Countdown to Christmas part 2

[SideOrderofSprouts]

Wow! Part two!!

8 months to go

Ah bugger, posted too soon...

I can't believe it's almost under 200 days away. It's going to be here so soon!

I love doing hampers for people but as pp have said, I now only do them for people that appreciate them. I got too annoyed putting in a lot of time and effort for SIL1 and FIL for them to be uninterested. Instead they now get a standard (slightly bland) present and I put a lot of effort in for dsis, df and MIL who all love them.

Would also love for someone to give me a thoughtful, personal hamper.... sigh....

I might do a crochet hamper actually for sil1

I can't stop moaning about this hamper issue! I did one for MIL and FIL with loads of gorgeous foodie bits in - posh fruitcake from farm shop etc that would see them through the gap from Christmas to New Year and they didn't even look through it to see what was in there. And they aren't people who want or need more 'stuff'. They are getting socks and slippers this year like DH wanted to give them last year. Maybe I should do myself a hamper!

PippaFawcett you should ABSOLUTELY make a hamper for yourself! This seems to be a common theme with hampers, they're such a lovely gift but some people just don't appreciate them. I am definitely in favour of making one for yourself, it sounds silly but I always buy a gift for me at Christmas, usually a book, but it means I will get something I want guaranteed.

Do it Pippa NOBODY knows you as well as you know yourself. Even if you did a family hamper as an extra gift for everyone in the household. You could include treat food, a Christmas candle a lovely new book for everyone...

Sprout can I be your SIL? I would love a crochet hamper. What is your budget how much do you like your SIL I can suggest some things to include if you want.

While we are on the subject of crafting do any of you with young DC want knitted/crocheted dolls clothes? I can probably find time to make two lots, realistically I will only have time once the new school year has started. I've made them for MNers before - I think Fluffy can vouch for me.

Yes, Woolly's doll dresses are lovely!

I got almost everything for my parents' hamper yesterday. Everything has long enough best before dates too.

Getting well ahead of the game!

Hmmm... I'm considering doing myself a hamper. I shall ask DH for a night away (by myself...) so I can really enjoy my goodies

Yes Pippa, I totally agree about only making hampers for people who will appreciate them. That's what I'll be doing this year!

How can you not like a carefully chosen hamper?! I might do myself one as suggested. Just as well it is still June, I might get the moaning out of my system by December!

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I made my own granola for a brunch I hosted at the weekend, it was so simple and very delicious that I was considering christmasing it up a bit (cinnamon, pistachios, dried cranberries) and putting some in my hampers this year too, DH reckons it is only cereal and not really gift worthy, thoughts anyone?

DP even, we arent married!

Hairspray I think that sounds a lovely addition to a hamper!

I am off work sick today. I embarrassed myself spectacularly yesterday by being sick in a bin in work (migraine) and feel awful today, all shivery with a dull thumping in the back of my head.
To distract myself I'm crocheting (in semi-darkness) a rainbow scarf for my niece.

feel better soon Handbag

Will add the granola to the hamper list, not sure if DP was purposely discouraging me or was just aware that our hampers are very full already! Need to find a cute way to package it up now!

Brrr it's very autumnal today

It's lovely and sunny here - after a day of TORRENTIAL rain on our bank holiday yesterday!!! (And I had to drive home from DMIL's house, which was long and miserable - at least we weren't carrying bikes, tent or towing a caravan like many we met en route.....)

Nothing Christmassy done - except that I know now that DSIL and her DH have talked about Christmas but resolved nothing yet (he wants to stay home, I feel she wants to travel to DMIL).

Got rid of lots of furniture too - bookcases, drinks cabinet and a tv stand - which have all gone to good homes within the family. And a box of glasses and other nick-knacks (DH called them "useless junk for DMIL to sell at the car boot"!). There will be at least 1 box of books on our next trip.

Today I am back at work, with plenty of actual work to do. And finish my competency form for promotion competition (shortlisting before interview stage). Get home to make a big dinner and spare cheese sauce (mac'n'cheese with loads of veggies and bacon tonight, but extra needed to assemble a lasagna tomorrow for freezer). Tackle laundry mountain. Prepare for massive online shop arriving tomorrow and batch cooking night (freezer inadequately filled with dinners and June promises to be MAD!!). Clean sawdust from new cabinets and start to refill them.

I think I need to go lie down in a darkened room! I hope you feel better soon though Handbag.

Wow Biddy, you sound busy!

Feel better soon Handbag

This sudden autumnal change in the weather has encouraged me to make a start on the Christmas stuff. *
*
As of today we're officially stocked up with gift wrap, cards and bows. I've just ordered Christmas sweaters* / PJs* and I've also dusted off the Christmas spreadsheet, so am feeling pretty organised for now

Hairspray you should definitely put the granola in the hamper, put it in a cellophane bag tied with a nice ribbon and it'll look lovely.

Handbag hope you're feeling better

Today I made Peppermint Bark for the first time and it was a total success! I am chuffed to bits. Had to use clear mints cos no candy canes but in December it'll be great. Not sure who's going to get some but that's the first of the practice recipes checked off.

Also NoraKrank LOVE that name!

Horrible weather today.

I am on a right grumpy mood, Baby is just NOT willing to sleep. I'm starving and dinner will be at least another 40 minutes.

Patience is being sorely tested this evening

Thank you for the get well wishes. I think it's finally passed - I just feel a bit weak
And wobbly from not being able to eat properly. Am going to give in and go back to bed soon.

On the plus side, I finished my rainbow scarf and added 2 rows to stupidly huge blanket I've been working on for my sister for about 18 months (between projects). I really need to push through with it so she can have it for Christmas but it's so boring to work on (v stitch) and every row takes me around 25mins!

Must say the miserable weather is making me feel festive - I'm in South Wales and it's been mostly grey and grim here all day.

Handbag I hope you're feeling better today.

Mrs I'm with you on the non-sleeping baby, DS is fighting sleep like crazy. Hope you've had some rest too!

Oooo Viva I'd forgotten about peppermint bark, it's one of those things that makes me feel like Christmas is coming! I really need to get my act together and get some made.

I haven't done much Christmassing this week so far as we've been ludicrously busy sorting house things and dealing with a teething baby.
I've just been planning a our holidays for the rest of the year though and I think we might try to go over to Dublin near Christmas. DH took me there to propose and I'd love to go back but I need to work out how practical it is to fly over in the winter as last time the weather was pretty horrendous and DS will still be under one. It's nice to plan though!

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