Non-Beauty Advent Calendar Opening Thread

[SanFranBear]

Not sure if there's already a thread somewhere and I am just blind but for the first time ever, I have a slightly posh calendar.

Now, will admit it's just the Twinings Tea one (which I may have won as part off the November Postcode Lottery) but I'm really excited and wondered if those of us with non-beauty calendars might like to share our bounty?

I will continue to lurk on the other threads as they are strangely compelling to me but would also love some company as I drink my way through the 24 days of Advent!

I light them every night after dinner. There is always loads of wax left even after burning for a few hours, I then pop them back in the box so I will know which is which when I use them again. The only ones I haven't tried yet are any food related ones (like the fig or thyme and mint), they are lined up in the kitchen to burn after smelly cooking.
My favourite so far is the very first one Sea moss and driftwood.
I love this calendar, I usually get a beauty one, often nail varnish but this has been a real treat.

I only had 1 bag of skittles - I need to have another rummage!

Oooh.... more Skittles and gorgeous candles!

I've got to admit, my Super Tea from yesterday was really delicious - perhaps because it had a really strong flavour but genuinely enjoyed it.

Today - well, I'll drink it 😆

Some lovely treats I see. But more green tea 🤢

My wines for the last few days.

That sounds lovely @saveforthat at least you are enjoying them. I may get myself one next year 😊

@toooldforbrat did you find them? I hope so 😁

i don’t like green tea either 😂

Oooo sorry @AhBiscuits missed you there, how lucky are you 😁

Another one for the kitchen.

This one has gone in the Christmas cupboard, I am sure they’ll get eaten.

Am definitely leaning more towards wine than tea for next year - especially seeing your lovely looking treats, @AhBiscuits!

That said, no complaints from me today - this one sounds delicious! Anything which helps with sleep is always welcome although an earlier bedtime is probably all that's needed (almost the holidays 😁)

Last 2 days …

Sadly, yesterday's didn't really live up to my expectations.. on the whole, I've found them to be relatively flavoursome but this one reminded me of herbal teas of old - smelt lush but tasted of very little!

And onto today - its another green tea (spiced this time!), although I've found when it's combined with other flavours, it's pretty good so almost looking forward to trying this one. Probably be tomorrow as I'm out tonight and looks like it might suit for after a rich meal.

Honey for me today. I have to admit I don’t actually usually use honey, so any ideas as to how I can use it would be appreciated 😊

I love Seabrook crisps and didn't realise they did a crinkly option.

Looks like we will be falling asleep after dinner tonight.

@Tiredmumno1 this recipe goes down well in our household

I use honey in my sourdough foccacia.

Quite an exciting looking Shiraz today.

Oooh, I'm very much a red wine drinker, @AhBiscuits, so that looks right up my street. Do you have much time before Xmas to drink these all or are you just setting yourself up for a very drunken holiday 😁

Intrigued by my offering for today, Balance with lemon & verbena. Could be tasty - could be Lemsip, let's see a bit later!

That sounds nice @SanFranBear as long as the rose isn't too strong. Might be a bit perfumey.

I've only drank about 4 of the wines so far. I'll definitely start getting through them a bit quicker over Christmas. Although I will have a couple while watching Strictly later.

Thanks @Tealfish @AhBiscuitsi shall look at both of those, I’ll probably be able to use today’s to help cook them 😂😂

A more unusual tea for me today - Turmeric. My BF has actually asked for some of this for Xmas (easy gift!!) but I've yet to try it.. doesn't appeal really. BUT - I do quite like spice in my tea, love a chai and I really enjoyed the Metabolism tea from a couple of days back so never say never!

Sad there's only 3 more doors to open ☹️

Oh - and for honey @Tealfish, I always think of Feta 😋 Theyre a match made in heaven, here are two of my favourites:

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/baked-feta-with-burst-tomatoes-chilli-honey
AND
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/filo_parcels_with_feta_76823 (although I don't use a deep fryer, I bung in the air fryer!!)

Today's candle

I was hoping for a bit more excitement considering we are nearing the end, I am not sure what I want but it wasn’t this 😁

This Is how it started. This is now where I am

A real mix for the last 3 days here. Will all get used though…..and I managed to give the pickled onions away over the weekend 😃