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For the avoidance of doubt... Yes... I definitely have an opinion... |
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** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Welcome to my Blog!! About me: I'm not really a blogger... But I do like to put the world to rights and you can bet I have an opinion on most things. I'm a little Welsh dragon that left the Land of My Fathers far behind me. I've flown far and wide.... and ended up in the land down under This blog is filled with all the stuff that's going on in my life, and in my head, which can be a little cookey on times, so you have been warned!! And let's not forget my opinions and musing - I have a few of those as well. So pull up a pew, grab a hot, steaming mug of something yummy, and maybe a cake to: Life is always better with cake don't you think. And read... ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** I just starting blogging with the following groups: ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** I also write a Xmas Blog that kicks off 1st December.... "Invalid Item"  ....tag along for elvishness and merriment
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   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 lemon, orange, 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 tired. 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 Christmas 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 will be Christmas dinners or presents - 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   *glass1*  . 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. Hooray for the Christmas card. Long may it spread it's joy and happiness. |
| 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. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** 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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