Friday, 10 May 2013

Onwards and Upwards...

... thank you for joining me on Jennifer's blog hop as part of her 'Onwards and Upwards' weekend  -  you should have arrived here via Jacky. I was so pleased to be asked to be a part of the weekend, and Jennifer is offering a prize which you can find out about at the bottom of this post.


The theme for the weekend is inspired by Jennifer's word of the year 'Progress'. 'Onwards and Upwards', however, is about more than that though - hopes and dreams, resolutions and goals, trying new things or finding direction.

At first I was going to write a post about my weight loss over the last few years, but when I thought about it  more my transition from stay at home mum to working mum is more prevalent in my mind. This has meant lots of things over the last few months - giving the girls more independence (walking to school on their own), new confidence, learning new skills and a new working wardrobe.

I actually went back to work about 6 years ago starting with just about 10 hours a week, progressing from administrator to manager, but all working from home. The New Year saw a change in role to Finance Administration Manager and it now feels more like I have a 'proper' job! Still part-time (20 hours) although it often feels like full-time. I also now travel into the office at least once a week, which is where I've also seen changes in me.

The office started life with just the tech boys in it, other employees were generally working from home mums and therefore the dress code has been quite casual. More office workers have joined over the years, and although  it is still pretty casual  I'm finding that I want to make a bit more effort when I visit (plus now that I'm lighter I can enjoy different clothes to when I worked before having the girls.) So, along with the jeans, I have bought a couple of dresses and even wear high heels at times!!

Presenting casual Fay (looking pained in the sunlight!!!)



to Smart Fay!

And of course a layout to record the story (with added sparkle in honour of Jennifer).



The giveaway ....

If you comment on all the blogs in the hop, finishing at www.jennifercreates.com to let Jennifer know you've been all the way round, then you'll be in with a chance to win a prize pack of cheerful Glitz Designs Color Me Happy and Simple Stories 24/7 worth over £25! All entries must be received by Monday 13th May at 10.59pm BST.



So your next stop is Daphne.


29 comments:

JO SOWERBY said...

Well I think Fay looks gorgeous either style but I have to say smart Fay is like she's rocking it. I love this layout and the photos are brilliant. Keep up the gr8 style ,
Jo xxx

furrypig said...

another wonderful page that I will have to scraplift!! Loving your looks and a great page for the blog hop xxx ps looking fab and trim!

Maria Ontiveros said...

Smart Faye is particularly gorgeous! LOL! Great layout, and I really enjoyed what you wrote about today. A really major transition, I would say.
Happy hopping,
Rinda

Julie Baswell said...

I like the way that floral paper seems to match the background of the second picture. Very clever.

Julie
I Create Purty Thangs

Joanne said...

Great layout idea tfs

Lou said...

Looking good Fay x I used to always wear heels and a suit to work, these days I wish i worked from home!! A great idea for a layout. The patterns and sparkle are wonderful x

Annie Claxton said...

Brilliant idea for a layout - isn't it amazing how a smart outfit makes you feel different? :o)

Sarah said...

I was going to say gorgeous either casual or smart - but it does make a nice change to get dressed up when you are used to being casual. Never would have thought to make a layout for it though what a fab idea!

scrappyjacky said...

Definately 'onwards and upwards' Faye...and love the 'smart' you photo.

Joy said...

Faye you look gorgeous. That dress looks amazing on you.

Daphne said...

you look great Fay! Very smart! x

Becky said...

Lovely layout and I really like your dress :-)

Lisa-Jane said...

I think both Faye's look fab but smart Faye looks like she means business! I would like to work outside the home too just so I can have a chance to wear smart things! Love the layout celebrating the new look too. And big ysy for sparkle!

KraftyKaren said...

Fab idea for a layout - really lovely layout x

Sandie said...

You ,look lovely in both photos Faye, but having a reason to dress up is good sometimes

Abi said...

I love your layout and that dress in the second picture is gorgeous.

Jennifer Grace said...

You look beautiful in both pictures! Thanks for adding some sparkle for me! Ha ha, I do love the sparkle!

I like how you cut out the lucky charm chevrons and layered them over some glitter. And the background colour is nice and bold, I'm sure that's how you feel when you're all dressed up smart!

Thanks so much for joining in with my Onwards and Upwards blog hop! x

Pam said...

Love the patterned papers you chose.

Pam said...

Love the patterned papers you chose.

vixen said...

Faye looks stunning both photos and the layout looks fantastic :)

jackinthebox said...

Super layout and lovely papers!

Zahra said...

Lovely LO - great way to tell the story

Lesley G said...

Fab layout and fab photos (both of them) :)

Jimjams said...

You look great - and are my inspiration for keeping going with my SW diet! Lovely page - and an interesting subject to scrap!

Sarah said...

I love the idea of documenting the clothes you wear ... have pinned your layout as reminder to do similar!! Love the sparkle too! x

Bethany said...

I love your mix of pattern papers...really nice combination!

Julie H said...

Great idea to document this, just to sort of story that would be easy to forget . . .

Sheena said...

Looking good Fay x
Great page to document it too.

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

I love the dress you have on! beautiful and great idea for a layout!