*The Holly and the Ivy* and the You Know What 2013 Chatter Thread.

mrsinvisible

hi, everyone, wow what a lot of busy bees. Nanamia, no DGS doesn't live with me, but as his mum has a form of muscular dystrophy she is quite disabled, and gets so very tired that he spends a lot of time with me. Fortunately she only lives 2 miles away so we are all together every day at some time.
Diggerland was nothing like the advert, DGS loved it, sodid the adults he took with him, I'm sure your son would enjoy it.
I have to go shopping today for boring stuff (food) but am inspired to try biscotti, so will check to see if I need to buy any ingredients or if they are lurking in the make it cupboard. back later, xxx

Trendyjenny

Loving the jar ideas with coins and other things in x

Last year my one nephew was having a school trip to Germany near Christmas x I asked anyone who had been on their hols for loose euros x they were only to glad to give them me when told them collecting for little un x his present ended up being 30 worth of euro x he was so chuffed as was his mum and dad who didn't have to worry about spending money x

As well as the hat project going to try knitting some gifts x
For my best friends (2) patchwork blankets
Scarves slippers handbags all on the list to

Was low in spirits til read about all of you x


Lots of my gifts will come from pound shops x
I'm also doing the empty jar with sign on a jar of nothing for my dad as he always says he wants nothing lol x

FeistyFidget

Cor blimey lovelies, lots of catching up to do since yesterday!

Glad everyone seems to having a fairly positive time at the moment

Nana, your poor friends and family are really going through the wringer at the moment - you really are a love for being so supportive

I may have a crack at biscotti, but struggling to find a UK egg free version

TrendyJenny, I inherited a crochet blanket from my Nan's house but it's multicoloured (it's old and I think it was using up left over wool in the spirit of made do and mend) I would love a co-ordinating one, but sadly can't crochet

My dizzy spells have eased, but still here. Apparently it can be caused by an infection in the ear - although they don't hurt, my Mother's puppy decided to ram her tongue right in my ear and it started a few days after - maybe coincidence though.

Papercuts are really versatile - you could do a sweet quote like this for the Nursery;



or I'm planning to do some sweet Winnie the Pooh quotes for the shop - first one will be 'Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart'

icemice

Nanamia - Hang in there! Such a hectic time you are having. Best wishes to your friend. Thanks for the tips on the wax, but the cold and cough are here to stay. I tried sleeping sitting up last night to limit the coughing but kept bumping my head on the wall as I occasionally drifted off!

Ooooo Sugarspun.....many congratulations! I bet you are thrilled! Good luck with everything and keep us posted!

Poppygirl - great tip on the cello bags. We don't have a local Poundland but I'll keep my eyes open. Planning on the biscotti in bags but also home made pot pourri etc, so the bags would be great.

Trendyjenny - I think that my OH should have a jar of nothing! He never buys cards or pressies but happily accepts all that come his way. Haha!

Feisty - hoping that your dizziness is getting better. No fun. I absolutely love your papercut- so beautiful. Steady hand required!

I don't know about an egg free version, but for anyone wanting just a quick go at biscotti, for a small batch: 3 oz flour, 3 oz caster sugar, 1 egg and a good pinch of baking powder. Mix well (it will be sticky) then throw in anything you fancy - chocolate, dried fruit, nuts etc, but if you add melted chocolate, add a touch more flour to soak it up. Roll into a sausage, bake at 160 for 25 mins (no fan on), cool for a few minutes then slice up and pop individual biccies back in oven for about 10 mins. Really easy and good to do with kids! Have fun!

FeistyFidget

Can't take the credit for the above paper-cut - not got round to mine yet

Suz24

freespirit66 wrote: »

Evening everyone
NANAMIA - where are you? hope you are ok, i havent heard you on here for a couple of days x
TINCAN - glad you had a lovely family meal out
TRENDYJENNY - phew that is good news about boiler
SUZ24 - i would love to be able to use a sewing machine but that is one thing i am a disaster at :rotfl:
SUGARSPUN - its lovely seeing baby first time isnt it, hope everything is going ok
CAITLYN - i did really enjoy the film although it did miss out xmas day but i felt so relaxed after watching it, ha thats what i said to icemice always on my list but never got round to it, this year biscotti will be top of the list, hope it isnt too stressful trying to think what is best for your mum, omg that made me laugh i have a drawer of napkins as well, i love buying them. Are you going to post any pics of the wedding? btw your ideas for CHIRPYCHICK are lovely, you clever thing
CHIRPYCHICK hope you got some good ideas off of CAITLYN, we will have the least money to spend on christmas this year as well, i have been getting some little bits here and there, luckily i dont have a list as big as yours, but when i am stressing about it i just tell myself, its us being together at xmas time that is the most important thing, you did brilliantly last xmas, hope franklin is well.

LOl well at least im not the only one :rotfl:

Suz24

PoppyGirl wrote: »

Poundland have cello cones sold as disposable piping bags. Packs of 20, which works out cheaper than ebay.

You've come to the right place with regards to making gifts!

Thanks PoppyGirl. Will have to take myself off and get some.

It may seem madness to some but i am really excited about making them but its good to know you lovely people are all the same about christmas excitement :j:j

Hanley25

Thank you all for all your kind comments on my hamper. I was really pleased with how it turned out. I am thinking about starting up a little business selling my cards, haven't got a clue how to go about it though. I decided to make everybody's birthday cards this year to build up a portfolio of what I can do. I'm also considering whipping up a bunch of Christmas cards and having a look at what kind of craft fairs I can sell at nearer the time. Does anybody have any pointers?

Icemice - Thank you for the recipe. I'm always on the look out for easy to make treats to make with the kiddies. This one is definitely next on my list.

Congratulations Sugarspun. :T

icemice

Bit of an odd experience tonight. Went out with OH to deliver a couple of birthday pressies and came home to find my electric blanket switched on. No one home except the dogs downstairs. We have had things happen in the past but never having the bed warmed ready for me to snuggle!

icemice

Feisty- you could have taken the credit and we would be none the wiser! Lovely piece whoever did it.