Need a hand hold part 4

[Imbluedalale]

Hi spoonies .
Welcome to season 4 xxx

@Imbluedalale glad you are feeling a little better lovely xxx

Mackerel pate is hard to describe but I love it, its nice on crusty bread...m & s will probably have some if you want to give it a go
Have you got the Christmas day viewing sorted yet?
We are looking forward to Wallace & Gromit, Gavin & Stacy and Outnumbered

@Imbluedalale I went upstairs yesterday to wrap the one gift I have for my son. He's getting an expensive electric scooter on the understanding that would be it. I got a PS4 headset but he has a PS5! I've got to get that sent back to Amazon today. Another one ordered asap hoping it comes this week!
I've a good friend who is down with this bug. He's on his own so I've offered to go with honey and lemon and pick up a prescription if he needs one. I've never known it so bad.
@Munchyseeds2 My son got into Outnumbered on Netflix or IPlayer a while back. We will all be sitting down to watch over the holidays. Coronation Street will also be on being my sons favourite show! There's a new Strike out today on BBC and I just finished Yellowstone, jaw dropping tv. The best characters I've ever watched. Beth Dutton is a force!

Oh I love Strike, he's such a complex character but with a strong core of humanity. Haven't watched Yellowstone yet, so I will watch out for that.

I bet your son is going to be so happy with his scooter. In some ways it's easier when kids are old enough to know what they want for Christmas, as long as it's affordable. We just did a declutter and took some old toys to the food bank, so hopefully they will go to people who can't afford a present.

@Apolloneuro Your panto experience sounds hilarious. It reminds me of the time I went to see a Batman movie in the 90s. It was in this tiny hall of a very tiny village, the sort of place that has one of everything but no more. It wasn't a great film and had had bad reviews. There was this one scene where Batman was running over pews in a church and they were all tipping over backwards. It was really quiet ludicrous and we both burst out laughing and obviously leaned back in the seat, because the next thing we knew was us and the whole row tipped over backwards! We couldn't stop laughing and nobody was hurt thank goodness.
@Munchyseeds2
Those are some great picks for Christmas TV and I would happily join you to watch them.

@nornironlady I was also in the camp of people thinking your name was something to do with ironing but now you have explained it, I can hear it. I can't believe how expensive the TV mags are now. It's many years ago when we stopped buying them because they are too expensive, now it's astronomical at £5.50.

I also use ginger shots and fell in love with ginger when I was pregnant. We were sailing at the time and I suffered from bad morning sickness mixed with seasickness. We made our own version of gingernuts and they really helped to settle my tummy. Have you tried the Rochester non alcoholic ginger wine that you can get from Holland and Barrett? It's lovely and fiery, my daughter's favourite "wine" for Christmas when she was growing up.

@AdmittowearingCrocs Sorry to make you crave smoked mackerel, it was so tasty. Lidl do some smoked fish in a vacuum pack, that's not super expensive. There's different varieties, some with chilli, pepper or lemon and something herby.

@Imbluedalale Really happy to hear you are feeling better from the cold. It's hard to feel festive when you're by yourself but it does mean you get to eat all the treats yourself. I'm a bit boring when it comes to cheese. I do love it but I'm not very adventurous. I love cheddar cheese the best, preferably an extra strong or vintage one. I also like a nice pickled onion with it. We found this massive tin of Balsamic vinegar pickled onions and they are so tasty without a strong acidic burn that some of the jars of pickled onions have.

Glad you’re feeling a little better this morning @Imbluedalale . I have some of those sachets of ginger tea from a Chinese shop too. A bit spicy for me too but works if you put a little bit in with lemon juice and honey. Sone sort of snacking platter for Christmas Day sounds a good plan, I bet M&S will have something nice. Maybe some canapé type things to go in the oven too? I know you aren’t drinking but I’d go for some alcohol free Buck’s Fizz or a posh bottle of fizzy drink. And maybe some nice Mini cakes or donuts or something for pudding 🤔.

i had a lovely roast thanks. I think we are going to my parents (just up the road) for Christmas with my brother and his family but I haven’t confirmed with DP yet for various reasons 🤦🏻‍♀️. I’m a bit stressed about it all 🙈🙈.

I so hope you get to do your roast chicken and homemade stuffing balls for all your children together soon. Sending a big hug 🤗.

@BeNavyCrab the smoked mackerel sounds amazing. I love smoked mackerel pate too. And pickled onions 💕💕.

wow, @nornironlady £5.50 for the radio times! I guess most people just buy it once a year so they’ve got to make all their profit in December 🤣. Yellowstone is on my list to watch so glad to know your enjoyed it! That’s so sweet that your son’s favourite is coronation street 😍. What an amazing present for your ds, I bet he will be thrilled!

Afternoon @Munchyseeds2 , how’s your monday going?
Ohhh I’ll definitely give Mackerel paste a go, I love anything on crusty bread. Thank you .
I haven't decided what to watch on Christmas Day I might get stuck into a series on Netflix . I saw that there was a new Gavin & Stacy. I think I’ll watch that too. It’s going to be a strange one this year but I’m not going to be Scrooge and I’ll try and enjoy jt and know that my children will be having a lovely day xx

Hi @nornironlady , how’s your day going so far?
I’m interested to know how you managed to wrap the scooter? I always get my youngest a football for Christmas and I’ve never known how to wrap it because , well it would be so obvious once wrapped. Last year I got inspiration from tic tok and wrapped it in gold wrapping paper and put a gold bow on top so it looked like a huge Ferraro rocher.
I done that with the Playstaion before I bought a wrong game I got the years before 🤦‍♀️.
Amazon has been quite good here for deliveries fingers crossed it arrives in time. I’m sure it will.
Awww that’s so lovely that you’re helping your friend like that, he’ll really appreciate that. I’ve found this year that a lot of people are either poorly or going through a hard time right now. When you read what some people are going through on MN it breaks your heart xx

Afternoon @BeNavyCrab , how are you feeling today? ❤️
That’s so lovely that you took some toys to the food bank. I remember when I worked at the bank every year at Christmas you’d get a day off to volunteer at the radio station to help pick and pack presents for children who were in care or who’s family were struggling. There was different sections like 1-2 year olds , 5-8 year olds and they was split into gender. There was never hardly any gifts for teen boys which made me feel really sad so since then I always make sure to get a gift for a teen boy and donate although I haven’t managed to do that this year but I will donate through the website instead. It was heartwarming though to see people arriving with presents and donating them.
Im laughing at your row tipping over backwards at the Batman movie 😂
I’m quite boring with cheese Aswell I only like mature cheese or I like cheese with chilli in it even though I’m not a big fan of spice. Oh and I love pickled onions especially Garners pickled onions. I’m also prone to a nice posh biscuit I love grandma Wilds biscuits xx

Hi @RaspberryBeretxx , happy Monday. How’s your day going so far?
I’ll have to try putting lemon and honey juice in next time I have a ginger tea , thank you.
Ohhh I never thought of getting canapé things but I’ll definitely get something I get put in the over. My dad’s getting me a small gammon joint too so I can have breads and meats. I might get a posh bottle of lemonade from M&S and something sweet for afters hopefully they might have the iced Madeira cake in stock.
What do you normally have to eat on Christmas Day? Do you have 3 courses?
I’m glad your roast was lovely. Do you prefer mash or roast potatoes?
It’s a lot of organising for one day isn’t it. My children hate me saying it but every year on Christmas Day after pudding I say ‘well that’s it for another year’ I can’t help it 😂
Thank you for the hug lovely, sending you a big one back xxx

A gammon joint with it sounds lovely and you might have leftovers of everything for Boxing Day.

🤣🤣 at ”well that’s it for another year”! I totally get you saying that 🤪. It is all such an effort. My house is a bit small and cluttered so it feels like quite a lot to add presents and all the general Christmas paraphernalia!

we usually have turkey on the day and maybe just some snacks/canapes first. Then Christmas pudding and a few other options (we are big on pudding). My dad will generally try and eat a bit of each pudding. Do you normally do a turkey? I definitely like roast potatoes with a roast. How about you? I’ll have a look for the iced Madeira cake tomorrow!

ive had a good day thanks, i had lots of dreams last night so hoping for a better sleep tonight! How are you sleeping now?

Meeting up with my boss tomorrow but for Christmas lunch so that’ll be nice. Hope you have a relaxed evening and feel better with the cold. Xx

My mum and dad are coming on Boxing Day , my mum said she’s going to make me a Christmas dinner which will be nice .
I always used to make a turkey crown for Christmas Day and my dad makes his own sausage meat and then makes pigs in blankets which are lovely. And it definitely has to be roasties for me too although my daughter prefers mash. I love a nice pudding too M&S do a really nice raspberry roulade that’s yummy and obs the iced Madeira cake.
What do you do in Boxing Day normally?
Have you finished all your Christmas shopping?
Regarding you dreaming a lot have you been under stress lately or changed any medication? That’s usually a sign of lots of dreams .
I’m sleeping a lot better thank you , I’ve slept too much this week tbh I’m tired all the time 😂
Ohhhh your day tomorrow sounds perfect I love going out for Christmas lunch. I hope you have a lovely time .
Just going to have a jacket potato and watch Netflix . Had a nice bath and fresh loungewear on so all relaxed xx

I’m so glad you’re sleeping better. I wonder if feeling so tired is just your body’s way of catching up and healing a bit.

I haven’t changed anything I don’t think that may have caused the dreams - maybe hormonal (damn my 40s!). Probably fairly stressed though (it’s a bit unavoidable isn’t it 😞!) so maybe it’s that. I’m sure I’ll get a good night tonight 😴.

I think I’ve just about finished Christmas shopping. I’m at that point where I need to lay it all out and check what Ive actually got!

that’s really nice your parents will do you Christmas dinner on Boxing Day. We often go up to my uncles which is lovely to see that side of the family.

enjoy your jacket potato and Netflix. That sounds so lovely and relaxed.

@Imbluedalale
Jacket potato with lots of butter, cheese and beans is my favourite comfort food
I hope you have had a good day today and sleep well tonight xx

Spoonies
Can I pick your collective brains please?

One of DDs good friends is currently sectioned and will be in hospital over Christmas....I'd like to send her something and was thinking of a Sanctuary gift set?
What do you think?
Any other idea welcome!

Hi @Munchyseeds2 , I have been sectioned although mine was voluntary for 7 weeks . Here’s some ideas that really helped me cope whilst I was in there:
Books /colouring books, craft set (it gets very boring in there and time is the only thing you have on your hands)
Pamper set - face masks , hair mask , sanctuary set is a good shout
Treats -chocolate , nice biscuits
Fluffy socks as tiled floor
Nice pjs
A hug in a box (teddy bear in a box)
xx

Thank you lovely...I like the idea of a hug in a box, poor kid could do with one of those for sure
Will have a look at some crafting bits as well xx

Oh and also a nice mug would be lovely and some hot chocolate sachets .
Here’s the hug in a box ideas .
Re crafting have a look at Crystal art books, the Disney 100 one is lovely and it’s very relaxing and helps take your mind off things . Also maybe a scrapbook with craft bits I got mine from the Range xx

Sorry forgot to add pics ….

Today was a good day and I was able to get some tidying done. Just waiting for Amazon to deliver one more present tomorrow and then it's all done and wrapped. We are leaving for my parents on Wednesday, with a stop off at the hospital for my scan. So we're hoping to get most of the packing organised tomorrow morning before my husband has to take his mum to her hospital appointment. Poor lady isn't feeling great today and we are hoping that she'll be a little bit better tomorrow.

All the Spoonies Christmas food talk is getting me excited. I'm not sure what the plan for us will be yet. I think we will got shopping for it with my Mum and help with stocking up their place. They usually do their shopping by bus, but having an influx of four more mouths means more food. It's going to be easier to bring it back in our car, than for them to struggle with a granny trolley and hauling it into the bus.

I managed to finish off another card today. I had previously die cut the panel. Today I backed it onto another bit of card that had double sided adhesive sheet on it. I then had fun trying to corral the red glitter, to only stick inside the poinsettia flowers and not the surrounding areas. I was mostly successful and then once the red was done, I filled in the rest of the areas with clear glitter. I backed the panel onto strips of green mirror card. Matted onto some Christmas patterned paper and added a sentiment by using the outline left after cutting the sentiment out of a plaque. I was happy with how it all turned out, though it's looking a bit like a glitter blizzard swept through the cabin. 😂

Can’t stop but @BeNavyCrab that card is spectacular and Laura how typical of you to be so thoughtful about the poor girl in hospital and coming up with lovely ideas.

I won’t lie, I’m feeling a bit down and am off to the land of nod. Xxx

Hi @BeNavyCrab , I’m pleased to hear that today has been a good day for you.
You sound very organised with your presents. I love Amazon it’s lethal though. I ordered some pink and grey magnetic tie backs for my bedroom curtains which came today. I opened them and was about to put them on when I realised that I had 2 bedroom windows so needed 2 sets 🤦‍♀️. I’ve been quite impressed with Amazon deliveries lately.
I hope your scan at the hospital goes ok, I will be thinking of you and sending big hugs.
Your Christmas at your parents sounds wonderful I can’t wait to hear all about it. My mum and dad are going to my sisters for Christmas (the one who doesn’t talk to me) and my brother and his family are going to be there too, I think my mum feels guilty that I’m going to be on my own hence her coming on Boxing Day but it’s fine I’ve had months to get my head around it and it’s only a day at the end of the day .
Your card you made today is absolutely stunning , it’s made me want to get my craft box out but I’m going to head to bed instead as feeling tired. I hope you manage to sleep well today lovely , big hugs xxx

Hi @Apolloneuro , sending you a big hug and thinking of you . Hope tomorrow is a better day. Always here if you want to vent/chat. I hope you have a good sleep lovely xxxx

So sorry for your DD’s friend. How old is she? A sanctuary gift set sounds lovely. Also all of @Imbluedalale suggestions sound lovely too.

I love the card @BeNavyCrab and love reading your descriptions of how you make them too. Glad you had a good day yesterday and got some tidying done. That’s great that you are nearly done with shopping. Hope your MIL is ok.

morning @Imbluedalale , hope your second set of tie backs arrive soon. My Amazon driver left a book for DS outside last night in the damp and it’s a bit wrinkly now 🤦🏻‍♀️. you sound like you’ve got a really good attitude towards Christmas Day with it just being one day. I’ll I bet your parents will miss you but it’ll be over quick. We will check in with you! I want to see pics of your amazing M&S cheese platter 😆😆. Hope you have a good day.

sending a big hug @Apolloneuro , hope today is a better day 💕💕.

Good Morning Spoonies and Welcome to Nowhere Tuesday!
It's my last day in the office until New Year and it's pretty quiet. I'm taking a half day as I have to sort getting a new monitor home and don't fancy doing that later in the day as traffic is gridlock here in Belfast. Too many cars, not enough road.
@Imbluedalale They were really lovely suggestions for @Munchyseeds2 and a really lovely gesture. Something small can go a very long way for someone in need.
@BeNavyCrab that really is a beautiful card and the description is even better, I need to educate myself on these crafting terms/techniques as it all sounds so interesting.
@RaspberryBeretxx Get onto Amazon about that book, if they do want a return they give you over 2 months to get it back to them if at all. They might just send another with no hassle of a return.
@Apolloneuro I hope you wake up a bit brighter today. Nothing wrong with having a bit of wallow in our moods, I had many days like that last week. Just glad to be feeling myself again this week.

Good morning @RaspberryBeretxx , how are you today? I was hoping for a lay in but the diggers have been outside since 8am digging a hole into hell by the sounds of it .
I haven’t ordered my second set of tie backs yet I’m going to order them after Christmas now.
If I were you I’d ring Amazon and ask they send a replacement , they normally really good with that.
I’m just very grateful I’m not in a hotel for Christmas Day so it will be hard being without my children but I’m thankful I have a home. My cheese platter probably won’t look that amazing 😂it will just be some crackers, blobs of cheese and piccalilli and maybe some pickled onions . It will probably look like a ‘slobs’ cheese platter 😂xx