and anything with Gok Wan in it such as How To Look Good Naked.

3. Play games here such as Mario Ghosthouse.

4. Shopping online: Tatty Devine make the most amazing jewellery, I just wish I could afford to buy some of it, particularly the zip necklace and the 50's glasses necklace, awesome!

5. I love browsing scrapbooking galleries such as UK Scrappers and Two Peas In A Bucket.

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 7

Our First Dance

Let's just say I first dance was interesting. We danced to 'our song' Colourblind by the Counting Crows which some people say is depressing, but hubby and I think it's beautiful, so who cares right?
Wedding photography by Simon Barnes (jointly owned copywright).

Video from YouTube.


Dancing in public is something I've only ever done when I've been drunk. Unfortunately it does not come naturally to me and I always feel rather self-conscious when I dance, so the first dance was the only thing I was really nervous about before the day itself.
What really didn't help was even though I NEVER wear high heels I thought I should wear them to make me feel more elegant, which it did to be fair. However they were killing my feet by the time we got to the wedding breakfast. I wasn't stupid though I had bought a second, flat pair of wedding shoes to change into, which I did in time for the first dance.
The one thing that hadn't crossed my mind was the length of the skirt. Obviously the dress had been shortened to be the perfect length to wear with the heeled wedding shoes, but as I was wearing flats I had ALOT of excess skirt.
So not only was I barely tipsey and self-conscious with all our family and friends watching us, I was also having to hold the skirt to one side in order to dance without tripping over, meaning I could only put one arm around hubby. You can imagine how awkward that was, I was SO glad when it was over. Hopefully that's something I'll only have to do the once.
Here is the layout I made to go with the photo above, I plan to have this journaling on the reverse side.

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 6

I have a dream. Before scrapbooking the only thing I really wanted, that was really important to me was that I wanted to be married and have babies by the time I was 30. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think there is anything wrong with people getting married and having babies later than that, it's a personal choice after all. For me though, it's something I've always strongly wanted and always believed will happen. Luckily for me, I met my wonderful husband three years ago and just knew he was the one I wanted to be with, and we married Valentines day this year. As I've just turned 27 we still have plenty of time to work on my other goal  ; )
             Photo by Simon Barnes

Since I've discovered scrapbooking, I have found my second love (husband obviously being the first). I have now developed a new goal, although I haven't set myself a time limit on this one I must admit. My new goal is to do what I love for my living. So, this brings two images to mind, the first (and this would probably depend on some kind of lottery win)would be running my own scrapbooking shop where I could scrapbook between customers and all the other things to do with running a business. I know I'd love this because I've always enjoyed working in retail and what could be better than selling things you love to other people that love them too! The other idea is a bit more realistic, only a little though. I would be working as a scrapbook designer full-time from home, either submitting work for magazines or making layouts for websites and manufacturers. A few months ago I finally got the courage to start to follow my dream, I started to submit layouts to Scrapbook Inspirations magazine, so far I haven't had any luck and then to my dismay I hear that their next issue will also be their last issue. You can imagine my disapointment, not only at the setback in my progress, but also that one of the very few British scrapbooking magazines is soon to be no more. Which is why i'm so thankful to have signed up to Shimelle's Blogging For Scrapbookers class, it has given me a new direction, a new focus and another step on the path to my dream. To be honest, other than submitting my work to magazines and posting on my blog I'm not really sure how to achieve my dream, I guess I just have to keep trying and keep hoping somebody things my work is good enough. I don't know how long it will take me, i'm not even sure if it'll ever happen, but everyday I'm hopeful and it means so much to me when people have put nice comments on my blog posts, whether they're about my blog, my scrapbooking or whatever else I've posted so I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has commented and I hope you will continue to enjoy your visits to my blog.

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 5

My Messy scrapbooking space, my favourite place in the house. Believe it or not I have to share this desk with my husband, but at the moment he's not getting a look in bless him.

Someone I know made this awesome owl for me, I don't know if she's got a website i'll have to ask her. Isn't he cute! He's my favourite thing at the moment, he sits on our DVD rack which is piled pretty much up to the ceiling with DVDs.

This is a necklace I made ages ago using goldfish water squirters. I pierced their mouths with jump rings and then attatched the jump rings to some chain. It's not partically wearable but it's fun to have on display.

'One Fierce Woman'

Journaling reads:

"Lana, sometimes you drive me nuts (and I know I drive you nuts too) and sometimes I think you're totally balmy, but I have to admit that your devotion, strength of conviction and complete determination make me very proud to call you my mother-in-law. Who else would demand to speak to David Cameron about she thinks the government is doing wrong? Lana you are...." (One Fierce Woman)

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 4

'Watch Knowledge'

So for today's prompt Shimelle wanted ordinary and everyday, well like most people I work pretty much everyday and to me my job is ordinary but I have learnt some things that certainly would be useful to other people. I've worked as a Watch Technician for about 5 years now and there are certain things that I end up telling my customers pretty much daily because most people just wouldn't have been told this stuff. So I made the layout above to document some of this info and the journaling reads as follows:

"1: Useful Terms:

- Cell = a watch battery.

- Crown = sometimes called the 'winder,' this is used to set the time.

- An Overhaul = where the mechanism is taken apart, ultra-sonically cleaned, worn or damaged parts replaced, re-oiled and re-assembled as good as new.

2: Buying Watches:

- Swiss is always best.

- If you're looking for a good quality watch, always go for an Automatic movement as they keep their resale value a lot better than a quartz (battery operated) watches.

- No one really wants to buy a second-hand quartz watch.

3: Water-resistancy:

- Your watch must say at least 50m/5atm on the back if you want to shower and swim in it.

- The glass/case and crown (winder) must be in good condition.

- [If you want to use your watch in water then] EVERY time the battery is changed, the gaskets must be re-sealed, then the watch must be pressure tested [this will show whether the watch is safe to continue to be used in water].

4: Maintaining A Watch:

- All watches are mechanical objects, even those with a battery in.

- ALL watches need work on the mechanism (an overhaul) about every 5 years [2 in an old watch]. The oil that lubricates the wheels slowly dries out then starts to clog the wheels causing the watch to not work properly.

5: Watch Batteries:

- On average a watch battery should last about 18 months.

- The 1st watch battery should last 3 years or more UNLESS the watch was in stock for a while before you bought it.

- Always have the battery fitted by an insured watch technician or watch maker."

And one I forgot:

- Leave a dead battery in a watch for as little time as possible because a dead battery can leak badly and the battery acid can damage the mechanism.

Hope that was useful.......

Also check out the layout I did on the right 'The Watch Lady' this is also about my job.

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 3

'My Fav' Bags'

Sorry about the dark photos guys, took the photo about 8.30pm.

This layout was made using Bazzill cardstock, Sassafras Papers and American Crafts buttons and alphas.

Five Random Favourite Things:

1. Song: Natalie Portman's Shaved Head: 'Sophisticated Side Ponytail'. This song is amusing and the visuals are awesome.

2. Film: Twilight. Need I say anymore.

3. Food: Chocolate: Guylian Sea Shells.

4. Cartoon: Galaxy Highschool. I used to watch this when I was younger and still love it now.

5. Magazine: Nylon.

Enjoy : )

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 2

'An Almost Perfect Day (A.K.A: 6 things I would have done differently).'

This layout is about things I would have changed about my wedding day (no, not my husband) if I could have done it again. I've made the journaling the focus of the page as there is so much of it.

The Journaling reads:

"1. I would have made sure the food at the evening buffet wasn't all one colour.

2. I would have given the guests more to write on for the guest book, only two or three tables had space.

3. I would have made sure I had something lovely to change into in the evening because the corset dug into my armpits.

4. I would have had my dress fitted for flat shoes. I never wear heels and I'm not sure why I thought wearing them on our wedding day was a good idea. When I put my flats on for the first dance I had to hold my dress out of the way.

5. I would have worn normal pants rather than magic pants that came up so high [under my corset] they made it difficult to go to the loo.

6. I would have asked the photographer to take staged portraits of each family unit rather than reportage-style shots."

This is what I was happy for the public to read, I have also journaled extensively and I've added this to the back as it was a bit of a rant really and I didn't want anyone to read it, but I wanted to express something which did upset me on the day, which I'd rather not go into for risk of offending certain guests.

Blogging For Scrapbookers

Still behind - Why I Want To Blog Layout

'1 Voice, 1 Blog, 1 Memory Saved.'

(Journaling Reads: "I have THE WORST MEMORY, I can't remember what I did last week let alone last year, I forget names, dates and places. I forget silly things and important things and it drives me CRAZY. This is why I want to blog.")

Yes I know I actually have two blogs, but normally I won't be using my scrapbooking blog for journaling about my memories, I would just use my personal blog.

Bit of unusal colour combination for me this one: pink, brown, orange and white, it was inspired by the ribbon. I also managed to use two items i've had for ages and not found a use for, the blank calendar paper and the journaling block, the calender paper just jumped out at me because memories are all about dates and the calendar's blank because it needs to be filled in. I guess that's kind of obvious right? The journaling block is from a sheet of like 6 which I have in blue too and were bought because they were so cheap I couldn't resist. I then added the Bam Pop character which I cut out from the paper because it looks like it's shouting. I finished with my title in three different styles of letters, overall I think I've kept it quite simple and to the point.

I will try to do prompt 2 and 3 today so I'm all caught up, so expect multiple blogs over the next couple of days.

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 1 - Mark 2

So this is my actual computer, sorry to disapoint you guys but the image in the previous post is not mine, I wish it was, as you can see by the "Source Of Photo" label underneath. I used Shimelle's idea of using a Creative Commons photo from Flickr . Sorry for any confusion, I just loved the image.

So as I was saying, This is my computer, which isn't entirely correct, this is my mother-in-law's computer which I use, and on the screen is my blog and I promise the layout is my own :)

This layout is a good example of why I want to blog. This page is about my secondary school with the very few photos I have of that time and I've journaled my favourite subjects etc, but I've left two index cards blank for some more 'serious' journaling. Problem is I can't remember what I did yesterday, let alone over 10 years ago, obviously if I'd had a blog back then I would have had plenty to write. This layout has sat on my desk for a fortnight waitng for journaling inspiration, I think I may have to just put it away for now.

I'm also going to do a layout tonight about why I want to blog and I will add this to tomorrows post. Unfortunately I work full-time and evenings are the only time I have to work on this class so it's hard to photograph my layouts well in the dark, hence the interesting photos above. As I'm off the next two days I should be able to catch myself up a bit. See you all tomorrow guys.

Blogging For Scrapbookers Prompt 1 - Mark 1

Image has creative commons licence and is by Joana Roja. Source Of Photo

Hi to everyone doing the Blogging For Scrapbookers class and just to let you know I'm going to be a pain and use both of my blogs for this class, this blog is mostly my scrapbooking blog and rockchickhelen is my personal journaling and photos type blog so some of the prompts will be here and some will be on my personal blog depending on the subject. I think most will end up on my personal blog though so please subscribe to that one too.

New Class

I have just signed up to Shimelle's Blogging For Scrapbookers class which has inspired me to start revamping my blog, even though the class hasn't even started yet. So far it has taken me all afternoon to get it to this stage and I had a lot of problems using complete templates so I decided to just use the parts I liked and then customise the rest and I think that my blog is really starting to reflect my personality. Now I can't wait for the class to starton the 2nd November.
The banner is from BloggerTemplatesBlog and the background is from Shabby Blogs.