Monaco

 11th October and Day 6 of the cruise. 

This was the view from our balcony as we approached Cannes and this is another cruise ship waiting to enter the port.

It was very early in the morning and once again it was warm and pleasant.

I had looked froward to visiting the small Principality of Monaco and so we booked a tour from the ship.

It did not disappoint and we were in time to watch the changing of the guard at midday outside the Royal Palace.

It was very ceremonial and there was a huge crowd there to see it all happen.

This was the spectacular view from the top over Monaco and the Arches that are part of the Formula 1 circuit can just be seen in the distance.

We passed the spot where the very beautiful  Grace Kelly had her car accident.

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And we visited the Cathedral where she and Prince Rainier were married... and where there is a monument to her after her death

It was very peaceful and cool inside here and the architecture was lovely.

We wandered around the little paved street and stopped for coffee and then all too soon it was time to return to the ship.

We had a two hour drive back to Cannes and the last tender to go to the ship was at 4 pm.

But at the bottom of the hill as we left Monaco was this huge statue of a baby and my last photo call for the visit.

The next post will be Day 7 in  Barcelona.

Hugs xx

Gibraltar ...

                                9th October ...  Day 4 of our cruise.

This is the Rock of Gibraltar coming into view through the morning mist as we sailed into Port.

It was a beautiful morning and although still early it was very warm.

We planned to go and look around and as the town was not far from the port we walked in and did our own thing.

But the highlight on our sail in was a huge school of Dolphins all following the ship.

I needed to be quick to get the camera and see what I could capture.

Click to Enlarge

They look like little dots ...  but if you click the photo you can see clearly what they are and they were beautiful.

There were literally hundreds of them all swimming past us and we had the same delightful display later in the day as we sailed away from the Rock.

It was truly magical to see them and even though the picture is not very good it is a reminder of that wonderful sight.

Our Captain did a fantastic job of maneuvering  such a large ship into it's place in the dockside and it was quite something to see.

Then once in the town the first stop was to enjoy the sunshine with a  Latte and do a little people watching.

And one of the first things I spotted was this ....

... Arts and Crafts right in the square.

The stature was a real man and when he moved some passing people really jumped in surprise.

He was covered in chain mail and he looked very good sat on his horse.

We had a lovely day here but we had to be bake on board ship by 3.30 pm for the sail away.

This is the view as we sailed away from Gibraltar and the tiny runway strip of the airport can just be seen in the distance.

So the next day was spent at sea as we made our way to Cannes where we planned to take a trip into Monaco to visit the Palace and the Cathedral.

Hugs xx

Dining at Sea ...

This was the Dining Room that was one of many on board, and you can see the three levels to this room.

The bottom part was called the Romeo and Juliette and the middle area was Macbeth.   In these you had a regular table and dining was in two sittings. Either 6 pm or 8.30 pm.

But the top floor was "My time dining" and this was what we chose to do as in here you could go any time between 6 pm and 9.30 pm.

This floor was the King Lear and it was a much paler decor than the lower floor.  We had a table overlooking the sea and it was lovely.

The service is superb and nothing is too much trouble for these hard working and very pleasant waiters.

And after the first meeting they remember your name,  what wine you like to drink, and how you like your fillet Steak cooked.

Most of the dining was casual but  there where three Formal Nights and then it was Dinner Jackets and Evening Dresses and it was a real treat to get dressed up.

Here all the waiters are singing a song to welcome us on board this fabulous cruise ship... click the photo to hear them in full voice.

At the top of the ship there was a self service Restaurant  that had an amazing choice,  every day,  of food from around the world.... and masses of it to fill the largest appetite.

It was open from 7 am until 9.30 pm and this also had huge windows overlooking  the sea.

In my next post I will show you some of the places that we visited on the  Independence of the Seas ...starting with our first Port of Call .... Gibraltar.

Hugs xx 

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More from the Ship

This is the running track on the top deck and all I did was walk around it.

The blue sky was wonderful and of course this became very busy with energetic people running around it several times.

All the sunbeds are stacked neatly every night and then laid out each morning after the deck had been cleaned.

The cleanliness on this ship is second to none.... it was spotless both inside and out.

Here are some more photos of the facilities available on board but some of the photos are a little blurred.

This was the Schooner Bar and in the corner was a large Grand Piano.

Live music was in here and also quizzes that were very popular with a  cash prize to the winner at the end of the two weeks.

This was the Pyramid Lounge and in here there was a rock band, dancing, quizzes and classes.

We had a few nights dancing in here ... well you have to work all that food off somewhere!!

One of our favorite places ... which I don't have a photo of ... was the bar right at the top of the ship called Olive or Twist.

It had large windows overlooking the sea and the lower decks and Dinner Jazz music played by a trio most nights.

The atmosphere in here was very relaxed and it was lovely to sit on the big comfy sofas near a window ... even during the day ... and watch the world float by.

This is the Art Gallery and there were several auctions for some of the beautiful paintings.

The photo is a little blurred but the paintings were not.

There was also a Casino on board but we didn't visit that either.

These cycles in the Gym were looking out to sea and this was the closest I got to them.

There was a piece of equipment for any exercise that you cared to do and lots of it.

Then if you wanted to you could visit the Spa for a massage, Acupuncture  or a beauty treatment ... you could even get your teeth whitened if you wanted to.

 And here is the Boxing ring I told you about.

I am sure that some of the younger men would be in here practising  their Pugilistic Skills.

I preferred to spend my time relaxing and enjoying the scenery outside around the pool.

And on the deck there was the Mini Golf course.

These are just some of the facilities that are available and I think you would be hard pushed to be bored on there.

There was something going on all the time to cater for every kind of interest... and for the first two days we were at sea sailing away from the UK and into some sunshine.

In my next post I will show you some more photos of my adventure at sea.

Hugs xx

Water Pools

Here is the family area and it has two pools on either side of the centre deck.

This was also the place were we  "Danced Under the Stars" to the Rock Band that was on board.

The pool bar is in the background for soft drinks as well as Cocktails, wine and beers... and above that was the Sky Bar.

But this is the H20 area  especially for the younger children and it has water coming in sprays from all the objects around it

You can also see the upper decks running along side the pools.

I know these people have their coats on but these photos are taken while we are still in the UK.

So not that warm to be in swimwear .... well not yet any way.

More to follow as we sailed into some warmer climes.

Hugs xx

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Outside on Deck ...

Solarium

The outside of this enormous ship had a complete running track that many people used everyday.

But this was a very pleasant spot to sit in.

It was the Solarium and although there were children on board this area was child free.

The sunbeds in here were more comfortable too and it was very sheltered.

Solarium Pool

Waiters  wandered around all day  serving drinks and delicious fruit Cocktails,  and there was an Ice Cream bar where you could serve yourself  to soft and tasty ice cream.

This is the pool area attached to the Solarium  and it was such a pleasant place to be in.

One of the other attractions was the  two Jacuzzis' on either side of the ship that were cantilevered outside the decks.

You could sit in them and watch the waves going past beneath you... and they were open 24 hours a day.

You can see the handrail of the upper decks in the photo.

Remember these are well above the sea about 10 decks up and the view was fabulous and as you can see they are quite large.

Imagine sipping Cocktails while enjoy the bubbles in one of these as you cruise along under blue skies.

Here is a photo of the climbing wall ... which needless to say I did not attempt.

It was quite big and of course tuition was given before you could use it.

It was very popular with the younger generation especially the lads.

In fact all tastes and sports  were catered for,  what ever the age group or level of expertise.

There was even a class for Cardmaking and another for Scrap booking.... which I missed!! 

More from the ship in my next post.

Hugs xx

On board ...

Royal Promenade

This is the main street that runs along deck five and it is like a shopping mall it was so big.. you can just make out the cobbled roadway .

It has shops, cafes and bars on either side and the cafe is open 24 hours a day, and the sky changes colour at night.

There is an English Pub that has live music each evening and it was very popular.

There is even a barbers shop along one side.

The windows on either side are to cabins, which are on the inside decks, and they overlook the street ... but  they are so sound-proofed that there is no disturbance to the occupants.

Vintages Wine Bar

This is the place that became one of our favorite spots and this is Vintages Wine Bar.

The car outside is a real Morgan and Griff loved it.

He would love to have driven it on some country roads .... but there was no engine in it.

Now how do I know this ?????

Because Griff was underneath having a look at it all, as cars and watches, along with cameras and phones are among his pet subjects.

In fact any gadget is right up his street.  He's a real Inspector Gadget.

Alhambra Theatre

This is the Alhambra Theatre and it seated over a thousand people.

The shows where shown twice each night for different dining seatings and we went to the 9pm shows.

The standard was excellent and the costumes and scenery could rival any West End show.

There wasn't one show that was bad. And the crew and staff work really hard to please all the passengers.

Ice Rink

This is the Ice Rink and it was bigger than it looks here.

Once again the show was excellent and in the two weeks we had on board there where two different shows.

The audience was very appreciative of the skills displayed by the young skaters.

Now this was the closest I got to this area.

It was the GYM with so much stuff in there it was amazing... all overlooking the sea as you worked out.

There was even a boxing ring in the centre of it ... but we wandered in .. took  a photo and wandered out again ... and never went back!

In my next post I will show you some of the delights that are outside and some of our favorite places there too.

Hugs xx

Cruise Holiday ...

We set off for  Southhampton on the 5th October and  stayed  overnight in a  hotel before going on to the port to  sail away on the  6th.

This was my first  glimpse of the ship ... taken as we where waiting to  check in our luggage,  and then on to  park the car.

The next time  we would  see our cases was later in the day  when they  where delivered outside our  cabin door.

The ship was huge and we were so excited to be going on this cruise holiday around the Mediterranean. 

It was due to sail at 4.30pm,  but we went on board at 12 noon... and so as the ship was quiet we went around her decks to explore and take some photos.

This was to be our home for the next two weeks and even the bed was huge. 

We had a TV and a bathroom and a lovely balcony that we wanted so that we could see each new port we visited as we sailed in.

It was good dry weather the day we sailed and we joined the sail away party as we left Southampton.

This is my "Film Crew" practising  with his life jacket ... and looking very pleased with himself in the process.

Hopefully none of this will be needed but we had to have a go to make sure we got it right.... and we joined the drill to abandon the ship in the event of an accident.

There are 14 decks on this ship and as soon as we came out of a lift I was lost.

Fortunatley Griff has a good sense of direction or we could have spent the next two weeks wondering around trying to find our cabin or the dining room again.

This was looking from our cabin door along one side of the corridor ... to give you some idea of the size.. and the same distance ran the other way as well.

I will show you some more of the inside of the ship in my next post as we had two days sailing before reaching the first port of call.

Hugs xx

Holiday Post ...

Hi Everybody ... I am in Palma Majorca writing this post and would you believe ....it's raining. We went to the Caves of Drach this morning and it was really wonderful going underground to the largest subteranean lake in Spain.

The views were breathtaking.  I have photos to show you just as soon as I can but the cost of Internet connection on the ship is very expensive and it is slow so it takes up the money before I can get any where.

The holiday so far has been really good and ysterday we visited the Sagradia Famillia in Barcelona ... and wait till I show you those photos.

It was absolutely stunning and we had to  queque for almost an hour to get inside and guess what  ..... it was raining then too.  Even got a photo of my film  crew under a brolly we bought from some enterprising person for $5.

But it was so worth it it when we got inside.

So this is a short post and thanks for all your good wishes. The photos will follow as soon as I can hook up my own PC to the internet.

Hugs xx

Not often seen ...

A Tidy Craft Room

 This is site not often seen in my craft room ..... it is tidy.

And the only reason it is ... is because I am going away.

I can't leave my house messy when I go away.

I always have to clean and tidy first and I bet I am not the only one that does this.

So this is my craft room in a tidy state and the rest of the house is being done after this post.

But I wanted to show you what a good girl I was and how nice it all looks when it is tidy.

I will show you some more when it's not ... looks like a tidal wave has hit it then.


Have you noticed the ribbon rolls on a curtain pole?

This is a really option  from Ikea and the rolls fit onto it really well.

At the moment the pole is lying across the handles to the cupboards but Griff is going to fit them to the walls for me when we get more hanging brackets from the store.

The whole lot .... pole, finials and brackets cost a couple of pounds and will fit the bill for what I want to do.

And is just as good as some expensive ribbon holder.  I will show you once it is added to the wall.

Even the part where I do my colouring in is tidy ...   for now and I am feeling really pleased with myself.

Hugs xx

More Pen Practise ...

Humphreys' Corner

These are some images that I coloured some time ago and hopefully I have improved since I did them.

These  images  are all  from the stamp  range Humphreys Corner  from  Crafters Companion  and  they are delightful.

Some of them are coloured with Prisma Pencils and others with Spectrum Noir Pens.

 

If you are interested in colouring in,  then these Alcohol pens have to be worth looking at for ease of use and affordability.


You will find more information on them at Spectrum Noir Introduction  and some great ways to use them too ... with more planned for the coming months.

.This is Humphreys sister Lottie and doesn't she look cute.  She could be going anywhere in her pretty dress and so she would suit many occasions

 But my favorite one is  Humphreys mum and dad on their Wedding day.     This  image  is so cute.

Now I must go as I have to do some packing to do.

 We are going on Friday morning and I have done NOTHING yet towards it.   We haven't even got the suitcases out ...  and we still need to go for some stuff to take with us. 

 

So Bye for now and if I can post again before my holiday I will ... but if not then I will try to add photos from the ship itself.   Wish me Bon Voyage !!

 

And thank you for your comments on the Origami Box. I am so glad that you liked it and found it easy to do.

 

Hugs xx





 

 

 

 

Here's the pretty box ...

I have been  making more of these boxes and it is surprising how  large they are.

You would be able  to get  lots of chocolates in there if that was the gift  you were giving,  and much prettier than  a shop bought box that they come in.

Here is the White  box that I made from  Centura Pearl card from  Crafters Companion

It is a quite a sturdy  card and as the card  was 16" square the finished   box is big... just think of the  chocolates that would go  in that one.

The only problem with  that is I would be  saying  "One for the box .. and one for me...." if you know what  I mean?????

The top to the  box has been decorated  with the  Poinsettia Flowers  and I added in some  white feathers  later.

This is  the box  that is created  on the video  and because of the time  limits with  YouTube  I have had to do it in two parts.

You can find  them both  here in this link... Origami Box Tutorial   and I hope you will  enjoy it. 

And I  wonder if  you will  spot the  deliberate  mistake  .... I forgot  to add the  tag that  I cut out for the box.

But you  can see it in the photo so  I remebered after the video was  complete.

I have  used a  double sided  good quality  paper for this so that it wouldn't  tear and the  "Bling" is from  Want2Scrap

I have  also done it in a  darker colour way as I have an  Aunt who loves  this look.

So guess  what her  Christmas prezzie  will be in this  year !!!

And it will be  filled with  scented soaps and  bath crystals as  well as a face cloth and other goodies for her to use.... coz I will have eaten the choccies !

Hugs xx

Send a card please ...

My very good friend Naomi has asked if people would be kind enough to send a card to wish her young son Michael a speedy recovery after surgery.

Michael is Autistic and is due to have an operation on both his feet to help him to walk properly as he gets older.  If you can make a card for Michael it would make his day as he loves bright and cheerful things.

Don't worry if it takes you a while to make it and send it Naomi  as he is not going into hospital until November.

If you would like to participate then please visit Naomis' blog  Creative Bug On The Loose  and she will give you her address to send the card.  Please tell her that Christina  sent you and then she will know that this is a genuine request.

I thank you for your kindness as Naomi is such a warm and caring mum and Michael will adore the cards he gets.

 Hugs xx

And yet another box ...

Click to Enlarge

 Here is another Origami Box that I made yesterday.

I have had a lot of fun making them and although they can be a bit fiddly to do ...  they sure are pretty.

I decorated this one with Red Roses  created from Spiral Blossom 3  and the leaves are from the Foliage set

The pictures show you the top, inside and side views and with this one I have threaded the red organza ribbon through the flaps.

 Over the weekend I will do a video of how to make the box .... so get your self a pretty piece of good quality, double sided paper/ light card.

Gather some flowers, leaves and ribbons and we will make the box together.

This one  is slightly smaller than the pink box because of the added lace.

But I will show you how to get the lid correct for whatever size your box ends up.

You can see the ribbon threaded through the flaps at the top of the box and I have attached a box to each side,

They have been topped with a gemstone from Want2Scrap  and the lid has a string of gemstones around each edge.

It really is much prettier in real life than the photo shows and they are quite a good sized box to send a gift in to someone really special.

 The White box on the left is the largest and for that I have used some 14"x14" Centura Pearl card from Crafters Companion

That link is the UK one but if you are in the USA here is the one you need.... Crafters Companion USA

And of course because it is card it is a little harder to fold but I got there in the end.

I added feathers to each of the flaps and added Poinsettia flowers  to the lid.and it would be perfect for a winter Wedding or Birthday.

You will be able to see the white box better in the enlarged view.... just click the photos.

So video to follow at the weekend and I have a couple that I want to do ... just to keep the "Film Crew" happy you understand ... can't have him slacking.

But they will be the last videos,  just  for a couple of weeks,  as we are going on a very special holiday to celebrate Griffs'  Birthday on the 10th September  and mine on the 6th March. 

We are going cruising in the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean for two glorious weeks at the beginning of October.

 Some of the places we will be visiting are Gibraltar,  Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Majorca,  Lisbon and Vigo.

So no videos for that time and not many Blog posts either ... but I am sure you will understand why.

Hugs xx