PhotoFairytales: the blog of a work at home mumpreneur!

Gift ideas for Valentine's Day

2012-01-24T03:13:00.000-08:00

You should be able to find some great gift ideas on PhotoFairytales to give your loved one this Valentine's Day! Here's a few suggestions for you (all prices quoted include UK delivery):

1: "Great British" canvas designs - 6 variations to choose from, available in a selection of colours. A big size canvas, this measures 12" x 24" and is a chunky 40mm deep. Price £29.95

2: Gift Balloons in a Box - forget sending flowers this year, send a crazy balloon creation instead! Lots of designs to choose from, prices from just £10.75

3: Spoof Blue Heritage Plaque - give your loved one the recognition they deserve this Valentine! A fun, very different gift idea fully personalised with your own wording, price £16

4: Handmade Wooden Gifts - created to order and fully personalised, there are some lovely gift ideas with prices ranging from just £12 ("Love" plaque shown is £14.95)

5: My Message to You framed prints - lovely framed prints created to order and fully personalised with your chosen message and photo. Available in a choice of frames and designs. Price £17.50

6: Fantasy Photo Portraits - created from your own ordinary photo, there are over 100 designs to choose from. Custom requests are also welcome. Order just the artwork alone, or you can also purchase quality prints, canvas prints, keyrings, mouse mats, and more! Price around £10

7: Personalised Valentine's Love Poem - A simple and truly romantic way to say "I love you". Available in a choice of colours, designs and frame finishes, your poem is personalised with your chosen names. You can even completely amend the wording if you wish to create your own very special keepsake. Price £17.50

For more gift ideas do take a look at the Romantic Gifts section on the website.

Sarah x

Lots of new Canvas Designs on site today!

2012-01-24T02:30:00.000-08:00

There are 22 brand new canvas designs to be found on the website today, with something to be found for all occasions!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you'll find some lovely designs just right for that special gift.

Prices from £15 including UK delivery - take a look at the new designs by clicking here.

Hope you like them!

Sarah x

Too young to cook..?

2012-01-23T01:31:00.000-08:00

How old would your own child need to be before you set them loose in the kitchen? Do you believe a kitchen is a dangerous place (all hot things and sharp knives, and far too risky), or have you always tried to encourage your child to take part when it comes to cooking?

My own daughter Amy was given a fabulous children’s cookery book from Santa this year - if Santa thinks its OK for her to cook a chocolate cake or chicken goujons, who am I to argue?! Amy turned 9 at the end of December, and I’ve always tried to find time to have baking sessions with her. We’ve turned out sticky buns (with lots of icing), the old favourite rice crispie cakes, shortbread (good excuse for using all those shape cutters), and loads more. But it’s always been based around “baking”: weighing the ingredients, stirring them up, rolling out or tipping into the baking tin. Then I would take over with the hot oven bit.

But this weekend was different! Amongst all the cake recipes in Amy’s new book there is a big section on main meals, full of things like chicken skewers, curry and rice, savoury pancakes - and chicken chow mein. It could be the fact that it’s the Chinese New Year, but Amy decided she wanted to cook chicken chow mein from scratch, herself with no (well, very minimal!) help. She wanted to cook a proper grown-up dinner for the family - none of those soppy rice crispie cakes here, thank you! So we wrote out a shopping list for the ingredients, bought everything we needed, and last night she set to work.

Now, chicken chow mein involves all those scary things: hot water to cook the noodles, sharp knives to cut the chicken and vegetables, hot fat to stir fry. Was I nervous? A tad…

I confess I took over the boiling of the noodles - the site of all that bubbling hot water, yikes! But step two in the cookery book involved peeling and slicing carrots, chopping spring onions, slicing beans, etc. I handed Amy a very sharp knife and gritted my teeth….. She was fine - she was very careful and respectful of the sharpness of the blade, took care to make sure her fingers were clear - honestly, she was fine!

So next step: stir frying the chicken. OK, oil put into wok and heated [gulp], chicken tipped carefully in [gulp], wooden spoon handed over: and she was off! Stirring the chicken like a seasoned pro, taking on all my comments about keeping it low so that the oil doesn’t splash, etc, etc. Then we added the vegetables: more stirring in hot spitty oil, and finally the noodles. Stir, stir, stir.

I can only say that the meal was fabulous - tasty, cooked to perfection, and with clean plates all round afterwards. What was most interesting was that the recipe included mangetout and fine beans - both vegetables that Amy normally “hates”, but it seems when a child cooks their own dinner these things lose the yuk factor. She scoffed the lot!

So, despite the fact that it was a great way to encourage my child to eat vegetables she wouldn’t normally, was I right to let her near the sharp knives and hot fat? Would you let your 9 year old do something like this too? Am I overly cautious/not cautious enough?!

Happy Year of the Dragon!

Sarah x

1st Christmas Gift Ideas...

2011-12-08T05:11:00.000-08:00

A baby's first Christmas is an important event - and needs a meaningful and thoughtful keepsake to mark it. There's a whole range of lovely gift ideas available at PhotoFairytales this Christmas, here's some suggestions for you:

1: Ticket to Parenthood, £17.50 - perfect for new parents this Christmas, fully personalised and in a choice of frames (last orders for Christmas: December 13th)

2: Handpainted Personalised Plates, £21.50 - 12 beautiful designs to choose from, including 4 gorgeous Christmas themes (last orders for Christmas: December 13th)

3: Fantasy Portraits, around £10 - beautiful bespoke images created from your ordinary photo, over 100 designs to choose from (last orders for Christmas: artwork only December 17th, artwork with prints December 15th)

4: Personalised Baby Board Books, from £10.95 - stunning books created to order featuring your own photos and words, 6 designs to choose from (last orders for Christmas: December 10th)

5: Personalised Canvas Prints, from £15 - big range of designs available, perfect for the new nursery! (last orders for Christmas: December 13th)

6: Meaning of Name Prints, £17.50 - bespoke prints available in a range of designs and choice of frame finishes, ideal Christening gift too (last orders for Christmas: December 13th)

7: Handmade Personalised Albums & Keepsake Books, £23.99 - a range of lovely designs available, including "Baby's 1st Christmas", perfect for storing Christmas memories (last orders for Christmas: December 9th)

8: Family Tree Prints, £22 - perfect for new parents and grandparents, featuring up to 3 generations and 25 names, available in a choice of frames (last orders for Christmas: December 13th)

Click here to have a browse around the PhotoFairytales site and discover even more gorgeous Christmas gifts!

Sarah x

Slummy Mummy at Christmas

2011-12-03T03:41:00.000-08:00

Things have definitely cranked up a notch at PhotoFairytales Towers with the steady approach of Christmas. I can tell things have got busy, not solely because orders are pinging in at a rate of knots but also because of the following tell tale signs:

1: My daughter had to eat her breakfast this morning with a soup spoon (it seemed the best choice over a tablespoon or teaspoon), because I haven’t had time to load/unload the dishwasher.

2: We are having to use kitchen roll as toilet paper because I haven’t had time to do the big shop.

3: The carpet in the living room has gone from a nice oatmeal beige to a nice oatmeal beige with black hairy divots (haven’t had time to hoover or brush the dog).

4: I’m typing this while constantly having to go “phrffphh” to keep the fringe out my eyes because I haven’t had time to make an appointment to get it cut (hence the picture - which is quite true to life).

5: Every time I get an order in which is obviously for a Christmas present I feel a burst of anxiety because I haven’t had time to think about my own Christmas shopping yet.

So now you know I shouldn’t even be sitting here doing this blog - I should be finishing off orders whilst hoovering. Trouble is, I’m not sure even my (usually) stupendous multi-tasking skills are going to help. I may have to dig out my Wonder Woman costume - problem is, its in the wash - or possibly the ironing basket. One of those anyway…

How are you coping? Got everything organised? Do please leave a comment - but if you are one of those super-organised types please try not to sound too smug. I may cry!

Sarah x

PhotoFairytales is an Award Winning Site!

2011-11-29T01:25:00.000-08:00

And now for a bit of blatant showing off (sorry!).... This is a snippet of an email that has just arrived in my inbox:

"I am happy to inform you that your website was scored by three professionals within the online industry, and based on the criteria provided to them by Mumpreneur UK your website was scored as a Gold Award Winning Website!"

Mumpreneur UK is a support network for mums in business, offering advice, support, conferences and resources to parents in business. They say:

"Having worked our way through hundreds of websites during The Mumpreneur Award judging, it became very clear that there are so many mumpreneurs out there with fabulous websites! We want to ensure that these sites are rewarded, and that their customers can see that their high standard is being recognised. We're looking to acknowledge mumpreneurs who have realised the importance of getting your business online, and doing it well!"

The criteria used to judge a website are:

The website should be visually pleasing
The website should be easy to navigate
Ecommerce sites should include a simple payment process
The website should be clear and easy to understand
The website should include ample information about the products/services provided

How chuffed am I?!! So now, when you meet me you'll understand why I'm going around humming a certain Spandau Ballet song...

Gold! Always believe in your soul, you've got the power to know you're indestructible, always believe in.... Because you are GOLD! Dum de dee dum de doo....

Sarah x

Brand New: Hand Painted Personalised Plates!

2011-11-28T01:23:00.001-08:00

Brand new today! These gorgeous plates are hand painted individually to order, and can be fully personalised with your chosen name, dates or message...

From Mince Pie plates and Baby's 1st Christmas plates, to weddings, anniversaries, christenings and special birthdays - there are 12 designs to choose from to suit many different occasions.

Now available at PhotoFairytales, these stunning 23cm plates are created individually to order by a family run UK business, and are truly unique keepsake gifts. Only £21.50 which includes UK delivery. Orders for delivery in time for Christmas need to be placed by 13th December.

These plates are absolutely adorable, and I hope you'll like them too!

Sarah x

They're here... Letters from Santa now on sale!!

2011-11-02T03:40:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased to let you know that the personalised Letters from Santa have just gone on sale - as ever, they're fantastic value at only £5.95 including delivery, and they include 4 great gifts and a hand signed certificate too!

This is the third year that I've sold these letters, and for the last two years they completely sold out so I have high hopes for them this year too - especially as I'm going to donate 50p for each letter sold to Action for Children, a UK charity that works with children and families to tackle issues such as neglect and abuse.

Each letter is created individually (they're not just generated by a computer programme like most letters you see), and they are also hand signed in ink by Santa himself! He prints all his letters on lovely parchment style paper, and pops everything into a jolly big red envelope (along with a few sparkly sprinkles from his workshop) - he even handwrites the address on the envelope for you too. They make a fantastic surprise for any little girl or boy in the lead up to Christmas. All the letters are posted in December so that they arrive close to the big day, and the gifts inside will certainly keep little ones busy!

If you ordered a letter last year, don't worry because Santa always varies his letters from year to year. And if you have siblings and need more than one letter, each one will be slightly different (because it would be odd if Santa wrote identical letters to both children, wouldn't it?!). The letters are packed with detail, and no child will be left in doubt about whether Father Christmas truly exists after reading one!

Reserve your letter now before they sell out - you can find out more by just clicking here.

Ho, ho, ho!

Sarah x

Fabulous Gift Idea this Christmas: A Family Tree Print

2011-10-20T03:52:00.001-07:00

I wanted to introduce my latest new gift for PhotoFairytales: personalised Family Tree Prints! These would make a fantastic present for Christmas this year, and are just £22 which includes UK delivery too...

A wonderful family keepsake, these prints will make a lasting and truly thoughtful gift. Available in a choice of frame styles, the Family Tree can feature up to 3 generations and 2 families.

Got a complicated family?! Don't worry, because each print is designed individually I can usually accommodate variations! For every order a proof of the artwork will be created and emailed to you to check before your print is made so that you can ensure everything is completely right.

Find out more by visiting the new Personalised Family Tree Prints page on the website.

Sarah x

Support British Designers, Creators and Crafters...

2011-10-12T03:09:00.001-07:00

When you give a handmade or personalised gift, it says so much: "you're a unique and special person, and so I am giving you a unique and original gift you won't get from anyone else..."

That's what I've got on the home page of my website - and I was prompted to write this piece today following a discussion taking place amongst members of UK Handmade on the Linked In site. The question posed was: "Do you think its important to support local designers and why?"

As a supporter of their "Buy Handmade" Campaign, I feel so strongly about the reasons why it is important to encourage everyone to buy from independent crafters, designers and creators. Why?

When you make a purchase from one of these talented and highly committed people, you are supporting their family and their talent - not a faceless corporation with shareholders and company Directors. You're not funding a new yacht, or another holiday home - you are making a difference to someone's day by buying their work and you are gaining a totally individual and unique item. When you think of the term "handmade" this doesn't mean knitted toilet roll holders or macrame pot hangers by the way - there is an extraordinary amount of British talent out there creating modern, contemporary (and traditional) work that you will love.

Not only that, but you'll probably receive amazing service and customer care too. So many of my own customers comment on the fact that it is me that answers their emails personally and that despite the fact that I'm a small business I look after them too - old fashioned good service is what I'm all about. And I know I'm not alone in this, there are thousands of us out there waiting to make or design something wonderful for you! Plus, you are also supporting the UK economy by buying from independent British designer-makers. It's a win-win!!

So what do you get when you "Buy Handmade"? Something that has been made with love and care, and probably created individually to order just for you. A truly bespoke item! It won't have been assembled on a production line in a factory, and you won't be buying into child labour or exploitation issues. And if you're buying the item as a gift, it will show the recipient how much care and thought you've put into the purchase.

So when you start your Christmas shopping this year, or next time you fancy something new for your home or need to find a great gift for someone - think "buy handmade"!

Sarah x

Are you a Clickaholic..?

2011-10-06T02:27:00.001-07:00

Chances are, if you’re reading this, then the answer is a resounding: YES

I run my own business, I have orders I need to fulfil, I have a website I need to promote, I have emails to answer and paperwork to sort. And yet the one tool that has made my business possible in the first place (ie, my computer), is my biggest distraction.

I’ll check my emails and amongst the orders and other more urgent stuff, I’ll find an email relating to an article that looks really interesting. So “click!”, I’ve followed the link. Lo and behold, after reading the article I see something else that catches my eye, and “click!”, I’m off again. I’ll decide to post a quick message on the PhotoFairytales Facebook wall - and after doing that, “click!”, I’m just checking the newsfeed to see what everyone else is up to (and leaving the odd comment or like…). Then I’m heading over to Twitter (all in the name of promotion you understand), and find myself in conversations I don’t have time to have, or looking at people’s links I don’t have time to visit. And all the while, in the corner of my eye is the pile of things I really should be doing along. The trouble is, every now and then I’ll stumble on a nugget of information or a fabulous site, that will give me inspiration or an idea that makes it all worthwhile. And I guess its that that stops me from being able to crack my habit!

So, the question is, am I investing my clicking time productively, or am I wasting my clicking time? Well, I reckon its half and half. OK, I’ll be honest, 30/70. Oh, OK then, 20/80 (but I won’t go any lower than that!). Is it research, am I learning, or is it procrastination….? Hmmmmm, tricky one that!

So if you find yourself having to give your brain a mental shake every now and then to stop yourself hunching over the screen, site hoping and clicking, then maybe you’re a clickaholic too. Feel free to leave a comment to make your confession and get it off your chest so that I don't feel so alone! And then move on, you’ve got things you need to be doing - go on, no more links here, move along please.

Sarah x

A sad end to the day...

2011-10-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

“Man dies in sea at Gorleston” - that’s the headline on our local news site today, and sad to say we were right there when it occurred…

Like much of the UK yesterday, we were basking in baking hot sunshine and decided towards the end of the afternoon to head down to the local beach in Gorleston for a paddle. We went unprepared, though cobbled together some towels found in the boot of the car, and camped down by the edge of the sea with ice creams all round.

All was lovely - Amy enjoyed paddling up to her waist (fully clothed!) with her dad, while I sat and relaxed watching them. After a moment I realised that the huddle of people about 10-15 metres away from us weren’t the family group I thought they were - they were a handful of people trying in desperation to resuscitate a man who was laying at the edge of the sea. It seems a child found him floating in the water and raised the alarm. He was pulled out of the water, and a brave and calm lady was carrying out CPR and trying hard to get his heart pumping. This was taking place just a few feet from Amy but thankfully I managed to catch my OH’s eye and get him to bring her back over, where we suggested maybe it was time to get dry and changed. Things weren’t looking good, but by now paradmedics had arrived on the scene swiftly followed by the police, and the local coastguard truck. Just as we hurriedly scooped up our belongings, the police started to push people back off the beach to make space for the helicopter to land.

We got back up to the prom and while we finished sorting out our things the helicopter landed on the beach. But sadly by now it seems resuscitation wasn’t possible. The helicopter returned, and the body was loaded onto the coastguard van to be delivered to the waiting ambulance which couldn’t get across the sandy beach. By this time we were heading for our car, feeling a little numb. Amy was full of questions, but we told her the man was being taken to the hospital and he would probably be better soon. When the helicopter arrived most of Gorleston stood to watch - its natural I think to stand and see what’s happening. But when it took off empty handed it was obvious things weren’t good, and the feeling in the crowd took on a different tone.

The identity of the man hasn’t been discovered/released at the time of writing this, but no doubt a local family will be experiencing a dreadful time today. So why am I telling you all this? Well, although that lady who was trying to save his life didn’t succeed, she tried all she could - whether she was trained in first aid or not, she did her very best. At 8 years old, Amy has just undertaken a first aid course at school - and if you’d like to learn too you can find information here: http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/default.aspx (because you never know).

Sarah x

Win a stunning Fantasy Portrait & Print from PhotoFairytales!

2011-09-21T01:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneaky peek at a competition I'm running at the moment to win a free Fantasy Portrait for up to 2 people, plus a quality A4 print - all you need to do is click to enter, it takes seconds and you have a great chance of winning this fabulous prize which would make a great Christmas gift!

Find all the details here: http://competwition.com/photofairytales

Good luck!

Sarah x

PhotoFairytales in the Movies (kind of...)!!

2011-09-15T05:00:00.001-07:00

As you may know, many of my designs are available via Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous - they have put together a great little video highlighting some of my gifts, so if you'd like to see it just click on the frog image here to play it.

Enjoy!

Sarah x

Photography Tips & Tricks: get the best snaps!

2011-09-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

As the summer holidays draw to a close, I guess many of you will be uploading your photos to your computer - so, how many have you deleted, and how many made the grade and were saved?!

Getting great, natural photos - particularly when children are involved - can be tricky. And if you've ever asked a child to smile, only to be faced with one of those toothy fake grins it can be hard to know what to do!

I often have customers facing this dilemma - they probably need to take a photo of their son or daughter so that they can send it to me to be created into a Fantasy Portrait, but they struggle to get a photo that looks natural. So, with this in mind, you can now find a great article on the PhotoFairytales website, written by professional family photographer Blue White, who specialises in working with very young children. She has put together a great piece packed full of tips and inside advice. Whether you're planning to order a photo gift or just want to know how to get fantastic, relaxed photos, do take a couple of minutes to read through Blue's friendly and helpful words of advice.

Happy snapping!

Sarah x

More new designs...!

2011-08-26T07:13:00.001-07:00

I'm on a design roll at the moment, so there are yet another two new designs that have just been added to the "Meaning of Name" print collection!

Both are available in options for boy or girls, and come with a choice of frame finishes.

At just £17.50 including UK P&P, these are a perfect christening gift or present for new parents. They will look lovely in the new nursery!

View the whole range here: http://photofairytales.co.uk/meaningofname.html

Hope you like them -would love to hear what you think, so do feel free to leave a comment.

Sarah x

Gorgeous Things...

2011-08-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I joined Folksy.com, and listed a selection of my own work on the site. The idea of course was to sell some of my own items, but in the meantime I've also been rather tempted by several other goodies for sale by other designers and creators! If you haven't discovered the site yet, do take a look.

Here are a few of my favourites (it's an eclectic bunch, but that's what Folksy is all about!):

1. Moustache Necklace, Tara's Arts, £6 - mad, utterly mad, love it!

2. Handstitched Leather Satchel, Bespoke Leather, £140 - yum, yum, yum...

3. Floral Storage Basket, A Crafty Hen, £9.50 - pretty and useful

4. Hand Bound Notebook Journal, Kate Bowles, £20 - love the exposed spine on this very pretty book

5. Vintage Bee & Glass Bead Bracelet, Josephines, £15 - this is sooo me!

6. Vintage Button Beauty Bag, Natalie Farrell, £15 - I was hard pressed to choose just one of these bags!

If you want to visit the PhotoFairytales shop you can find it by clicking here.

So, when you start your Christmas shopping don't forget to take a look at Folksy for something both hand made and different that has been created with love.

Sarah x

Brand New: 2 new "Meaning of Name" designs!

2011-08-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

What's this? Blogging twice in one day? Well, I just wanted to squeeze in an extra post before I finish up for the evening because I've just added two new designs to my "Meaning of Name" framed print range.

"Sugar and Spice" in pink for the girls, "Slugs and Snails" in blue for the boys - both available in a choice of frame finishes and only £17.50 including UK delivery. I've got more designs in the pipeline which will be coming in the next few days too (the creative juices were flowing today!).

Hope you like them - you can see the whole range here: http://photofairytales.co.uk/meaningofname.html

Sarah x

Exclusive discounts for Facebook fans!

2011-08-24T04:38:00.001-07:00

If you haven't already discovered the PhotoFairytales page on Facebook, then head over there now and "like" the page quick! I'll be running exclusive discounts and special offers for all my fans on there over the coming weeks, and there's one on there right now (but be quick, it only lasts until midnight this Friday!).

Currently on offer is a fantastic 15% discount on all personalised canvas prints - that means that you could order an 8x8" canvas for just £12.75 including UK postage. What a bargain!

For details just go to www.facebook.com/photofairytales and "like" the page - then you'll see details of this special offer posted on the wall.

Sarah x

The Art of Buying a great Wedding Gift

2011-08-12T04:28:00.000-07:00

Well, wedding season is well and truly here. Which means one thing for the rest of us - gift buying! And that can be sooo hard sometimes. Most couples have either spent time living together before tying the knot, or have already established a home before even getting together. The traditional, practical sort of gifts are often simply not needed. The days of buying a toaster or a set of towels are pretty much over.

Unless the couple have a pre-prepared gift list, this can leave you with something of a nightmare buying situation! What to buy the couple who has everything? Wouldn’t it be great to find a gift that has a personal meaning behind it for the couple? Well, one way to do this is with a personalised gift which is special to the wedding couple. There seems to be a lot to choose from, but when you get right down to it, do you really think the couple would want a silver cake slice or a glass wine decanter with their names on it? Don’t leave taste behind when you go shopping! And it can be even harder if you don’t know the couple particularly well, or have a budget to work to.

The average spend on wedding gifts in the UK in the past year is just under a whopping £50 (that’s gone down by the way, a couple of years ago it was just under £80!). And when you factor in the cost of attending the actual wedding the costs can rocket. Considerations such at travel, childcare, clothing, spending money during the reception (and possibly the hen or stag night before hand!) all mount up. You don’t want to appear stingy, but in the current recession, cash-strapped guests can struggle to find a gift that fits within their budget.

So I’ll let you into a little trick if you’re heading to a wedding this summer: think of a gift that is something totally different and harder to put a price on. Perhaps you could offer your services to the couple as a wedding gift: decorate a room in their house while they are on honeymoon, organise a coming-home party when they arrive back, offer to help with their plans for the garden during the coming summer? Time to put your thinking cap on and think outside the box. Give yourself plenty of time too - rushing out to the high street to buy a gift at the last minute is a sure way of spending more than you wanted to.

Of course, you could always head over to PhotoFairytales too - you’ll find some amazing and totally unique wedding gifts there that won’t break the bank! All with free UK delivery (I’ll even post it direct to the couple if you like) and nothing over £30 - and it will be a gift the wedding couple will hopefully treasure throughout their lives together. (Plus, you don’t have to think about whether they would prefer the blue towels or the green. What colour was their bathroom again…??)

Sarah x

I really need your help!

2011-08-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

With the new website now finished, I feel as if PhotoFairytales has been given a new lease of life - a bit like coming out of the changing room realising you're a size smaller than you thought!

As all my regular customers know, feedback is a wonderful thing. With every single order I receive, I always strive to offer not only a great product but also great service. I know that shopping online can be a daunting prospect: you can't pick up and touch the product, you have natural concerns about the company you're buying from, etc. That's why I think it's so important to look after my customers and make them feel happy about shopping with me. And that's why I wanted to relaunch the website to give you all a much nicer environment in which to shop too! I might not be able to offer you a glass of wine or a cup of coffee while you're "walking" around my shop, but I can make sure it looks clean, attractive, presentable and is easy to walk around. If you see what I mean!

And this is where I need you're help..! I'm really excited to let you know that PhotoFairytales is part of the Website of the Year Award 2011. But I really need your support, because I'm up against the big guys! If you can spare a moment to help me it would be fantastic if you can just click here and just leave a sentence about why you think the PhotoFairytales site should win. It will take you just one minute, and will mean the world to me.

Thank you for your continued support... (and I do mean that, whether you vote or note!)

Sarah x

For a gift less ordinary...

2011-08-02T02:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can now purchase many PhotoFairytales items at Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous?

If you haven’t discovered this site yet, it’s a great online gift shop packed full of unique gifts designed and created by British designer-makers and artisans. You can browse by gift category, and also view each supplier’s own shop and check out the range of items they have on offer. Many of the supplier’s offer free postage and packing too (including PhotoFairytales of course!), and many items are also exclusive to the site and can’t be found anywhere else.

You can sign up to the newsletter too, and receive updates with new products and special offers direct to your inbox.

Here are some of my personal favourites:

Wooden Heart Napkin Holder, £8.50 (Beth & Ellie Interiors)
Two pint 'Chicken' jug, £21.99 (Dawn Critchley Designs)
Personalised house cushion, £36 (Linterior Design)
Stamped Silver Word Ring - Laugh, £42 (Dream of Silver)
Personalised Wedding word tag favours, £6 for four (Emma Learoyd Textiles)

You can find the PhotoFairytales shop front by clicking here. I hope you enjoy having a browse and discovering something new!

Sarah x

All new at PhotoFairytales...

2011-08-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

So, have you been over to take a look at the new PhotoFairytales website yet? What do you mean "no"!! I'd love you to head over and have a good poke around - the site has had a total makeover and I think it looks a lot fresher. You should find it easier to navigate and faster to load too - which is no bad thing, considering the quantity of images on there!

And the site has become even bigger too - with lots of new things to see. The biggest seller has always been my Fantasy Portraits, and I've added a whole new gallery for you: the Fairytale Collection. Inspired by classic fairy stories and traditional tales, I've no doubt that this will prove popular - especially for children. I'll be adding to the collection over the coming months, so do please check back and see what's new.

In addition to the new Portrait designs, there are lots of other new things to see - just click here to take a look at all the new additions.

I really hope you like the new designs and products, and would love to hear your thoughts on the website too so do please leave your comments...

Sarah x

Holidays in 70's... those were the days!

2011-07-25T05:58:00.001-07:00

Yes, that is me on the donkey (aged about 7 or 8 I think) - and yes, I feel sorry for him/her too!

Living near the Norfolk seaside, we're surrounded pretty much all the time with the typical British holiday scene: beaches and donkey rides, ice cream and donuts, "kiss me quick" hats and fish & chips on the pier. Whilst its great to see the bustle of holiday makers in the area at the moment (usually sitting on the beach wrapped in coats), I have to confess I prefer the out of season seaside resort. When you get to be the only nutter sitting on a bench on the prom eating chips while the wind blows all your vinegar off!

Now that Amy has just started her school holidays, its definitely got me into the holiday mood though. My childhood holidays were usually spent in motor caravans, touring the English countryside. We would camp where the mood took us, even on the beach at times. I still can't drive past a good, big lay-by on the side of the road without thinking "good place for the night"! Because we were usually in the middle of nowhere, the nights were usually pitch black - very thrilling for a Surrey townie like me. I seem to remember we all pretty much went to bed at the same time (not much else to do when it got dark!), and as a family we'd lie in our sleeping bags singing silly songs. My mum would recite that fantastic monologue by Stanley Holloway, "The Lion and Albert", then we'd all round it off with a blast of:

"Chips and Fish, Chips and Fish,

Eeh bah gum, it's a champion dish!"

There were other verses which have escaped my memory but that's probably because we'd all end up in fits of giggles before we got to the end of them. Aahhh, simpler times...!

This little ditty was the inspiration behind four new canvas designs I've just added to the website today - all designed to keep you in the seaside holiday mood, no matter what the time of year. Hope you like them! Simple, typographic designs in a choice of blue and white, or sand/navy and white, I think they are stylish but a bit of fun for your home too. You can find them in the "For Him" and "For Her" sections of the canvas gallery:

Kiss Me Quick
Sand Dunes
Beside the Seaside
Chips & Fish

Now, if anyone does know the rest of that song, do let me know!

Sarah x

Beware: the Summer Holidays Cometh....

2011-07-20T01:59:00.000-07:00

Any working mum will be feeling a mixed bag of emotions now that the summer holidays are just around the corner. Or is it just me that always ends up feeling like a pair of scales: the need to get on and do your job on one side - the guilt for not spending enough time with your child when they're on holiday, on the other? Surely it can't just be me - tell me I'm not alone!

It's around this time that I feel I should be spending the sunny summer days (yes, I know, but surely there should be a couple of those during the school holidays, right?) having picnics and planning get togethers with other parents and their children. Days out at the seaside, trips to the park, baking cakes in my sparkling kitchen with my child at my side sweetly icing lopsided cupcakes.... yeah, it's not really going to happen is it? The reality is that I'll probably be praying for decent weather so that she can play out with her friends while I sit hunched over my desk drilling my way through the day's work. Oh, I'm such a bad mother...

Or am I? I know that by working I can contribute to the family finances, my daughter is getting a little bit of independence and can amuse herself without me constantly hovering (or hoovering!), and I'm hopefully being a good role model for her too. So it's not all bad...

So why do I feel guilty much of the time too? I do think us women can be so hard on ourselves, perhaps as a backlash to the years of us being domestic housewives who raised children and "kept house". Along came liberated, emancipated, 20th Century Women and we wanted it all: children, lovely home, career. As a consequence, I do think that working mums still feel a dollop of guilt - let's face it, it was only a few years ago that women were forced to leave their jobs when they became engaged. The marriage bar was common place during the time our own mothers and grandmothers were working, especially in the civil service, the police force and banking industry. As late as 1972, women who worked in the Foreign Office had to leave when they got engaged! So, given that, it's not really surprising that we still have a little bit of ingrained guilt when we become working mothers ourselves is it, even a generation or two on?

So, don't beat yourself up if you're working during the summer holidays. And if you work at home, just bite your lip when you get this (because you probably will):

"I bet you're looking forward to the holidays aren't you - no more having to get up in the mornings, eh?"
"How are you going to be spending the school holidays then? Anything planned?"
"It's all right for some: being at home all day with the sun shining!"
"Summer holidays are so boring aren't they? Shall we come round and spend the day at yours, then the kids can play while we have a natter..."

Stay calm, smile sweetly, and just remind them "I'm working" - the penny will drop eventually!

Happy holidays all,

Sarah

PS: The lady in the photo is wearing a ring on her left hand - so I guess a good caption would be "...and here's your P45 Muriel - now you can enjoy those long summer holidays, lucky girl!"

Where has PhotoFairytales gone..?

2011-07-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

There is a chance that you may notice the website is down during the next 72 hours. This is while the email issue is being sorted out, and the domain transfer is taking place. Don't worry, it won't be for long and it will be back very soon! Thanks so much to everyone for their patience - if you have any questions you can reach me via the PhotoFairytales page on Facebook, or by leaving a comment below.

All the best,

Sarah

Filth! Utter filth....

2011-07-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the dust in here? It's been so long since I last ventured onto this blog that I'm almost embarrassed to show my face! This blog needs a darn good clean and tidy - so I've given it a spruce up: hope you like it!

The last few weeks have been a bit epic in PhotoFairytales world - I've been burning the candle at both ends working on a completely new look for the site. New logo, new designs, new products, you name it! The site now has a much brighter and cleaner feel to it, and hopefully you'll find it easier to navigate and faster to load too.

I'm having some technical issues with my email address however, so at the time of writing I'm pretty much without any email at all. If you need to contact me, or have a query about an order, the surest way of getting hold of me during the next couple of days will be via the PhotoFairytales page on Facebook. So, although the new site is "live" and it hasn't been properly launched until I've managed to sort the problem out. But in the meantime, if you're not a member of my mailing list or a fan of the Facebook page, I suggest you get joined up to both pretty sharpish: I'm going to be announcing some exclusive offers on both very soon to celebrate the new site!

Join the mailing list by clicking here, and visit the Facebook page here.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the new site, let me know what you think - really hope you like it!

All the best, Sarah

Letters from Santa - now on sale!

2010-10-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Last night I added the latest new listing on PhotoFairytales: Personalised Letters from Santa!

These sold very quickly last year, and I'm hoping the same will happen again - especially as I'm going to be making a donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK for every letter sold.

The letters are packed with loads of detail about your child, making it a really magical little treat in the run up to Christmas. Your child will know for sure that Father Christmas is real: how else would he know so much about them?! The letters are printed on parchment style paper and are handsigned by Santa himself - and there's more...!

Not only will they receive a wonderful letter, but also enclosed in the big jolly red envelope will be a personalised quality card certificate to reward them for their "nice" behaviour. Plus there are four lovely little craft gifts that will keep them busy during the exciting lead up to Christmas. And its all finished off with a touch of genuine North Pole sequins plus a North Pole label on the envelope!

The letters only cost £5.50 which includes UK delivery - and for every letter sold I will donate 27p to Make-A-Wish on your behalf. You can find full details, or place an order, by clicking here. Be quick if you want to place an order as the letter are only being sold in limited numbers and they all sold out last year!

Best wishes, Sarah

NEW TODAY: spoof blue heritage plaques

2010-10-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

I've just added yet another new range to PhotoFairytales - one that is sure to be a hit for Christmas!

These spoof blue heritage plaques are designed to look just like the iconic blue plaques placed on the houses of the famous and historical. Now you can get your own version, with these quality acrylic plaques created with your own wording.

Make your neighbours curious, and give a loved one the recognition and honour their achievments (and reputation) deserve!

Only £16, which includes free UK delivery.

You must know someone who'd like one of these for Christmas!

Sarah x

Follow these Facebook pages for great offers!!!

2010-10-18T03:20:00.000-07:00

I've got some sneaky insider information for you on some forthcoming discounts for five online retailers...shh, don't tell anyone...well, actually no: do tell everyone you know because I'm sure they'll appreciate being told too!!

The following five websites all have pages on Facebook, and next week (from October 25th) they are going to be announcing some fabulous exclusive discount codes and freebies to their fans. If you don't follow them already, do get following them now and suggest the pages to your Facebook friends too so that they can find out about these amazing offers.

Remember, if you're not following you won't find out about these offers:

Best Baby Shower
Got a baby shower to host or a baby gift to buy? Join us on Facebook where we will be making an exclusive £5 discount offer to all UK fans on 25th October.

Menus 4 Mums
To show our appreciation to our Facebook fans we'd like to offer you 4 free easy recipe cards for cakes children love. Look for the update we'll be sending to our fans with details of how to claim your cards.

Lila's Party
Whether you are organising a childs party next week or next year, win ALL your party essentials in our competition - exclusive only to our UK Facebook fans. Join our page now to be included in the prize draw starting 25th October.

Ebabee
We're going to be announcing details about a special sale with a chance to buy some uber-cool baby and toddler stuff - and even postage will be free!

Ohana Moments
An exclusive offer will be announced to all our Facebook fans next week: 15% off and free delivery! Join our Facebook page now to find out further details next week...

PhotoFairytales
Get following PhotoFairytales on Facebook now because next week all fans will be offered a fabulous Buy One Get One Free discount code. Plus, once the page reaches 500 fans there will a prize giveaway worth £15, plus runner up prizes!

So just click on the links to these pages and make sure you're following them all!

Sarah x

This is for all you business owners out there!

2010-10-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this great article - if you run your own online business its well worth a read: 101 Ways to Make More Sales Online, by Sonia Simone

Like many of you I'm sure, I've seen these kind of lists before and frankly they all tend to state the bleeding obvious. But this is a list of 101 practical ideas and thoughts that I hope you will find useful for your own website.

The idea behind the list is how to convert site visitors into buyers - that old conundrum! I hope you get something from it - make a cuppa, grab a biscuit, and have a read...

(Do please leave a comment and let me know what you think.)

Best wishes

Sarah x

Halloween - I need some help!

2010-09-23T03:34:00.000-07:00

On the 31st October 2009 I made a very rash promise: to throw a Halloween Party for Amy. It was designed to be a bit of a pay-off. You see, she wanted to go Trick or Treating and I (being a tad over protective maybe?) didn't want her to. I felt like a total party pooper, so found myself suggesting that next year we would have a party instead....

So, in just over a month I guess we'll be having a party then....now, how on earth do I entertain a group of 6/7/8 year olds with the right level of scariness? What games could they play I wonder? (I've thought of apple bobbing, but got a bit stuck after that!). Are they old enough for a torchlit scary story session or will they just end up too scared to sleep that night?!

I've got some great ideas for designing a Halloween Party invitation, I know I can do some fun food and decorations but it seems getting the pitch right for the entertainment part is going to be trickier than I thought! Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated, so do please leave a comment for me...

Sarah x

I'm running a business, not a hobby!

2010-09-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

About 8 weeks ago I had a brief online chat with the lovely Nicole from Kenzo Crafts. Basically, we were both bemoaning the fact that when you work from home or run your own business, somehow it never gets taken all that seriously.... People (quite nice, intelligent people usually!), make comments about your work as your "little thing", or refer to it as "your hobby".

We were holding this conversation on Facebook, and so (never one not to seize a moment!), within 5 minutes I'd created a new page: "I'm running a business, not a hobby!". No, I know it's not catchy - but at least it gets to the point!

Just 8 weeks later and there are now over 200 fans of this page - all of them equally frustrated that so many people simply think they are working purely to fill in their spare time. And some of these are mothers to young children, run households, AND run their own business! The page is just growing organically with new people joining every week - and the message from everyone is the same. Just take a look at some of the comments on there!

So why is it that people who run small businesses and/or work from home don't get taken seriously? It is quite odd, especially when you consider most of us work much longer than the average full-time 40 hour working week. And that many of those hours are either at the crack of dawn, or late at night when other workers are either tucked up asleep or watching telly.

A huge number of women decide to run their own business as a route back to work after babies. I know that's one of the reasons why I set up PhotoFairytales. It means we can juggle work and homelife in a way that probably wouldn't happen if we were employees. Society is always discussing how to best allow parents the flexibility to hold down a career and look after children - and in the meantime while these discussions are taking place, many women are just getting on with it: setting up their business, making it a success, looking after their home and family. But just because those hours of work are from home and are split up over the day, it seems there is a blur between "working from home" and just "being at home all day".

So, lets get one thing straight: people who work from home and run their own business often work longer and harder hours than the standard employee. We are totally committed to the business we run - not only do we want it to be a commercial success, we want it to be a personal success too. We are creative people who take on many, many roles: book keeper, marketing manager, website developer, customer service officer, administrator, technical support, purchaser, business developer, office cleaner, tea trolley operator... I could go on!

If you're one of those who works from home too and gets frustrated from time to time, head on over to the "Business, Not Hobby" page on Facebook and have your say. You'll feel so much better afterwards and you'll be in good company!

Now, get back to work slacker!

Sarah x

NEW RANGE: "Personality" Canvas Prints!

2010-09-16T01:48:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to show you the new range of box canvas prints I've introduced to the website this week...

Featuring your photo and choice of up to around 14 key words and dates, these are a truly personal gift or keepsake for your loved one. They are available in a choice of sizes: 8"x8" slimline canvas, and 10"x10" deeper canvas. Prices start at just £18 and that includes free UK delivery.

The prints come complete with a wire hanger on the back, and delivery is approximately 6 working days.

Hope you like them!
Sarah x

Free ride on an Elephant!

2010-09-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie - I'm offering a freebie on Twitter tomorrow, so if you don't follow me already you can find me here: www.twitter.com/photofairytales

I'm not giving anymore details just yet, but all I'll say is there is an elephant involved so if you know any animal lovers make sure you're on Twitter tomorrow!

Sarah x

Is PhotoFairytales "Website of the Year"..?

2010-09-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

What do you think of the PhotoFairytales website? If you think it's good enough to win the "Website of the Year" award, I'd love it if you could please spare just one or two minutes (honestly, no more!) to tell the judges why you like it...

The Good Web Guide started the award last year, aiming it specifically at small businesses. It provides businesses like PhotoFairytales an excellent way to gain recognition (and there are some great prizes on offer too!). My site has been entered into the competition, and if you can take a moment of your day to enter your support to my website I would be so grateful. Simply follow this link for details.

Sites are judged and assessed in areas such as design, originality, content, and ease of use. I'm keeping my fingers crossed (and my legs, eyes and toes for good measure!).

Thanks for your support, Sarah x

Loads of discounts on Baby items!

2010-08-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

I'm a member of a great networking site for women who run their own businesses (www.mumsclub.co.uk). Since joining, I've made some great contacts and got to know loads of lovely ladies who, like me, run their own business: some online, some on the high street. The members represent a huge range: from the one-woman business, to the multi-staffed long established company.

Earlier this year myself and a small group of other members got together and produced a little leaflet offering discounts and special offer codes. It was such a success, that we decided to do it again - but this time even bigger! We have produced a glossy brochure which is going to be distributed up and down the country this Autumn at major Mother, Baby & Toddler events.

The brochure is packed with a big range of discounts on items that every new mum or mum-to-be could possibly want: from pushchairs to nappies, from gifts to nursery furniture, from christening gowns and keepsakes to maternity bras!

Even if you're not going to be attending any of the Baby Events later this year, you can still get a look at the brochure (and of course use the discounts too!). Just click on the image above or here for more details. And if you know anyone with a new baby (or one on the way), do let them know about this great book of money off deals.

Best wishes, Sarah

Should adults act more like children..?

2010-07-20T01:03:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this little moment I had at the start of my day today:

I had just dropped Amy off at school, and Freddy Dog and I were walking home. A little girl and her mummy were walking towards us on the opposite side of the road when the little girl suddenly called out "hello" and waved to us. I called out "hello" back and she said "I've got on a dress!".

"Yes", I said "and you look beautiful."

"So do you!" was the reply - wasn't that lovely? Never seen her before in my life, but we both swapped spontaneous compliments that made us both grin at one another. What a shame as adults we don't just approach strangers and tell them we like their hat, or ask them to admire our new shoes! Imagine that world!!

Of course, on the other side, it could also be a world where we occasionally point blank tell friends that are getting on our nerves that we don't want to talk to them today - or we point at someone fat and say loudly "look, they're fat!" - or we go round to a friends' house and proclaim that it "smells funny" and then ask for a biscuit...

So perhaps its just as well we grow out of it after all.

Sarah x

Holidays are coming, holidays are coming..!

2010-07-19T02:35:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be taking a break at the end of August. I feel a combination of joy at typing those words - and worry that I'll get withdrawal symptoms! Oh dear, does that make me a workaholic I wonder?!

No, I think it's just that I love what I do. I read once that if you can find a job you love you need never work again. And it's true - I don't think I have ever started a working day not wanting to. True, sometimes it can be hard to juggle life as a mum with home life and work life, but that's all about the number of hours in a day not about work frustration!

Anyway, I'm going to take a couple of weeks off, and I'm going to try very hard not to think about work - although I'll probably come back fired up with new ideas for new products and thinking about what will be coming up for Christmas (not that long now!!).

I can take orders up until August 12th and will be back to normal on August 31st. You are welcome to submit orders during this time, but please be aware that you won’t get acknowledgement of them (and work won’t begin on them) until my return. Please note that there will also be a longer delivery time during that first week while I get on top of the backlog. I will be able to give you an idea of time when I return and have an idea of how many orders I need to deal with, but I would estimate that delivery times will probably be extended by at least 3-4 days. Or of course, you could get your orders in quickly now and get them done before I go!!

Now, time to start thinking about where we'll actually be going.....!!!

Sarah x

NEW ON SITE! Personalised Baby Board Books

2010-07-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

I've been busy today adding another totally brand new range to PhotoFairytales. I'm so excited about these, I think they are a great idea for new parents, babies, toddlers and littlies...!

I now sell beautiful sturdy little board books for babies. But not any board books - these are totally personalised. They feature your own photos, your own words - you can even give your own title to the book! There are four gorgeous themes to choose from, and I think to be honest you'll find it hard to choose because they are all rather lovely! And get this - they start at only £10 including free UK delivery. How amazing is that! Each book is created individually to order just for you. They carry the CE regulation mark, and you can choose from two sizes. You can even choose to have a buggy strap added to the book so your little one can read in the pushchair.

These are not only a great present for christenings, births and birthdays, but are a perfect keepsake to cherish. I hope you like them - let me know what you think!

Best wishes, Sarah x

Announce the arrival of your baby in style!

2010-07-08T02:42:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let you know about the huge new range of birth announcement cards that I've just added to the site. They are all my own designs, and are available in both classic or contemporary styles, and photo or non-photo designs.

The cards are a lovely generous A5 size and are professionally printed on quality card. They are available in three different finishes: as a folded greeting card or flat card style (both with envelopes), or as a flat postcard style. They are totally personalised and individually created just for you - so much nicer than the mass produced paper style invitations you buy in the shops - and no need to sit and write the details on each one either (who has time to do that when there is a new born baby in the house?!). The designs are so lovely you could also keep a spare copy and frame it for the baby's nursery.

All the designs would work beautifully as personalised christening invitations or 1st birthday invitations too. They can easily be adapted to your own specifications - so if you're looking for something tricky like a birth announcement for twins or triplets, for example, these are ideal.

The cards are available in packs of 25 or 50 and prices start from as low as 84p per card, including FREE UK delivery (overseas orders are very welcome too).

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: To celebrate the launch of the new range I'd love to offer you a 15% discount on announcement orders until the end of August 2010. Simply quote order code: BL1508. (Sorry, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.) To view the designs and for further details just click here: PhotoFairytales Personalised Birth Announcements

I do hope you like them - let me know what you think!

Best wishes, Sarah x

RIGHT! I've got something to say about this Blog!

2010-06-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader

Well, I think it's about time a little sense was shown on this so-called "blog" - there's been far too much about dogs and hair, and I'm here to stand up for all the cats in the world to say: "We need more cats on the internet!".

Honestly, you'd think a dog had never had a hair cut before - on and on he goes, "have you noticed my hair?", "does my hair look nice?", "do you think I still look like me?", blah blah blah. Well, I've had it up to here (pointing to collar) - so you've had your hair cut, now get over it!!

Everyone's out to get us cats - even the fish. So you think harping on about dogs is interesting. Well it's not - now, I've made my point, time for a little lay down.... enjoy the video (I didn't).

Love Bella Cat ....zzzzzzz

PS: Yes I am sticking out my tongue, yes it is rude, and no I'm not sorry so there

In which Freddy has a close shave...

2010-06-15T03:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a bad hair day? A truly, truly bad hair day? I guess you probably have at some point or another, so to make you feel a little better I thought I'd share the adventure Freddy had this weekend...

He has just celebrated his 1st birthday, and frankly, things had got a bit out of hand in the hair department. If Mr Dyson had invented a hoover with hands, my hoover would have been gripping the doorframe of the cupboard everytime I tried to drag it out and vacuum the carpet - screaming, "Please! No more fur! I just can't take it. It's the fifth time today!!!"

In the first year of his life Freddy has got through 4 brushes, a de-tangling comb, and a de-matting brush for "excessively hairy dogs" (oh, and he's on his fourth lead, but that's got nothing to do with hair - that's all teeth!). So, this Saturday it was decided that the time had come - poodle parlour here we come....

Now Freddy is a cross between a cumberland spaniel and a standard poodle, so we had no idea really how he should be clipped - poodle pompoms or spaniel short back & sides..? To be honest, the tangles were the decisive factor and so the look this season for summer 2010's fashionable pooches is known as "The Squaddie" (with slight mullet overtones if you have the ears to carry it off).

He is now starting to loose his slightly reproachful stare, but he is wondering why the children at the school gate every day keep asking who he is: "I'm Freddy - style icon and lead chewer. Stroke my tummy and I'll tell you the tale of the time I took a trip to the hairdresser. Trust me kids, it will make your hair stand on end..."

Sarah x

An important message for all mums...

2010-04-29T03:26:00.000-07:00

This is for all mums: mums-to-be, new mums, experienced mums, old mums, working mums, stay-at-home mums, yummy mums and stressed mums...

For always being the one who eats the broken biscuits at the bottom of the tin that nobody else will touch;

For being able to wake up from a deep sleep in the middle of the night to attend to nappies/wet beds/trips to the loo/nightmares/projectile vomiting when everyone else seems unable to;

For always having food in the cupboard, loo roll in the bathroom, and the knowledge to cook a dinner out of nothing;

For carrying on when you sometimes REALLY don't want to;

For teaching your child how to walk, talk, use the potty/toilet, eat with a knife and fork, hold a pen and write, count, learn colours and a million other things;

For sorting out the bills (because you probably do, don't you?);

For remembering X's birthday/anniversary, etc and sending a card - on time;

For feeding the pets every day - and changing their water too;

For doing the school run every day, rain or shine;

For having that magic touch that rubs away pain and kisses tears dry;

For not being too shy to sing and dance in public when it means you can avoid tantrums;

For putting on all the voices when you read the bedtime story;

For checking for nits (and dealing with them if you find them);

For sitting in the park when you really want to be sitting by a pool with a glass of wine;

For being the secret Sock Fairy who can wash, match and put away endless not-quite-identical black or white socks without breaking down;

For making sure the family get their 5 portions a day;

For having an answer at the ready when you are asked where babies come from;

For being the only one who cleans the bathroom properly and knows where dirty washing belongs;

For saying "no" to those high heeled shoes/freakishly expensive trainers even if "all their friends have them";

For having the best cuddles, end of story;

I just want to say "thank you" - because I don't think mums are thanked anywhere near enough. What we do may not necessarily have a £60k salary or a swanky office, but we do an amazing job shaping and nurturing these human beings under our care (even before they are born). It may seem like a grind (and worse some days), but all those big and little things we all do every day keep the world turning and life flowing. Without mums in the world it would be a grim place (not to mention an untidy one with everyone wearing odd socks and never getting anywhere on time!).

I salute you/me!
Sarah x

PS: and if I've missed anything off, please feel free to add it below!

Sneaky Peek at some great Discounts!

2010-04-14T04:08:00.000-07:00

Recently I came up with an idea to join forces with other online retailers to produce a booklet which featured special offers and discounts to customers.

And here it is! I thought you'd like a sneaky peek!

Basically, PhotoFairytales and eight other independent UK online retailers have come together in one little booklet which will be distributed up and down the country during this spring and summer at various mother and baby events. We are offering money off discount codes to all readers.

Whilst many of the retailers offer superb products for parents with young babies and toddlers, even if this doesn't apply to you take a look anyway - there are some fabulous general gift stores there too!

If you would like to take a look, and see the discount codes for yourself, just visit the Special Offers page on my website for details.

Best wishes,

Sarah

" Sexy" - am I being overly sensitive..?

2010-03-12T03:35:00.000-08:00

I'm developing a serious problem with the word "sexy", and I think I'm going to have to vent my spleen here a bit - tell me what you think...

It seems totally acceptable now to use this word in mainstream situations: tv, magazines, etc. Now, I'm not talking about this from the point of view of an adult - I'm talking about it from the point of view of a mum to a 7 year old. Should I be getting upset when she puts on a new top, looks at herself in the mirror, strikes a silly pose and asks "d'ya think I'm seeexy?!". Now, she's doing it in a fun, jokey way - but, it makes me feel so uncomfortable. This word gets bantered around even on children's telly - and don't even get me started on pop videos/singers...

My daughter is clever, smart, funny, beautiful and a fabulous little character - she is NOT sexy.

So, when she asked if I thought she was "seeexy", I just smiled and said, "no sweetheart, you're not, you're my little girl and I love you." But she still wasn't sure if I was being mean or not. And what to say when she turns round (like she did the other day) and asks me what the word means? Well poppet, it means you're sexually attractive to other people...I think not!!!

I don't remember this word being in use when I was a kid. I might sound like a total old prude, but I'm not sure I'm getting upset for no reason am I? I don't even feel comfortable letting her watch pop videos - I'm so sick of seeing women with their bums on show grinding like a lap dancer. And then there's the Playboy range in Argos - Amy loves looking at those pages in the catalogue: they're all PINK! Oh, and it seems that once your child gets past the age 5/6 years clothing sizes, she's suddenly expected to dress like a psuedo teenager in black t-shirts with words like "Bitch" picked out in glitter. You're kidding me right...?

Tell me what you think...

A great keepsake created from your child's artwork!

2010-03-08T02:30:00.000-08:00

When it comes to drawing, creating and painting, Amy is very, very, very prolific! I am treated daily to fabulous creations. Only this weekend she transformed a toilet roll and an empty tissue box into an airplane and hangar. The outer wrapper from the peperami she was munching while cutting and sticking, became the escape shute for the passengers when the plane crashed. (That's "when", not "if"..!)

But she also loves to curl up on the sofa with a tray and her ENORMOUS pencil case (yes, the 7 year old inside me is insanely jealous!), and draw a wonderful picture. Like most mums my fridge is plastered with all this artwork. And it is virtually impossible to throw any of it away of course. So in the seven short years of her life I have managed to fill two memory boxes and a huge folder with her drawings! I adore everything she does, of course, but every now and then she will create something really amazing. Usually a picture with a story - and half the joy is listening to her explaining what is going on in the image.

So - this set me a thinking..... wouldn't it be great to do something with these special pictures? Those hand or foot prints, those pictures of the family at the beach, the self portraits, or the drawing of the house she wants to live in when she's grown up? Having just introduced a range of box canvases, it suddenly struck me how fantastic to be able to create a canvas from a child's masterpiece! It could be a straightforward print of the original picture, or it could have a little message added like the one shown here (if the design allows!).

So if you have a precious painting or drawing why not get it created into a fabulous and totally unique piece of permanent wall art? The printing quality is superb, so it will capture every detail and pencil or paintbrush stroke. You can get it printed as an 8" square slimline canvas for only £12 or a deeper framed 10" square canvas for £25 - and that includes UK delivery.

What a fabulous keepsake or present - parents, grandparents, aunties & uncles would surely love to receive one? Just take a look at http://photofairytales.co.uk/canvasforher.aspx - a great idea for a Father's Day present too perhaps?!

Best wishes, Sarah

Arghhh - Valentine's Day!!!!!

2010-01-28T04:14:00.000-08:00

Does this feel remotely familiar?..: You've been together for a while now and Valentine's Day is approaching. You take a look around the shops and are confronted with a range of items that are "sexy" (shudder) or "cute" (blurgh).

You've been through the edible knickers and penis-shaped pasta stage - and come out the other side. You don't want to give houseroom to something that is fluffy and red and, quite frankly, naff. You can't afford Tiffany's. You did the 'chocolate heart with their name on' from Thorntons last year - and possibly the year before that...

Hard isn't it? How do you find a present for the person you love (and who only this morning was squeezing a spot in the bathroom), that sums up what you feel?

Well, I might not have hit the nail on the head for everyone, but hopefully I've managed to come up with some ideas that might help. Take a look at my personalised Valentine's Day gift ideas and hopefully you'll find something that will fit the bill. Oh, and prices start at around £10, so no silly Tiffany-type prices either!

Now, if you could just give me your suggestions on what I can get I'd appreciate it (seems not quite right to give him something from my own website!)...

Sarah x

Let them eat snow...!

2010-01-19T00:17:00.000-08:00

"So, Freddy - have you been eating the snow?"

"Me? No..."

"Are you sure - because it looks as if you might have been...?"

"No, no, not eating snow, no, not me."

"Did you eat any yellow snow?"

"I don't think so, erm...... let's run!!"

A new decade begins...!

2010-01-18T03:25:00.000-08:00

Where do the hours go every day? No, I'm serious, where exactly do they go? I can't believe we are now more than half way through January already!

Christmas in our household was snowy and perfect - by Christmas Eve I had so much food (and a worktop covered, it seemed, in cakes of all variations: Yule Log, Mince Pies, Christmas Cake, Stollen, etc) that I wondered whether we would get through it all. But - er, well - we did! Then just four days later we added another cake to the dwindling collection - a birthday cake for Amy to celebrate her 7th birthday. My little girl is seven!!!! Now that really does leave me wondering where time goes, and how it moves so quickly. It seems like only a year or two ago that we were taking her to playgroup and asking her to say the word "flower" ("ferwah") just because she sounded so cute!

Towards the end of last year I started work on a new item for PhotoFairytales - once again inspired by Amy Rose. After she lost her first tooth, I wrote a special little letter from the Tooth Fairy for her - just a little thing, hastily put together. But it's something that Amy has always treasured, and when she lost yet another tooth last Autumn it gave me the idea of perhaps adding a Tooth Fairy item to the website.

With such great feedback and lovely responses to my personalised letters from Santa, I decided to work along the same lines - offering a letter packed with details about the child, and with extra gifts and surprises too. And so I am now pleased to announce that the Tooth Fairy letters are now available and on sale - plus, as an introductory offer, if you quote the order code "10BLOG" you can claim a 10% discount on your letter! For more details just click here.

I'm still working on even more new items - so watch this space for more news and offers!

Happy New Year and very best wishes,
Sarah x

(PS: There are versions of the letter available for both boys and girls!)

A Christmas Wish to Everyone!

2009-12-18T03:12:00.000-08:00

Before I take a break for Christmas, I just wanted to say a big thank you to all of you for your custom, support and feedback. It's been an amazing year which has seen PhotoFairytales grow and develop, and I'm really looking forward to 2010.

I'll be back again on January 4th, but before my holidays start I would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year - have a great one!

Very best wishes

Sarah x

Special Offers at PhotoFairytales

2009-11-27T03:28:00.001-08:00

Just a quickie - have you ever visited the Special Offers page on my website? Always worth a peek if you fancy a discount or two!!

Take a look: http://www.photofairytales.co.uk/newsletter.aspx

Best wishes, Sarah

Twitter Discounts & Offers from PhotoFairytales

2009-11-27T03:23:00.000-08:00

I regularly post exclusive discounts, special offers and even freebies through Twitter. If you are on Twitter too, do please follow me for the latest offers. My username is "photofairytales" or you can simply click here to go straight through to my page.

Best wishes, Sarah

Personalised Santa Letter: Amazing Value!!

2009-11-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

I've just added a new range of personalised letters from Santa Claus to the website - these are fantastic value, I'd love you to take a look...

Costing only £3.99 including delivery, they include a lovely letter (created to order, not computer generated) printed on parchment style paper and hand signed by Santa himself. Plus your child will also receive a Certificate with their name on it, also hand signed, a sheet of fun Christmas stickers and a great craft gift to decorate and hang on the tree - all delivered in a jolly big red envelope! For more details please click here.

Best wishes, Sarah x

The Curse of the Multi-tasker!

2009-10-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

Picture the scene: I'm having a relaxing bath trying to unwind my back and chill a bit... I've got my feet raised up on the taps as I've just finished painting my nails (multi-tasking) and I'm reading a great book about how to dominate the world of Google (multi-multi-tasking) - oh, and I have a note pad beside the bath for when I have a genius idea or something I need to remember to do later (that'll be multi-multi-multi-tasking then). Add into the mix the fact that Amy has now bustled in and wants to brush her teeth and I'm telling her not to forget "the ones at the back" and suddenly I don't feel as if I'm all that relaxed really. In fact, I feel like it's now starting to feel damn inconvenient that I'm lying in water and I need to get out and start DOING THINGS...

So, that is my curse: I can't stop mult-tasking. For example, while I'm typing this I keep stopping to check my emails and I'm on Twitter. I've made my computer crash twice this morning because while it was loading something I wanted to use the time it took for me to wait by trying to open two other programmes. I think my computer is a man - he can't multi-task at all!! I shall name him "Keith"...

Is multi-tasking a bad thing? Does it stop me from being able to knuckle down and get things done? Or does it actually mean that I'm squeezing every available minute out of my day, and keeping the massive work/home ball rolling along?

I think it does help me to be more efficient (most of the time), but I don't think it does much for my sanity sometimes. I think I need to write "Daydream more..." on my To Do List.

So, if you find yourself brushing your teeth with one hand and cleaning the sink with the other, whilst mentally planning your day and keeping an eye on the clock - join the club, you are very, very welcome! (Mind you, wasn't it one of the Marks Brothers who said "I don't want to belong to any club that would have me as a member"?!)

And my toes look lovely by the way: I've gone for a dark blue this time...

Sarah x

Sticks & Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails!

2009-09-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

So, the latest news on Freddy (aka "The Fang") is that basically nothing in this world is safe - everything, pretty much, is fair game when it comes to the Freddy Taste Test...

We have discovered that this is a puppy that will eat anything. From Polly Pocket to apples off the tree, from Doggy Twiglets (otherwise known as sticks) to stones - he'll give them all a go. His particular favourite are the special stones he finds in the garden - the ones which are crunchy on the outside, but have a soft and squirty centre. Worked it out yet? OK, his dad was a poodle which I guess makes him half French(ish), so it shouldn't be that much of a surprise that he eats snails really. Yeurgh, but it makes us all shudder - especially when you find discarded ones in the middle of the living room... (Are your toes curling yet?)

He has also discovered the joy of the word "Walkies"! Just mention it to him and he leaps about in excitement. Put his lead on, however, and he immediately lays down on his back with all four legs in the air. It's official - we seem to have one of those dogs that people in the street laugh at - not in an unkind way, you understand, just in a "oh look, that dog is barking at his own reflection in that shop window" kind of way!

But he's loveable, soppy, daft, loyal, soft and fluffy - and I can't remember what it was like not to have him around (OK, if I'm honest I can - it was in the days when my carpets stayed clean all by themselves and the dog food aisle in Tesco was just a shortcut to the tills). And in the words of Emily & Bagpuss: we love him.

Sarah x

Where on earth do I start...!!!!

2009-09-23T03:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been AN AGE since I was last here - just look at those cobwebs! I'm now left with the dilemma that I simply have too much to tell you about - seriously, I have SO MUCH to tell you. I'm going to have to ration myself to one or two a day or this could end up being the longest post in blogging history!

Mother & Baby Mega Giveaway! So, first up, let me tell you about this fantastic giveaway being offered by Monica at My Funny Bunny. This is an awesome freebie, you need to read this! The Giveaway contains over 20 great gifts from contributors such as KnitWits, The Pink Fairy Cake, Rainbow Totz, Peggy's Knits, Baby Not Included, Be-Fabulous, Julie's Booties, Lactivist, Icklebabe - oh, and of course, PhotoFairytales! Find out more by visiting Monica's blog.

Loads of New Stuff at PhotoFairytales! The reason why I've not been here for so long (apart from the summer holidays, of course) is because I've been working like a mad thing getting tons of new things onto the website. There are loads of new designs, including some great ones for Autumn & Halloween, plus an entire page devoted to Christmas. I also now have some lovely Gift Vouchers available, and I now sell really high quality personalised greeting cards so you can turn your finished image into a unique card - take a look! I've also started selling some truly amazing and crazy gift balloons in a box - you've got to see them! Oh, and if you're interested in selling any of my products on your own website, take a look at the brand new Trade Page too. I can supply you on an easy dropship basis, and offer you a trade price.

So, sadly, no I haven't been sunning myself and relaxing. I've actually rubbed just about all the remaining letters clean off my keyboard now - the only ones left are the "z" and the numbers! Still, on the upside, it means at 6 years old Amy can now all but touch type (and as an added bonus I have the fun of watching my husband's look of utter confusion when he borrows my computer - well, he's got his own, so hand's off!).

Love to all,

Sarah x

Alan! Alan! Alan! Alan! Oh, it's not Alan, it's Steve..Steve!

2009-08-12T03:52:00.000-07:00

I just had to add this great clip for you all - enjoy! x

Mum? Mum? Muu-ummm, I'm bored.....

2009-07-22T02:30:00.000-07:00

OK, so, the summer holidays have only just begun and if you - like me - work from home you may be finding things a little (ahem) stressful...

As I type this, I have Amy sitting beside me constructing a castle. Love her, she is trying not to disturb me, but if I have to find the end of the sellotape or "hold this a minute" one more time I may start getting a little frantic!

So, how am I going to cope for 6 and a half more weeks? How are you going to cope? How can a child with a house full of "stuff", a puppy and a garden be bored already? Is being bored actually a good thing for a child once in a while? (Personally, yes I think it is! Without it Amy wouldn't have come up with the idea of making a castle out of cardboard boxes...)

Well, I'm planning on trying to get into a routine of: morning is work, afternoon is Amy time, evening is catch up time. Other than that I'm not really sure how to do this. It's so easy to feel guilty - shouldn't I be taking her out on day trips and picnics? Getting down on the floor and building cushion dens? Making the most of the weather (today is glorious)? I don't know... I guess the most important thing I can do this holiday is not to get stressed out by stuff.

If you have any ideas or tips you can share - or maybe you need to off load a little stress yourself - it would be great to hear from you so do please leave a comment! Right, it's now nearly 11am (so much for my morning of work idea!) and I really need to get on - oh, the castle turret won't stay on, hang on....

Sarah x

I've had an interview!

2009-07-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

I've been lucky enough to get a great feature article by Joycellyn at www.motherswhowork.co.uk take a look, it's at: http://tinyurl.com/lbm2yw I just wish I'd remembered to brush my hair for the photo! Oh well...

Apart from that, I'm having a stressful day today - lovely Freddy (otherwise known as "Fang") has managed to chew through the cable from my external disk drive, meaning I can't get to over half my files today. A lesson learned I guess, yet more things to tidy away when I leave him alone in the room! Apart from that, in the last week he's learnt his name, how to sit, how to fetch, and (almost) how to lay down. Now, if I can just teach him to "drop it" we'll be laughing....

Have a great day, Sarah x

Roller Skating Babies - you have got to see this!

2009-07-14T02:03:00.000-07:00

Meet Freddy!!!

2009-07-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

We've got a new addition to our family: Freddy the Puppy! We picked him up yesterday and he's settled in brilliantly already.

He's 11 weeks old, and a cross between a Cumberland Spaniel and a Poodle - so I guess that makes him a Spoodle - or a Cupoodle - or a Pooniel.... anyway, whatever he is, he's very cute. He is so laid back and soppy, and he loves having his tummy rubbed! He has never been on a lead before, so walking to school this morning with Amy was an interesting experience... We practised a couple of times yesterday, but every time we put his lead on he would lay down and roll over! But this morning he was up and raring to go and we got to school in double quick time - just as well as we got mobbed by Amy's friends all wanting a stroke.

He has finally conked out now and is laying (snoring) at my feet - giving Bella the cat plenty of opportunity to walk past him as closely as she can and stick her tongue out!

I'm sure I will be posting more news of Freddy in the future - something tells me he is going to be a bit of a character....

Sarah x

And the winner is.....

2009-06-30T04:21:00.000-07:00

So, the winner of my July "Tip of the Month" is Gayle at the brilliant http://www.giftelope.com . She entered a great tip about birthday money for children (take a look: http://photofairytales.co.uk/tipsjar.aspx) and won a £5 gift voucher. So if you would like me to be announcing you as the next winner, head on over to my site and see how easy it is to enter!

Sarah x

The Harmonica that broke the Camels' back...

2009-06-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

Firstly, please excuse my grumpy face, but you see it's like this:

OK, so, is it just me or.... DO I SEEM TO BE THE ONLY ONE IN THIS HOUSE THAT PICKS THINGS UP AND PUTS THEM AWAY?! Hhmm? Well? Don't bother to answer, I think I know...

So, this morning I'm doing the usual breakneck routine of trying to get the house sorted before work starts (washing machine, dishwasher, beds made, blah blah), get Amy dressed, fed, teethed & toileted, school-bagged up and walked to school on time - when I suddenly realise that I'm the only one that seems to have this much stress in the morning. Now, that doesn't seem quite right does it? Being (I think anyway) a typical woman I let the annoyance build up until I finally get 2 minutes to go to the loo (tripping en-route over a single black husband-sized shoe in the middle of the hall - what the...?! - and weaving around 3 teddies on the stairs - oh for the love of...!) and there I see my OH's harmonica sitting on the shelf in the bathroom. It's been there for days... I'm looking at this thing thinking, "Why? why is it there?". And so I have to confess I then roared so loud my buttons flew off my chest! Let me tell you, I recommend it!!

Anyway, onto better news.... I have got fairies living at the bottom of my garden AND I've got a 25% discount offer running until the end of June. Now, that's much nicer to hear about isn't it? To find out more, take a look at my Summer Newsletter at http://www.photofairytales.co.uk/newsletter.aspx

Don't forget that I now have loads of new things available on my site too: personalised newspapers that look virtually indistinguishable from the real thing (honestly!), a great new range of official personalised image gifts for Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United - and not only that, but I've also extended my range of photo gifts and I now do loads of new things like aprons, t-shirts, mugs, etc, etc. Remember, I'm more than happy to take on custom orders too so if you can't see anything quite right - or if you have a definite idea about what you're looking for - just let me know and I'll be more than happy to help!

Yours serenely, Sarah

(PS: do you Twitter? Follow me at http://www.twitter.com/photofairytales)

Gene Hunt

2009-06-09T01:08:00.000-07:00

Well, that's about it for this blog posting: Gene Hunt. Yep, not going to say any more except: Gene Hunt. Oh, and the series has ended...Gene Hunt. But hey, they've got to bring it back again soon haven't they? Gene Hunt. What do you think? Gene Hunt......
(Don't worry, I haven't gone mad. Gene Hunt. I'll get back to posting a normal blog soon. Gene Hunt. Just give me a day or two! Gene Hunt...)

Sarah x
(Gene Hunt)

Father's Day Gifts from £5 to less than £30 - bargain!

2009-06-02T02:57:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit quiet in the blogging department for the last few weeks - but I haven't been sitting on the beach (I wish - well, not often anyway), I've been typing away so hard on my computer I've managed to rub off all the letters on my keyboard! Now, whilst that doesn't bother me as I know where most of them are - my husband has been left very confused: "Where's the H gone!!!"....

Anyway, the reason why I've worn dents in the buttons, is because I've been busy adding loads - and I mean LOADS - of new things to the website. There are now lots of new images I've added to the Gallery, plus of course the personalised magazine covers. Now there are also personalised newspapers (which really do look and feel like a genuine paper - you would struggle to tell the difference!), plus some fantastic official FC personalised framed prints available for Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

So, if you're looking for some ideas for Father's Day (June 21st) look no further - I think PhotoFairytales has pretty much got it covered! There is a link on the home page which takes you through to a whole load of ideas for Gifts for Men, and prices start at only £5 too.

TIP OF THE MONTH WINNER: I'm so pleased to announce that this month's winner is Tasha with a great money-saving tip. Take a look:

http://photofairytales.shopping.officelive.com/tipsjar.aspx

Tasha has won a £5 gift voucher - if you would like to take part, the competition is ongoing so get your ideas coming in. Full details can be found by following the link above. Plus, this month, everyone that entered but didn't win also received a 10% discount voucher. So go on, give it a go!

Enjoy the sun, Sarah x

Website: http://www.PhotoFairytales.co.uk

Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/photofairytales

Vote for PhotoFairytales!!

2009-04-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

Really sad news about Clement Freud passing away a few days ago - I loved listening to him on Radio 4's "Just a Minute". I remember him being interviewed some years ago and the interviewer asking him if he had any regrets about leaving politics. "Yes," he replied, "that I didn't steal more envelopes before I went."!

Click on this link to see one of his classic dog food ads (they don't make them like that anymore!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmiwNxuRJbA

If you have one or two seconds to spare (I promise it won't take more!) could you please vote for me on the Twibs.com site? Just click on the link here: http://www.twibs.com/business.php?business=photofairytales

I received more lovely feedback from customers this week: http://photofairytales.shopping.officelive.com/feedback.aspx

My customers are such lovely people!

Take care, Sarah x

Freebies, £5 Vouchers and Chocolate

2009-04-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

So, the Easter holidays are over - they seemed to just fly by! We had great fun setting up an Easter Egg Hunt for Amy, with her tearing around the house and garden tracking down clues (oh, and a few moments while she mistakenly tried to find her way into next door's car because she misread one of the clues! - "No, the clue said look for a 'blue' car, not a 'black' car - yes, I know that one is closer but trust me - it doesn't have any eggs inside... oh, OK, there goes the alarm - quick leg it!").

And once again, NO EASTER EGG FOR ME.... I actually asked my husband why I haven't had an Easter Egg for the last 3 years: his reply? "Do you know, I don't know?" Yes, I do indeed know: BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T GO TO THE SHOP TO BUY WE ONE!!! I made him share his Toblerone one though...

The deadline has now passed for entries into May's "Tip of the Month" - the lucky winner will receive a £5 gift voucher. The competition is on-going though, so you can enter any time: get your ideas coming in now for June. I've had some really interesting ideas, so it's going to be a tough call, but the winning entry will be posted on the website by May 1st.

Have you (or a friend/member of the family) been to wedding in the last couple of years or so? I'm working on a new range of wedding images, and looking for anyone who would like a free image created from one of their wedding photos in return for allowing me to use the finished image on the website and in publicity material. If you think you may be interested - or know someone else who might be - just visit the website (www.PhotoFairytales.co.uk) and use the "Contact Me" form to ask for more details. I need photos of brides, grooms and bridesmaids. Pass the word around - it's completely free and worth at least £10!

I've just started selling some of my images via the MISI website: I can be found at http://www.photofairytales.misi.co.uk/

Oh, and I have a new logo - what do you think?!

Take care, enjoy the sunshine

Sarah x

Earn a £5 gift voucher AND have some publicity..!

2009-04-02T03:26:00.000-07:00

I've been getting some great tips entered for next months' Tip of the Month: keep your ideas coming! I'm going to give a £5 gift voucher to the winning entry too - you've nothing to lose, so send in your idea now! Just click here for details: Tip of the Month

Amy came home last night with the most fabulous self portrait, and I just have to share it with you... the child is practically a genius, lol !

Last day today before the school breaks up for Easter, so I'm frantically trying to catch up on bits today. And where has the sun gone? Are we going to get a decent bit of sun over the holidays I wonder? Hope so - today's foggy damp + walk to school = mad curly hair! (I know, I know, I should embrace the curls, but they just aren't the right kind of curls - if that makes any sense?!).

Right, off for a quick Twitter then back to the grindstone...

Take care
Sarah x

Send me your Tips and get featured!

2009-03-31T02:27:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a photo of my lovely Amy, who has not only just been transformed with a new hairstyle, but has also lost her two front teeth - coupled with her nose freckles I think she looks gorgeous! (I know, I know, I'm biased... but she is, so there!)

I've just added a brand new page to my site: Tip of the Month

The idea is that I want people to send in their tips and ideas, and every month I will choose the best one and add it to the site. Take a look now for more details and see if you can come up with a tip for May!
http://photofairytales.shopping.officelive.com/tipsjar.aspx

Have a good day
Sarah x

Follow me on Twitter...

2009-03-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

If you are on Twitter (or fancy joining in), you can follow me at: http://www.twitter.com/photofairytales

Sarah x

Two Great Causes - please lend your support!

2009-03-30T02:50:00.000-07:00

Two of my friends are entering this year's Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research - please take a look at their pages:

Natalie Hickey who runs Precious Parcels has her official page here:
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/preciousparcels

And, Clare Carter's official fundraising page is here:
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/clarecarter79

Well done, lovelies and good luck!
Sarah x

Half Price Goodies!

2009-03-27T02:19:00.000-07:00

I have updated the Newsletter page on my site, and I'm running a half price offer until the end of April - check it out: http://photofairytales.shopping.officelive.com/newsletter.aspx

Another gorgeous day - only slightly clouded by the fact that I left the house in such a strop this morning that poor Amy's feet barely touched the ground on the way into school! All I'm saying is "DVLA" and I'm leaving it at that.....!

I have also started twittering - so follow me, follow me, down to hollow: http://www.twitter.com/photofairytales

Right, back to the workhouse!

Take care, Sarah x

Finally!!!

2009-03-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

OK, so it's taken me a bit of a while to get myself sorted with the whole "blogging" thing! I have a large notepad that I keep beside me so that every time I think of something I need to do I can jot it down - and "DO A BLOG!" has been featuring on pretty much every page for the last 2 months!

I've spent the last couple of weeks revamping my website and making it look (hopefully) a whole lot clearer and better laid out. Over the last 3 or 4 months it had got a bit, well, shall we say scrappy? As I kept adding bits, it kept getting more and more messy. When I introduced my range of fake magazine covers and started loading them onto the site, I decided I needed to set aside some time to sort it all out properly. It's pretty much there now, so no more growling and snarling at the computer for me (for a while anyway...)!

So - now I've got blogging ticked off on my To Do List, all I need to do now is put "WRITE IN YOUR BLOG" on the list...!

Sarah x