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Ho ho ho - Merry Blogmas |
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** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** It's that time of year again!!! Yippee... Deck those halls.... Dance under the mistletoe... Get that mulled wine heating. Santa is on his merry way!! ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Follow my antics over this festive period. It's sure to be filled with:
Shopping dilemmas, Yummy biscuits, Home-made gift escapades, & General elvishness and merriment. |
| The Christmas tree is finally up and decorated. It looks really pretty. I love all of this years' baubles; my favourite is the hand painted snowman with Theia's hand print on it. I think we are running out of room on it actually.... Second tree maybe required next year... The fireplace is decked as well. We have three new, faux fur stockings hanging on the mantle shelf, along with our glass Buon Natale discs. Theia's a present sack ready and waiting. There is even a vase full of assorted Lindt chocolate balls - yummy, yes there is no way I'm going to shift the baby weight before 2017... I have excepted this... We braved the madness today and went shopping at the designer outlet. I still hate Christmas shopping as much as I did last year... And the year before... The morning was quiet. We got there early, and even managed to get the comfy seats at Starbucks, but it quickly became packed. I had to walk out of Ralph Lauren Polo as the queue was so long.... A jumper reduce to £50 from £100 was not worth it, and quite frankly people can be rather rude. I did buy a snowman shaped tub of wine gums. They were my dad's favourite, those and Turkish delight, it might sound silly but I still had to get them. I'm sitting here, sipping on hot chocolate having just watched Miracle on 34th Street - one of my Christmas favourites, thinking of the Christmas cards I need to write and send in the next few days in order not to miss the international deadline. A job for tomorrow maybe. I've also wrapped my first homemade present for my friend... A jar of my mincemeat. And I'm planning my next lot... Some yummy chutney - perfect for cold meats on boxing day. My niece has made the first video message from Santa to Theia. It is incredibly cute. And I image big kids would love it too... I'm going to sort out the letter during the week, and book the trip to meet and have a picture with Santa, so exciting!!! Just not sure if we should wait until Grandma comes over from Australia. Operation Santa has begun!!! |
| Today was the day I was supposed to meet my two cousins and my aunty in Bath at the Christmas Market. We have made it an annual thing for the past few years and I really enjoy it. It's something I look forward to. And I did today, but it didn't go to plan. I have come to the conclusion that very few things do with a baby... Theia hadn't been well yesterday. She had a runny nose and a chesty little cough - bless her - and she'd been cuddly and needy all day with my husband. We gave her some milk and medicine and popped her into bed hoping that she'd get a good night's sleep. We weren't sure if we'd take her into Bath. The market is always busier on the weekends and this was the first one in December, that, added to the stuffy nose, and we were undecided. However, that decision was made for us by Theia herself, who woke up at 23:00, 01:00 and 02:00 extremely grisly. She was completely inconsolable. As was I by the end of it... She did go back off the sleep eventually, thanks to my husband and a whole heap of crying. We woke up late.. too late to drive in and get a car parking space. And Theia was still stuffed full of a cold, so the plan changed to me going in by train and Guy staying at home in the warm. So, off to the train station we go. Guy had very kindly offered to drive me there. We get to the car park and see that the queue for the ticket booth was about 40 people long and the platform was already heaving. There was no way I was going to make the next train. Guy suggested/offered to drive me in instead. Theia was dozing in the back and quiet so off we went - again. By the time I finally got into town it was 12:30. A far cry from the 09:00 we have planned. The market was rammed, getting anyway was a struggle, it felt like I was in a crowd of mindless zombies, all travelling in the same directions, meandering along, oblivious to anyone in a rush.... grr. I spent the first 30 minutes pushing and shoving my way through the aisles looking for my cousins. But I got some lovely big hugs for a hello in the end. The cousins and aunty got in on the coach at about 09:30 so had already been around the stalls and weren't really game for heading back into the madness so we went for coffee and a walk around the normal shops; I bought to cutest bobble hats for Theia!! It was great fun seeing them and lovely to catch-up, but I did feel a little disappointed that I didn't get to enjoy the market at all - I love the market. I wanted to peruse, and drink mulled cider, and munch on roasted chestnuts!! So the market was a pretty big bust. Guy and I have decided to go in during the week; when Theia will enjoy it more. I will take an afternoon of work and we can spend it walking round the stalls, take a picture in the snow globe (it's cheesy but I love it), and sip on hot chocolate. Colds and flu suck. Don't they. But I guess it's the time of year. They seem to go along with winter, like presents go with Christmas. Guy is so tired at the moment - drained is probably more apt - from looking after Theia all day, that he's finding hard to get into the Christmas spirit, and I have to admit it I'm finding it more of struggle as well, possibly because I find myself thinking of my dad more and more. We did get the lights on the tree tonight, so it's just the baubles left. Most of the other decorations are also out. Our "elf on the shelf" is sitting on the mirror and our advent candle is down to 4, ready for tomorrow. I even got to read Theia a bunch on Christmas stories this evening - including "Twas the night before Christmas". And to top it all off we finally opened the Winter Punch and got a mug full of the warm yumminess. Tomorrow we'll pack the boxes away again, finish of the Christmasifaction, and hopefully we can start to relax into the festive period. |
| I was going to update today’s blog entry with my lemon, orange, and cinnamon shortbread recipe, however I’ve had a change of heart; don’t worry the shortbread recipe will still get blogged, but not today. Today I am going to give you my mincemeat recipe. Most people buy their mincemeat in jars, more probably just buy the ready-made mince pies, but I promise you making your own is sooo easy. And you get the added bonus of making your home smell Christmassy. This recipe uses butter instead of suet so it’s also Vegetarian friendly – sorry to those Vegans out there, but I don’t have one for you… yet. This makes about 1.5 kg of mincemeat. So, first things first… The ingredients:  175 g each of currants, raisins, sultanas, and dried cranberries 100 g of mixed peel 1 large cooking apple (like a bramley), peeled, cored and finely chopped 125 g butter, cut into cubes 200 g light muscovado sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp mixed spice finely grated rind and juice of 1 lemon 175 ml of rum What you need to do: Put all the ingredients, except the rum, into a large pan and heat gently for about 10 minutes. The butter will start to melt and will simmer gently. You just need to stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick. Take of the heat and let the mixture to cool Once it is completely cooled stir in the rum. The mincemeat us then ready to use or seal in sterilised jars.Try a festive twist: The great thing about mincemeat is that you can tweak it to your hearts content; add more cranberry, nuts, rum….. and it will still taste great. Here are a few of my suggestions – feel free to add your own twists in the comments section: Add 50g of whole blanched almonds (or other festive nuts), roughly chopped for added crunch – I love pistachio. Add nutmeg as well as cinnamon for added spice. Switch the lemon juice and rind for orange, or even lime, for a zesty twist. The alcohol – I love this recipe with spiced rum but you can also use brandy or sherry; FYI cherry brandy also a fav of mine.Notes: The use of butter instead of suet can make the mincemeat a cloudy, but don’t fret this disappears once the mincemeat is cooked. Also, mincemeat stores really well – up to six months if stored probably in sterilised, sealed jars – so you can make this at the beginning of December and it will see you through all your pie and tart making. To sterilise a jar: Heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas mark 1. Wash the jars in hot, soapy water, and rinse well, but do not dry them. Place on a baking sheet and put them in the oven to dry completely. If using Kilner jars, boil the rubber seals, as dry heat damages them.You can use cellophane tops or wax paper if you want, but it’s just as easy to use old jam jars. Once you fill the jars and seal the lids, turn upside down, this will help with the seal. Store in a cool place. |
Merry Blogmas, welcome to my first blog of the festive season. My plan is to write a blog each day leading up to the main event. I have a raft of ideas for entries already, with a mixture of thoughts, experiences, recipes, and homemade ideas, but I’m open to suggestions as well. For this one, I’m going to focus on our plans for the  Christmas period, and our Christmas traditions ; some old, some new, some borrow, but nothing blue…. unless you count Jack Frost nipping at our noses.Let me say first on all, I love, LOVE, LOVE  Christmas. It is, quite possibly, my most favourite time of year. What’s not to like? There is music, and laughter, ice skating, and mulled wine, reindeer, AND SANTA!!!! This year is extra special, but also extra sad…    This is Theia’s first Christmas. She is technically too young to really know what’s going on, as she’s 9 months old (on the 16th December), but that’s not going to stop us from doing all the fun stuff with her. This week I am going to do a lot of organising and planning:  There is the first visit to meet Santa to organise; A trip to the petting zoo to visit the donkeys and reindeer; as well as First Christmas letter to write – and hopefully a reply to receive. My friend has even suggested a video message from Santa. I am also behind on making Theia Christmas stocking and present sack…. As in I haven’t actually started yet… best get a wiggle on. But this is also the first year without my dad, which is incredibly sad. He loved Christmas . He was a big kid at heart really. Originally, he and my mum were going to come and stay with us. I was really looking forward to it as I’d get to cook Christmas dinner for everyone, but now the plans have changed. My mum doesn’t feel up to celebrating, which I understand, to a degree, so she is staying in Wales. She doesn’t even have plans to visit on Boxing Day – in fact I think she has opted to work the whole Christmas week.Maybe it’s a little bit of me over compensating, but I can’t let Theia’s first Christmas be marred with sadness to such a strong degree, but nor will I not reflect that this is going to be tough – there will be tears; must put tissues on the shopping list.  So, we need to come up with new plans to help celebrate. This evening: The Christmas tree and all the other decorations are being pulled from the loft ready to be put up on the first weekend of December. I already have our “this years’ decorations” bought, just one more to get from the market this weekend. The advent candle will be lit before Theia goes to bed, along with the uncorking of some mulled wine and punch, maybe some shop bought mince pies (I’m not THAT organised) Last minute advent treats for the dog and big kids (me and guy) will be bought at lunch time and added to our large Christmas tree advent when I get home (Yes, I’m blogging in work – tut tut). Theia’s white chocolate calendar is already sitting on the shelf at home. The Christmas tunes also need to be swapped onto the iPod – It’s time for some Slade and Wizard people!!I’m really looking forward to making my gingerbread house, shortbread biscuits AND mince pies this year as well – Don’t worry there will be pictures and recipes blogged!!! In fact I have a whole HOMEMADE week planned on the blogosphere; wreaths to chutneys, bon-bons to pomander balls; there may even be recipes for mulled cider, spiced apple, and mulled wine… The first Weekend “to do” list This weekend I’m visiting the Bath Christmas market with my cousin, we started doing this last year and it is great fun – more on this in a later blog me thinks. But there is also a list of things I also have to arrange: order Christmas and Boxing Day food – we finally picked out the Christmas menu…. yippee buy my Christmas cardsAND stamps – must remember stamps – does anyone else ALWAYS forget stamps? choose my wrapping theme and purchasing required materials… last year was two toned; this year I’m think ribbon…. book into the glazed pottery shop to make clocks and baubles with Theia’s feet and handprints on them for my mother and my mother-in-law. Investigate the carolling services; there is a really nice one a Lacock Abbey (where they shot some of Harry Potter).     Other traditions Theia is too young to start the ice-skating tradition, so we might have to wait until next year for that one… maybe I’ll just grab some hot chocolate or cuddles with Theia while Guy and my niece Jodie skate on the open-air rink. I can live with that. She is, however, big enough to partake in the tradition of Christmas jumpers – or in her case Christmas jumpers, dresses, roppersuits and onesies… She has already tried out her new Rudolph onesie this morning and looked EXTRA adorable. Preparing the Christmas Eve box; warm pjs, fluffy slippers, hot chocolate and panettone, and a Christmas movie. Wishing you  snowflakes and Christmas  kisses ,** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| There are only 87 sleep until Christmas!!!! Yes, I said it.... I said the "C" word... Christmas... In September!!! Shock and Horror. Halloween hasn't even rolled around and Christmas seems to be on many people's minds already. Each year it seems to happen earlier and earlier. Much to many's annoyance. But, is this such a bad thing? I mean a good Christmas fruit cake takes months to prepare; actually I think I've already missed the window to make it (good job I don't like fruit cake), and chutneys and sloe gin take a few months (best be getting on with those sharpish). So with that in mind, is it such a bad thing to be organised with the decorations to? A few days ago I received an email from our local garden center inviting me to the the opening of their Christmas event on Friday - yes Friday the 30th of September. An out of hours, members only, sneak peak at their amazing displays of Christmassy scenes, with wall upon wall covered in all types, size, and colour of decorations; from outdoor lights, trees figures and baubles, to garlands and place settings. And of course there's the opportunity to buy (with a 10% discount). I'm an incredibly organised person. Ask my husband. He thinks I have an obsession with storage boxes and laughs at my OCD with towels and baby bottles. But this might be taking it TOO far EVEN for me... Oh who'm I kidding. It took me exactly five seconds to log on and book three places.... I have to admit I'm really looking forward to it. It does feel a little weird thinking about the festive season when the trees are still green and the weather is still warm; it's usually dark and cold, and there's been at least one morning of good crunch underfoot from the frost, but I'm going to embrace it and see where this potential merriment leads. It could be a new tradition. I haven't decided if I'm actually going to buy anything; OK there is a VERY strong possibility that I will, but I've just been paid AND had a rebate from the tax office so where is the harm if I do. Roll on Christmas I say... .... just not too fast as I have a really cute Halloween costume for Theia to wear... |
| One of my favourite Christmas memories is of our (me and parents) first Christmas in Saudi. It was a strange one. In the June my mum and I had moved out there to live with my dad; he worked over there and was only able to come back to the UK twice a year. My older sister had started her own family and my brother was in the army, so my mum thought it was the perfect time to join my dad. Unfortunately the unrest in the region – the first gulf war – meant we were evacuated back to the UK in the September time, but for some reason we were allowed to go back out there for a week at Christmas – bizarre. We didn’t have any Christmas decorations and couldn’t just go to the shops to buy them as it’s a very religious – Muslim – country. There was no festive wrapping paper, no depictions of Santa Claus, and certainly no chance of snow. We didn’t even have a Christmas tree. It was the opposite of every Christmas I’d ever known in my short 7/8 year life. But, it also turned out to be one of my favourite. While there was no celebration of Christmas as such in Saudi, that didn’t stop the shop keepers stocking up on “seasons greetings” cards – most of which had palm trees, or the back rooms filled with items that could loosely be described as festive – it was like a Black Market Christmas. My mum and me decorated the house as best we could. There was a tree made of cards on the wall, and we got hold of polystyrene baubles and teddy bears, which we covered in glitter and sequins. Orange slices were baked in the oven, and added to cinnamon sticks. We stuck cloves in oranges and criss-crossed them in ribbon. I think we even made pop-corn garlands. It was a truly homemade Christmas. My dad also managed to get a turkey – bless the GI-JOES and their secret ways – to cook on Christmas day, even though we was going to be working until 14:00. We didn’t open any presents until he got home. Although I may have opened my stocking – a brightly coloured sock we bought especially. I have a feeling the presents we just wrapping in plain red and green wrapping paper and drew holly on it; maybe we cut them out and stuck them on. It was weird. But it was great. A make do Christmas that turned out to be one of my favourite memories growing up.   |
    This week has been a busy week with work, well at least that's what it's felt like. Either way I'm glad it's Friday. It's also the start of the last weekend before . It's time to relax and enjoy the final lead up to the big day. The  have been bought, and just need to be wrapped. The cards have be written and long since posted. And there is a mound of baking that is calling out to be done - my cutters are feeling neglected.We have the final shop to do too, but that won't happen until Wednesday/Thursday next week. I think it will be an early start of Eve.Today is the pubs version of Black Friday - Booze Friday. Apparently people will drink more tonight than any other night of the year - even New Years. The pubs are gearing up for mayhem, as are the emergency services. I will of course be at home with a hot chocolate, cuddling into my favourite Akita, and Guy will be hard at work until 22:30 - I doubt I will be awake when he gets home. I can't think of anything worse than getting drunk at . These days it takes me far too long to fully recover that I'd probably be still feeling awful on Day. But that didn't stop me from making favoured vodka for everyone at work as a present. I made a and a Buttered Candy Vodka. I have no idea if they taste ok as I couldn't take them. The buttered candy one smelt VERY strong though. So far they have gone down very well - although obviously no one has actually tasted them yet.It's surprising easy to make - just vodka and your choose flavouring. I'd started work on them on the weekend by filling two large mason jars with three litres of vodka (it's best to use a good brand of vodka otherwise it will be harsh on the throat), and then add crushed candy canes to one jar and crushed buttered candy to the other. Let them do their thing for 4/5 days, stirring once a day to ensure all the sugars dissolve and there you have it flavoured vodka. Obviously when the time comes to decant into small, portioned size jars/bottles, you need to use a muslin cloth to ensure there are no littler bits left over, and you must sterilise each jar as well, but other than that it's plain sailing. It only took me about an hour to prep and about an hour to distil. I then had the fun of decorating with ribbon and present tags. The end results were quite good - if I don't say so myself. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** I like the idea of home-made . I find I'm drawn to it more and more each year. Home-made jams and pickles. Jars of hot chocolate mix, or cookie ingredients. One of the girls at work was going to make soap - which I thought was a lovely idea. I think it's much more personal. It's not just the idea or thought, but also the time and effort that they spent that makes it so special.I think more people should give it a go. It also takes away some of the commercialism that seem to plague this time of year so often. It's not cheap, which is a common misgiving, unless you are making huge batches or have left over ingredients and jars. And the results will differ depending on your experience and skill level - hell even your mood or stress levels will effect each one. But again that's what is so nice about this idea - at least that's what I think. |
 Sometimes things happen that put everything into perspective. They make you re-evaluate what's important. That happened this morning for me and Guy. Guy went into work as normal at 05:00. I'd gotten up to drive him in so he didn't have to walk or get a lift. It's a pretty usual occurrence these days, and while I'd rather be snuggled up warm in bed for another couple of hours I don't mind dropping Guy off. At least I know he's safe then. Don't get me wrong I do grumble about it sometimes - it's 05:00 in the morning after all - but it's a small price to pay. At about 07:30 I got a text from Guy. I very blunt, matter of fact text. One of his friends/colleagues/manager, call him whatever you want, lost his wife last night in a car crash just before 21:00. We don't know what happened or what caused it. All we know is there was a three vehicle crash (a lorry and two cars), and that, unfortunately, his wife died at the scene; she was the only fatality. I've seen some of the pictures of the scene. The two cars look horrific. I'm surprised the other three people; the lorry driver, and the driver and passenger in the other car escaped with only minor injuries - they were very lucky. As for the lady that died, I didn't know her, or even her name. I don't know her husband - only what Guy's told me in his rants about work - or her family, but I do know she was only 49 years old and leaves behind people that love her very much, and that's all I really need to know. It's all that really matters. She loved them; them love her and now she's gone. Losing someone is always difficult, regardless of whether it was expect or not, but car crashes always seem more brutal some how. Bring in the time of year - which for some reason makes it resonate even further - and it's utterly heart-breaking. There won't be a Christmas for her family, at least not the one they planned; the presents will be left unwrapped; the dinner not cooked, and it will forever be tainted by this dreadful accident. This news was like a reality check for me really. A suddenly awakening. It makes you want to hug your loved ones a little close and tell them you love them one more time. The stresses of this time of year pale in importance. I don't care that Guy spent way too much on presents and completely blew the budget. I don't care that I have to travel for three hours to see my family on Christmas Day. I just care that I have them in my life and I get the share my life with them. Year this I am truly grateful for that. |
 This weekend saw the last of the being bought for both Guy and I. Our next step is to wrap them. are always a tricky thing. I always struggle a little bit with deciding what to get people, and how much to spend on each person. I went into Bath to finish off the last few outstanding items. I had my list so roughly knew what I wanted to get for Guy, and where I needed to go. My brother's and nephew's were a little more problematic, but I managed to get it all done. I even managed to pick up some hot chocolate, a tin for my cookie cutters, a new address book, and some baby toys and books. We're also the proud owners of a pudding cookie jar!!Adding up how much we've spent this year in kind of frightening - so we won't dwell on that for too long. I also bought the ingredients for my colleagues presents on Sunday - /peppermint vodka and butter candy vodka. They are currently sitting in my cupboard waiting for the flavours and colours to leach into the vodka. They both smell yummy. I also got some muslin clothes ready to strain them on Thursday night. Friday is the last day everyone is in the office so I will probably be baking on Thursday at some point as well.I was really good with and started looking for idea very early. I actually got my niece's back in June/July. I went down the scarf and slippers route this year. Each year I find myself leaning towards one type of gift more than others; last year was jumpers. It's funny how that happens. I try my best to stay away from the shower gel/spray selection boxes - actually I just stay out of those shops all together. Although next year I am seriously considering gets a handmade "smelly" set for both of my nieces - I guess will see.I only bought one thing on-line, which surprised me as I usually shop a lot more on the internet. Most of my shopping was done in town, rather than the outlet stores; although three did come from an outlet shop. I'd best be described as a list based shoppers. I create a very specific list of ideas of what I want to get each person in October/November each year. It can help to spread the cost a little as well. Guy is a bit like that, although he tends to go above any budget I give him. I think lists make everything easier. It doesn't have to be a hard and fast with shops etc... although I do like it when that happens. I'm just as happy with a "scarf" entry against my brother's name. It gives me focus. I need focus. Guy and I get each other a main (or a few smallish ones), and a . I always get a board game to add to our collection as it's something we can do on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This year its Trivia Pursuit - Family edition. Guy hates question based board games, but seemed to like this when we played it with my friend's children. We also get each other "night before" presents as well; it's just new PJs and possibly slippers/socks usually, along with hot chocolate and snacks. Then we can settle in for an evening of Christmas films on Christmas Eve.Next year I have the dilemma of whether or not to continue getting everyone . I will obviously get my mum and dad something, as will the baby, but I'm not sure if I can justify the money on my sister, brother-in-law, brother, two nieces and my nephew; it all adds up to a lot; especially as we'll be on maternity next year and money will be tight. And we'll have the little one to buy for. I'm not sure if people will expect one from Guy and I, and a separate one from the baby. At some point it all gets a bit too much. We only get token presents for Guy family - mostly because Guy is useless and doesn't organise anything until it's too late. Because they're in Australia we have to be careful what we send - can't get anything too heavy for example, or made of wood, unless it's treated. I did get them cards and two little tree decorations (British red phone boxes), but other than that... nothing. I always feel a little mean, but I do think it's Guy's responsibility. Next year will be Bump's first Christmas. We saw so many things we could get next year. They'll be 9 months old and will probably be walking, or starting to, so it should be a lot of fun. We've discussed how much we're going to spend, although whether we'll stick to it is another story. I can't wait!! Christmas is definitely about the Children, so it will take on a whole new lease of life from now on. Santa will of course be taking centre stage over the next few years to. |
| Last night we added to our Christmas decorations. We finally finished the fire place in the front room - our Buon Natale baubles are now up and the red Merry Christmas ribbon wrapped around the plinth. Guy also put the star on top of the tree. I'm too small to turn it on so that will be Guy's job for the reason of the festive season. There's still a fair amount to do in the dinning room - I haven't really started in there at all. There'll be a lot of clearing away this weekend I think; I can't wait to dress the table and side unit. We have managed to hang our new silver twigged wreath above the fireplace - at last. I dragged Guy to get a new hook after work - one of those temporary adhesive ones - hopefully it will hold. The Christmas wreath is one of my favourite decorations. One that really signifies the time of year. Like the Christmas tree I think the modern one derives from Germany. I must confess, I'm not a religious person so the meaning of it, evergreens representing life/Jesus and the circular shape representing God, is some what lost on me. My mother often asks me why I bother celebrating Christmas when I don't believe in God - which is a fair point. My reply is always that I love the message delivered during this time of year. The coming together of family and friends. The realisation there are others much worse off than you. To be humble and kind. I don't think you need to be religious to appreciate and celebrate the best of humanity it brings about. Up until this year we have opted for a real, fir based one with dried oranges, cinnamon and cranberries weaved into it. I love the smell of it, but it does require constant spritzing on a daily basis and leaves a lot of needles behind. This year we decide not to as it's fairly expensive - £40 - which is a lot for something that only lasts a few weeks. So we thought we'd try something different. We've been looking for a more permanent version for a while, but wanted to stay away from the normal, plastic foliage ones. There are so many different ones out there: ones made of twigs, one of baubles, or pompoms, even ones of dried fruit. I was even tempted to try and make one... I have been watching a Christmas crafts programme on TV and one of the sections was on wreaths. There was a beautiful one covered is nuts and coffee beans. Another wired whole chestnuts into ivy and roses. I wish I was that talented. I may be brave and try and make one next year, thought it won't be as extravagant as the ones on TV. In the end I found a lovely one in our local supermarket. It's fairly delicate and I can see some type of annual maintenance being needed on the twigs, but it should last us a few years. It lights up with a cool, almost blueish glow that lights up the room wonderfully, so definitely adds to the Christmassy feel. |
 I didn't realise we had Christmas traditions until I sat and thought about it, but we do. Some of them have been passed down from my parents and childhood, some are inherited from Guy's family, and others we've picked up from friends and films, but all have begun to weave their way into how our Christmas will pan out for years to come. This year, with bump on the way, we've been thinking about the type of Christmas we want our kids to experience, and so we're (I'm) already sketching out ideas for next year, and the one after that... Another thing I didn't realise is that there are so many traditions that happen in the first week: Our first is something that Guy insists on, and if he had his way would happen in November rather than December. As soon as the 1st rolls around the tree is out. It's always the first piece of decoration that's put up. Guy takes charge of putting the tree up - it's a blue job don't you know - and stringing the lights, while I unpack the baubles and delicate figurines. If nothing else gets decked on the 1st it's fine, as long as the tree is up and twinkling. We also pick our a few new decorations to add to our little haul. It's something we began five years ago at our first Christmas. Back then we didn't have anything but cheap plastic, bundle buy decorations, and we want to start building our collection. It started with a ten beautifully patterned glass icicles and two glass baubles; one with a rocking horse in the centre with the date on it and one with a cut out village snow scene in it. We're lucky we live close to Bath where they make Bath glass, so we've started buying a new one each Christmas - a different design and colour. Next year I'm planning on doing a class and making my own. We also add a few other decorations - last year its was bells and heart, this year it's gingerbread shapes and doves. In all honestly I have a problem when it come to decorations - I LOVE to buy them. I spend far too much money. So we try and limit it as much as possible. Next year we want to get the baby involved - they'll only be 8/9 months old but I think they'll be old enough to pick something out that catches their eye. And of course there'll be BABY'S FIRST bauble as well. We agreed that from now on we'll each pick out one decoration to add to the tree; and "one" may mean "one set" for me... As well as one, non-tree related, item which we all need to agree on. Over the years we'll have a collection that map's our lives together. If we go somewhere nice for our anniversary or a Christmas market will also pick something up from there - we already have a Noel stocking from the Eiffel Tower and a hand painted bauble from Rome. A friend of mine decorates a different part of the house each day and her son picks out what the "elves" decorate out of a Christmas hat. I think it's a lovely idea. The house slowly becoming more and more Christmassy. It's something I may have to think about doing when bump gets old enough. Maybe it can be part of our evening/night time routine. Maybe we can light the advent candle and read a Christmas story or watch a Christmas movie, and at the end of it pull a task out of the hat for the next day. Next year I'm buying little wooden houses or a wooden train as an advent calendar, so maybe I can fill each one with a Christmas activity as well as a treat. I love Christmas markets and always attend the Bath one at the end of November/beginning of December. I like wandering between the huts and nosing through the stalls, while I sip on mulled berries. The Bath one is where we get the Bath glass bauble from and we've gotten lovely cinnamon and orange scented candles, and hand made wreaths to. I'd love to try and do a different one each year. I really fancy a Germany or Austrian market. Hopefully we'll get the chance to go. My friend just cam back from the Paris one and the pictures are beautiful. Our Christmas lists are written at the beginning of December as well to try and help with the Christmas shopping. Guy tends to panic slightly when it comes to picking out presents, which is silly as he's actually very good at it. I think this tradition will morph into writing to Santa as Bump grows up. I want to make it an event on the first weekend of December. To sit around the dinning room table with our hot chocolates and first batch of cookies or mince pies writing our "letter to Santa". Christmas cardsare another tradition I refuse to give up. I tend to pick the recycled ones, or the ones where the proceeds go to charity without even realising it these days, and send them out to all of my friends and family near and far. There's always a queue behind me at the post office and I have to buy a bundle of stamps - it's definitely not cheap. Yesterday I finished writing this years' batch, addressed them, and posted them, along with a parcel to Australia. I stood in the line at the post office for ages and almost missed the post collection. I think I annoyed the people behind me with the amount of stuff I had. In total it cost my £27 and that's not including the stamps for the UK cards I posted earlier this week, nor the actual cards themselves. I think I've spent about £35 in total. Guy and I also always get each other a "special" card each year - ones that come in a box. We have a little collection of them. It's expensive and we've thought about other ways of doing it, or just not doing it at all, but then I heard about what my Aunty and Uncle used to do and I fell in love with the idea. They bought a beautiful, very large card for each other and then each year they'd pull it out, dust it off and add the year to the inside. It's so simple and yet so perfect. I have a feeling it's what we'll be doing from now on. Another early December tradition is the purchase of a new cookie cutter. I've so many; Christmas trees, angels, snow flakes and stars, and this years' additions are snowmen, a mitten, and a cute copper polar bear. I've a whole box dedicated just to Christmas baking (and for Halloween as well). I can't wait to try them out this weekend. I have the ingredient all really for plain, vanilla, lemon, and orange shortbread biscuits. Yum yum.These are only the traditions that cover the first week - there's still cookies and present wrapping to go and that's before we get to the big day itself. This might seem a lot already and many people may think we're mad, but it's a lot of fun. And I think everyone, even those that hate Christmas - baa humbug - have a few of their own - even if they don't realise it! |
| Christmas plans are a delicate and stressful thing and it's easy to upset family members without much effort. We've been putting it off, which is extremely odd for a control freak, and still haven't decided what we're doing for Christmas Day. We have the invite to go down and stay a few days with my parents, but with Guy's work and the dog it isn't really possible, so we'll probably only go for a few hours. The idea is sound in principle. We'll have Christmas Eve at home with our hot chocolate and PJs and wake up with the puppy on Christmas morning to waffles, or pancakes, or some other yummy breakfast, and then open our stockings and presents. Afterwards we'll go for a lovely walk if the weather holds out, or a very quick one is it doesn't, before packing up the car and heading to my mum and dad's, singing Christmas songs all the way. We did this a couple of years ago but it didn't turn out so great. In fact it turned into a proper family drama. The morning was fine - a perfectly happy and calm morning full of Christmas cheer. But by the time dinner rolled around there was arguing, and sniping, made all the worse by too many drinks, and we'd only been there for an hour. Dinner itself was filled with tears and storming out the room, and that was just my mum. The whole thing was rushed and far from enjoyable. I didn't talk to my sister for quite a while because of the way she snapped at me. To say I'm not overly looking forward to a repeat performance is an understatement. Luckily we have the perfect excuses and I intend to use them. Of course it could be different this year - less dramatic, more good will to all men... one can only hope. I've decided that I want to visit my uncles and aunt before we head back home as well, but trying to squeeze everyone into 3 or 4 hours will be difficult; I mean there's Christmas dinner, which takes forever, and then the swapping of presents, and we'll need at least 30 minutes to visit with each of my other relations. But we can't leave the dog for too long and we can't take her with us so we'll be time restricted. Next year will be bump's first Christmas and we'll be staying at home. I'm going to suggest that my mum and dad come up for it. I'm looking forward to starting lots of traditions with bump over the next couple of years. It will be nice to be at home for the whole holiday. I also just found out my brother is going down to my mum's on Christmas Day, which means I have another present to buy. I hardly even see him and we usually don't bother get each other presents, but I don't think mum will let us get away with it this year. Guy and I went shopping last night to try and finish off out Christmas shopping (apart from Guy - it's hard to shop for him when he's there), but I didn't find anything, so there's still my brother an nephew to buy for, and I'm stuck on what to get them. I'm hoping to finish all the shopping Saturday, that way I can spent the rest of the weekend wrapping, so I best get the ideas flowing fast. |
 Last night was going to be all about shortbread cookies. I even bought the ingredients to make  ,  , and vanilla ones, but sadly I got distracted by shopping, and dinner had to be cooked when we finally got home, so by the time that was all sorted it was late and I was  . Too tired to mix a simple recipe anyway. I'm going to work from home one day this week so I may decide to make them then. Instead, we settled in on the sofa to catch up on the evening news.There's been a lot of weather related bulletins over the last couple of days in the UK; weather warning ranging for amber to severe, as large areas of the country are inundated with record levels of rainfall, which has caused the rivers to burst their banks, flooding villages and homes. The video links and pictures are heart breaking, as are the stories behind them. Unfortunately this seems to be becoming a tradition in its own right. It's certainly more frequent than the illusive white Christmas that almost everyone craves. The Government has spent millions in flood defences over the past five years, but to little avail; merely putting off the inevitable power and destruction of mother nature. At least it gives precious hours and minutes delay to those in the firing line, and I'm sure lives and belongs were saved as a result. There're hundreds of families whose Christmas' and very lives have been thrown into chaos at a time when most of us are safe, and warm, and enjoying the festive spirit. People suddenly homeless, their precious possessions lost or destroyed. I doubt there'll be Christmas dinners or - not the ones they'd hoped for anyway. Instead they have hours of paperwork and conversations with insurance companies as they try to piece their lives back together. A truly bleak time.But perhaps there's also some light, a small flicker, as in amongst the doom and sopping mess there're also tales of community and support; of football players returning home to a flooded pitch and vowing to help those families in the community with whatever they can; from clearing houses, to removing river sludge; or army cadets, waist deep, helping their neighbours. One of my favourite pictures was of a donkey, freshly rescued from the flood waters, surrounded by the volunteers that helped it survive. After weeks of cruel, gut wrenching, terrorist attacks across the globe, these little sparks of humanity, right in our own doorstep, gives me hope that all is not lost. The whole situation makes me re-evaluate, and appreciate my life, and how fortunate I am. Maybe it even gives a new face, a truer face, of what Christmas is all about - or should be about - not the consumer monolith that many fear it's become, but rather a time when people come together, of villages uniting. And a time of quiet reflection and gratitude for those not directly affected. It's certainly made me question what I can do, how I can help, and surely I can't be on my own with this. |
 One of the worst this about and the subsequent shopping is when you realise you have absolutely no idea what to buy someone. For me it's always my brother-in-law and dad. I never know what they'd like and my mum and sister are generally no help.Guy also has this problem - or at least he thinks he does. Yesterday afternoon, while we were sitting down and relaxing with a soy, Black Forest, hot chocolate and salted caramel latte, Guy asked me what I wanted for . I knew this question was coming. It happens every year. Each year I have to rack me brains for ideas. This year is even harder as we have a  on the way and we don't want to spent too much. We'd argued that the  was a Christmas  for us both - it certainly was expensive enough, but we also wanted to have something to open on Day, even if it's only a token . I don't really want any clothes or  and I have way too many hats and scarfs already. I also hate just listing off things I get as part of my normal shop like cleanser and toner, or anti-wrinkle cream. I can understand Guy conundrum. What to ask Santa for?I decide I'd sit down when we got home and  him a list. Not of things he has to get me. A list of things he could pick from or draw inspiration from. We also set ourselves a budget. £75/80 each to cover fillers and main present. And £20ish from the  - yes I know... but we can't help it. I really like this idea and it's something I want to implement as a tradition. I like the idea of all sitting round the dinning table on the first weekend of December and writing our lists to Santa on brightly coloured paper, maybe with a bit of glitter and sparkle mixed in. Maybe the little one will be too young next year, and it will probably be pushing it the following year as well, but I think it will be something fun I can keep and treasure. I have a feeling next year will involve hand prints.So what's on the list? I thought I'd keep it simple for him: some books (short story collections), new jewellery box/trays, nail vanish/effects, dress rings, jelly beans, facial and make-up sponges, and a charm/bauble for my bracelet. Apparently he's all shopped out. He even had the chance to play/test drive a few prams as well. |
| Last night was market time in Bath.Going to the Christmas market is a tradition we started when we moved here four years ago. It's great. Little huts wind their way around the cathedral and Roman baths stocked with an array of artisan treats and ; chocolate wine, handmade soaps, cave aged cheeses, the list is endless. And in amongst the wares are the food and drinks stalls. The aroma of mulled spices, caramel nuts and venison and wild boar burgers making everyone hungry. After a hectic, and expensive, couple of hours finalising the purchase of our new  ; I've never bought anything that cost so much money... we headed to Bath and the market.We got there about 17:30. We knew it was going to be busy. It always is. But last night was a Saturday and it turned out Bath Rugby were playing, and finishing at 17:30 as well. It was packed. Crowds of people swamped the roads as we made our way in the car, swaying on their feet and bumping shoulders, and mindlessly stepping out into the streets in front of the traffic. I actually can't believe how stupid and obnoxious some people are once they've had a few    . My patience isn't the best since being pregnant - is wasn't great anyway - it's worse now. The prospect of finding a parking space didn't look good, but we decided to try our  at the first car park, which paid off as someone was leaving just as we turned the corner on the lower level. Once we're wrapped up in scarfs and beanie hats, and donned our gloves we were ready for an evening of shopping and perusing in the crisp air. We couldn't resist the lure of the spiced drink, but opted for the non-alcoholic versions. It warmed us up as be strolled through the crowds. I was tempted by the waffles and pancakes but decided to be good, unlike Guy who succumbed to a Brockhurst roll. In the end I relented slightly and bought a packet of warm roasted nuts. It's not the Christmas market without roasted nuts. There were so many things I could of bought for bump and lots of foods I wanted to try but can't at the moment due to the - I can't wait until next year. I'm looking for a nice wreath this year. Something unusual. Up until this year we've always opted for a real fir wreath with dried oranges, limes, cranberries and cinnamon sticks, but it's messy and costs about £40, which is a lot for something that doesn't last. So I'm still on the look out. I've seen ones made of baubles, ones of dried fruit, even ones entirely of fabric but I haven't decided on one yet. I'm tempted to make one. I've seen classes advertised. I did manage to find for both my dad and brother-in-law so the trip wasn't a waste. Only Guy to buy for now and I've already made a start. Guy on the other hand has only just asked what I want... I may be writing out a list for him tonight.While we had a nice time I was a little disappointed. I'm not sure if it was just because my back started aching after the first 40 minutes, or the mass of loud drunken people who seemed to have no regard for the shoppers, some of whom were children, that were out trying to capture some magic. Their language left a LOT to be desired. It could have also have been the number of elbows I received as people made their way through the crowd... I was glad when we got back to the car. Next year we'll go during the day, in the week to avoid the crowds. I can't imagine it being fun with a buggy.On the way home we stopped at the supermarket to pick up a few things for tea, where a new cookie cutters (a mitten shaped one) and a present for Guy may have slipped in the basket. I might be baking cookies tomorrow... I'm in the mood to bake. |
| Last night Guy was out at his works' doo/dinner, which meant I was left to my own devices all evening. What better time to settle in with a  of mulled berry juice, the Christmas Food channel on in the background for inspiration, and write out some cards.I think Christmas cards have fallen a little out of favour in recent years. A lot of my friends and family have opted out of sending them, and the continual increase in the price of stamps isn't helping. I'm also surprised by the number of people who tell me not to bother as they aren't sending any. I think they entirely miss the point of Christmas and the sending of cards. In a time when the only thing that appears through my letter box are bank statements, gas bills or takeaway menus I really appreciate and love getting a card. It brings a  to my face when I see the  . Someone cared enough the sit down for five minutes and write a little message to me. Yes, the card is probably a generic one from a pack of thirty that contains only three designs. Yes, its probably the same message or a close variation as written to everyone else. But, who cares? Not me! It's the thought that counts. And that's something I think too many people have forgotten.So last night I opened my packs of cards and began to strolled through my list of address and contacts and carefully selected a card for each person. My list is long. My stamp bill will not be cheap. But it will be worth it if it brings the same joy to my friends and family as it does to me - everyone loves to be loved after all. I know there is the argument about recycling and saving trees - but honestly no one seems to take the same high horse about wrapping paper...And don't get me started on . Apparently people have forgotten about recycling centres? I mean almost, if not all, supermarkets in the UK have card recycling boxes out after Christmas. Old Christmas cards make great "home-made" gift tags for the following year to. Or you can create your own "Noel" inspired wall art with a collage of card designs. This year is extra special as we are using our Christmas cards to announce to "the select" few that we're expecting our first little bundle . We've chosen to stay away from the social media announcements - I know lots of people like them, but I find them cold and impersonal. I want to tell the people I care about individually - not blanket everyone with a single status update, and await the inundation of congratulation comments from people who I haven't spoken to in years. So cards it is.Even Indy got in on the festive spirit and curled up at my feet munching on her rawhide candy cane treat. She's like a large, heavy, furry blanket, that occasionally makes my leg go numb. By the time Guy came home, which was very early for a Christmas party, we had a pile of cards written, sealed and addressed. I actually think I may have to get another box as I'm running out of cards for the guys at work. I've got another five to write and post at least before I even get to my colleagues. I'll worry about them next weekend. My next task will be to make sure I meet the Christmas, overseas post. It's surprising how many people are now living the life in the sun or State side. I may send Guy to the post office on Monday during his day off... Hopefully this earlier he'll miss the queues. |
| It was my first “Christmas Party/Event” last night - an evening of shopping and pampering – it was fabulous. One of the girls I work with organised a “Body Shop” party at the store, where we got to test out some of the products, have some and nibbles, and stroll around the store. It was a lovely and very relaxing. We could choose between facials, make tutorials, or hand massages, and everyone had a go with at least one activity. I decided on the “Spa of the World” hand massage. After my dead skin cells were removed with a light African Ximenia scrub, the assistant added to Moroccan Rhassoul clay and let it dry to absorb the excess water and oils from my skin. Apparently you can use it all over your body. The clay itself was brushed on very gently using a blush brush, which gave a thin coverage, and I can imagine spending an hour at home in my own “spa” indulging in this. Once it was rinse off the Hawaiian Kukui cream was rubbed in, and finally the Tahitian orchid oils which smelt like ylang ylang and patchouli; so light and not overly flowery. My skin felt so smooth and soft and I was so relaxed afterwards. I was very tempted to buy the range, but reminded myself that I have other priorities than spending the best part of £100 on home spa treatments. After a few of sparkling lemonade, I perused the face mask, make-up and nail varnish sections, and tried on a few selected colours – I now have multi-coloured finger nails with gold sparkles. I picked out three new ones to add to my collection; I told guy he could add them to my stocking if he wanted. I also picked up a honey and oat face mask, which I plan to make use of this weekend – hopefully I won’t scare the dog too much.In the end three of us pooled our buys so we could get the 30% discount to make it more worthwhile, all I had to do was sign up to their free store card, and then we got a free hemp gift set worth £28 as well. Not a bad deal really considering collectively we only spent £39. It was a nice introduce into the festive, shopping season. I told Ali we should do things like this more often. It’s so nice getting out and socialising away from work. Maybe next year we can try the glass blowing, Christmas bauble making class – I’m desperate to try it. My Christmas jumper also turned up yesterday. It looks super cute on. The Christmas pudding is directly over my bump – so it fits perfectly. I‘m surprised how nice it is considering I only spent £20 on it. It’s really soft and feels like very good quality. I can’t wait to wear it. I may even take a picture on Christmas jumper day and load it to social media – see if any one notices the “I’m making my Christmas pudding”. Guy has his Christmas party with work this evening so it’s just me and Indy. I’m planning a night of mulled berry juice and card writing. I may even make some mince pies – who knows. I’m hoping to get some more decorating done as well, so I can start packing the boxes away. |
| It's Official it's up!! A day later than planned, but it's up. We had planned to put the up on the 1st December; in fact Guy (my husband) had been bugging me since we bought it in early November, but the 1st rolled around and we got sideswiped by work and shopping for a new  . By the time we got back to the  on Tuesday evening it was gone 21:00 and we were both too . We had picked out a car though, so the evening wasn't a complete loss.In the end we just went straight to bed. No food. No . No advent calendar or  .... just a semi early night.Last night we were determined to erect the snow covered, 7 footer... It's huge.... We were going to put on of the small, low footstool base we have, but we wouldn't be able to put the  on top. And what's tree without a topper? Undressed? Exactly!! Not happening!! So on the floor it is. It was surprising simply to put together - only three pieces, four if you count the base/foot - and was ready to start decorating in a matter of minutes. Guy had the job of putting on the     . I hate Christmas lights... I mean I love them, they're very pretty, but they are a pain to wrap around the tree, and that's after you manage to untangle them from themselves. It's definitely a blue job... I'll do all the rest of it; the bauble hanging, the candles, the ornaments, the stockings, and flower arranging, just NOT the tree lights. That's not to say I won't give direction. I think Guy was ready to throw the lights towards the end, but after twenty minutes of huffing and puffing they were on, and twinkling away. Hurray.That just left the baubles. Guy disappeared to bed shortly after the lights, to leave me to it. It had obviously taken a lot out of him. I must confess, I LOVE my baubles and tree decs. I  shopping for little cute extra each year to add to our collection. It's a tradition I intend to keep - each year a few new additions. We've decide to add a beautiful hand crafted, Bath glass, bauble each Christmas, a bright to colour, and a few carefully selected group pieces; be it bells,  , angels or figures. And when the little one arrives they'll get to pick one out as well. However, as I arranged my trinkets in front of me I realised that most of the decorations were silver, white, or glass. Perfect for our previous green tree. Not so great so the new one. I may need to invest in some brighter greens, reds and golds in the in coming years. It does look pretty though. At least I think so.We haven't put the on yet. We usually leave that until the rest of the house is dressed, which usually takes place across a few days - the first week in December generally. It's the last finishing touch after all. I did manage to start on the rest of the living room. I've unwrapped the  , hung the , potted the dried fruit/flowers/cinnamon/pinecone in the glass hurricane vases, and the finished the Christmas flower arrangements - complete with the new little doves dotted through it. But there is still the dinning room and kitchen to do, as well as clearing the non-festive paraphernalia away.We did manage to catch-up with the advent calendars yesterday. Indy was very happy to get two sets of doggy treats!! And I have to admit I didn't mind the two piece of chocolate either. I also lighted the advert candle for half an hour or so while I was decking the halls/tree. I think it may be a few days until we catch-up probably. I can't wait until this weekend. The first weekend in December is when we finish the house. When we get to sit down in the evening with a Santa shaped  of hot chocolate, with the tree lights on and the mulled wine scented candles glowing; when it real begins to feel like and when we can relax in to it. It will be the prefect time to read "The night before Christmas" to the bump and begin on writing the Christmas cards and present lists. There may even be a little Christmas baking going on... |
| I know that technically there are only TWEVLVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, but for me the festive season starts on the 1st December every year. It's when the Christmas tree goes up, the decorations start coming out, and the first advent calendar door is opened... My husband is already very excited about the . I think he took the day off work to put it up - although I'm sure he'll deny it if I ask him. We have a new tree topper to try out - which lights up - very exciting, at least to us. Most of this evening will be clearing to non-Noel clutter, to pave the way for our month-long festivities. I love cleaning and clearing away - it helps with my OCD. The early days of December will be awash with planning and logistics: Where are we going to go for Christmas Day? And the raft of questions that come with that... Are we going to my parents or staying at home? How long do we stay? What do we do about Indy (Akita/furbaby)? Do I need to get more than just the Boxing Day ham? What cookie recipes to bake - what shapes to make? Must make a list of ingredients!! Order the Christmas jumpers... and accessories... I can wear last year's earring after all... And who get forget the presents!! Get those cards bought and stamped ready to sent. Especially the overseas ones!!In fairness I may have started the actually planning in November... We've already updated our (a new, snow covered, one), and I've bought this years clutch of Christmas baubles and tree decorations; gingerbread shapes and doves seem to be the order of the month, although I've also "invested" in new  "Buon Natale" baubles  for the mantle piece/fire place and a new, hand blown, glass bauble from the Bath glass shop/stall. I think I may have got a few Christmas 's and a caged stuffed with aromatic dried oranges, limes, cranberries, and cinnamon... hmmm Christmas smells.My festive maternity, "Christmas pudding in the making" jumper is already ordered and awaiting delivery. And I've selected a few new cookie cutters to add to my growing collection; this year is , a polar bear, and a 3D and - I've yet to decide if I will go back and get the ... once it's back in stock...I always set myself a budget when it comes to decorations - and I always blow it... usually by the second shop. I can't help it. I LOVE Christmas. Next year, for bump's first Christmas, is only going to be worse. is the only time of year us adults can get away with reverting back to our childlike ways. The excitement and anticipation - but with added mulled wine/cider or egg nog. Unfortunately, or not as the case may be, I won't be participating in any alcohol this as I am 5 months in to producing my husband's and I's first little mini-mee or dragonoo. To be honest I don't like wine or cider, and I'm lactose intolerant so it's not THAT much of a disappointment. I will, however, miss the glass of Bucks Fizz on Christmas morning, and the Kir Royal around lunch time or early evening, but I have a lovely few bottles of mulled berry juice, which I hoard away every December, to get me threw the coming cold evening. It goes lovely with homemade mince pies!! I may have started the Christmas food shopping as well... but only the Christmas Eve panettone, Boxing Day chocolate bombs. I've been pretty good so far this year with presents; my sister and both my nieces are already bought for. I've got a board game for my friends little girls and a little something for her and her husband as well. My mum has a new shawl ready to be wrapped, and Indy's present it sitting on top of the fridge out of sight. I've even started on the dreaded boys' presents. I do confess - I  HATE buying for by dad and brother-in-law - I never know what to buy them - I'm stuck  . I'm hoping inspiration strikes soon. I've started on my husband's ; the obligatory socks are already tucked away somewhere he wont find them. I also have half of my nephew's present. But there's still a way to go... And with the baby on the way I want to get bump presents for my mum and dad, my mother-in-law, and my husband. Lots of shopping ahead.  The coming weeks are going to be filled with Christmas markets, mulled berry juice drinking, mince pie and shortbread cookie baking, present shopping and wrapping, and Carol concert attending... and I can't wait. |
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Can't wait for him to open that one!
Hope it works out well for your family. 
Amazing! I'd love that! Sounds infinitely better than the pack of Swiss Miss I generally use. 
I was just thinking of making my own stash of hot chocolate this year so it's nice to see your take on this yummy recipe! Keep them coming -- you're halfway through your blogging challenge already!