Yup - that's Christmas.
We had a lovely lunch with the extended family. Everyone contributed, making it pretty relaxed for all concerned.
We all ate far too much so The Date & I made a pact to eat raw for the next few days. But I've just broken a tooth...nothing'll put you off your food faster than that.
Hope you had a great day & got spoilt by the fat guy.
This post originally titled "Christmas bites".
I gave myself a laugh & then thought better of offending the nearest & dearest.
I fashioned these the other day in order to please the wheat free, gluten free, no tomatoes, no capsicum, no this, no that, no the other eaters in the family. They were very well received by all but the vegetarian (but she's used to fending for herself).
It's a scorching day in and around Melbourne today so I thought some of you might appreciate these little tastes of Australian Christmas.
I just chopped up the cucumber & scooped the seeds out then topped with turkey, cranberry & brie. Delish!
The beach has totally zoned me out. As a classic speedster, always multi tasking it's a complete break & absolutely lovely.
I did just want to pop in & say...
I'm wishing you all a safe & happy holiday. May the pretty drinks be plentiful & the company delightful.
There is absolutely nothing original about this idea but I think it's a goodie.
I nicked it from the gym coach who filled them with the fabric used to make the girls' leotards. When I told her I was going to pinch it she said ... "Go right ahead, I stole it from Cirque du Soleil"
I love the idea of souveniring elements of a year gone & I'm pretty pleased with the way they turned out.
The baubles were purchased from Spotlight a couple of years ago & the little reminders of 2009 were knitted, typed & shaved by me.
A super last minute gift methinks.
Edit...
The teeny knitting is suspended using invisible thread which I taped to the rim of the bauble.
Right...it's all caught up with me.
Family from interstate, christmas functions, pre-christmas catch-ups, water damaged phone, going away, presents to buy, blah blah blah. It's the same for everyone I know, but today I've been landed with more than I expected & I'm having to move like lightning!
This little beauty picked up at The Mill Markets in Geelong. I love it!
I picked up a setting of 6 (very ugly) placemats from the Op Shop/Thrift store during the week. The upside of them being so ugly is that they were cheap as chips.
Now I've made reversible covers for them. I did a bit of free motion text last year & frankly found it took me longer than embroidery by hand. I'd decided 'twas best left to the experts.
But as this "design" is pretty simple I had another go & I'm thrilled to say the least! If you've no idea where to begin with this sort of thing you should pop in here.
One side for fun & the other a bit more fancy. Best of all they can just be slung in the washing machine when they get a bit grubby.
I think these would make meal time fun for kids if you had a novelty print on one side & the plate on the other. Easier on the eye than anything you can buy at Kmart.
If you don't have any luck at the Op Shop I think that Bunnings &/or Spotlight sell MDF circles about the same size.
x marks the spot!
I reckon I've got this year's Christmas gift sussed.
Embroidered & stitched entirely by hand so it's a good "kit craft" for taking along to kids activities.
I've used a couple of little stick on magnets (which I picked up at Reverse Art last time I was there) to make sure my handwork stays with the book & not on the tram.
7 OCTOBER - EDITED TO ADD:
I've just posted the tutorial here. Thanks all for your interest.
& all through the house not a creature is stirring.
we're back for the big day so I just wanted to pop in & say...
Have a very Messy Christmas.
May it be filled with goodness of the family & friend variety, the pretty drink, good food & good time variety & the chocolate variety too.
I've seen some really lovely advent calendars around:
elsie marley
maya*made
& whipup have featured some lovely links
This is our advent calendar - ten decorations/days down.
Simple but super exciting for whoever is the colourer for each day & pretty effective.
it's taken me a bit longer than usual this year.
But I've officially caught the Christmas bug. I blame this girl for her constant stream of Christmassy goodness. Every time I hit "next" there's another bit of viral Christmas cheer.
The trees are up & the 2009 decorations were purchased from Mikes & made by Emerge - the kids love them & they are hanging front & centre on each tree.
I've had a crack at making some decorations of my own using wooden discs I purchased from Reverse Art & embroidery floss. I think my favourite is the tree.
just about to shut down. Still going with a couple of things which is a bit disappointing but unavoidable this year.
I enlisted the help of this charming little elf. I'm really glad I did or I'd be rocking in the corner about now. Her workmanship is incredible - "Elf of the Month".
I'm looking forward to the morning & the excited smalls.
Wishing you all a wonderfully happy Christmas Eve & an exciting Christmas Day.
the fat guy has made his list, checked it twice & he's packing the sleigh right now.
If your fat guy is anything like ours he is getting just a wee bit frustrated with the constant changes to the "Please Santa, may I have...." list.
I posted about my December giveaway a while ago but it was buried in amongst the 12 days of Christmas. So I thought I'd better issue a little reminder as I'm going to draw the winner first thing Monday morning.
Let me assure you that the fat guy will be HUGELY popular if one of your kids pulls this little baby out of the sack on Christmas morning. It's a v-smile & 6 games. All the games have an educational element.
The giveaway is open to Australian residents. Comment on this post before midnight 16 December to be in the draw.