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

Nanamia

Well lovelies what a day! It's been raining here pretty much the whole day, DH as usual has the heating blasting and we've had a sofa day Hardly moved from there all day. We've caught up on loads of recorded tv programmes- I probably have square eyes- we've watched that much today. Even caught up on the last couple of episodes of Call the Midwife I'd been saving because a friend had said how she'd cried and have been avoiding them- really don't know what she was on about ha.
Planned a treat day with DSiL next week we are of to the cinema again to watch the big wedding, should be fun.
Thursday my poorly friend is back with her consultant, she's dreading it

Mrsinvisible you never fail to make me chuckle How was your day. Did DGS and his dad getting any of your patio done on Saturday? It was a good day here, I was thinking about you. Ooh are you getting excited, I can't seem to get my head around the organisation this time I really don't know what's got into me. Our flight is 14.50 on the 27th, don't think it's really sunk in that we are actually going. FaceTimed DS and his family today DGD is trying to get her head around four weeks it's hard for them to understand isn't it - she's 3. She thinking of things I need to bring first on the list is nail varnish bless her xxx
Snugglebunny sending hugs must be so hard for you. Not made any easier by your Mum not answering the phone, how frustrating. Lets hope they manage to get her sorted very soon. I love hearing about your American themed buys, I've never been to USA (not that I'm complaining).
Feisty I know, I know it is time that I took notice. The thing is I love doing the organising etc its just afterwards I realise it was way too much. At the time I thrive on it! But really I can't go on like this, I have to set some limits and take some down time! I think I have three more orders for cakes before we go, nothing taxing and cakes I've done before(usually I hate duplicating but think it might just save me this time) I've promised DH I will not take on any more so finger crossed. And yes, pot calling kettle I will if you will, how about that? I'm glad you've both decided its not time for you to return to work yet especially when things didn't originally go to plan you definitely need more time xxx
The photo collages were made using an app on my phone called "photo shake"
Trendy Trendy Trendy we've missed you So sorry to hear about your poor Dad, hope he's soon on the mend. No wonder you had a set back. But at least you know you can move forward again, cos you've done it before Baby steps are defo the answer. I know exactly how you are feeling about the occupational health thing tomorrow, it's no good saying don't worry cos you will. This time tomorrow it will be all over. Have you got somebody going with you? Please try n pop back in and let us know how it's gone or pm if its easier ANYTIME XXX
Pinknfluffy really really pleased its going so well. I've given up making my Christmas cards the last couple of years, I've been tempted to have another go this year tho, you may have just inspired me. xxx
Freespirit your day sounded very similar to mine except DH has the heating on all the time! I'm always roasting. Ooh if you get a chance have the paraffin wax treatment. It's lovely. I've become obsessed with nails since DD has been doing the course, in fact BFF text this evening to say she'd been flicking through the tv channels and found nails inc on QVC, she said she had to sit on her hands to stop her ordering ha ha. My obsessions always rub off on her too in fact she bought a lamp/heater thing to do shellac, I'm resisting at the mo cos she had a lot of trouble removing the shellac and I don't do pain! My nails are always a mess after doing a cake, I'm not really sure why but they defo don't like it! xxx

Trendyjenny

Feeling really down x went to oc health x he showed me what work had said about me x there was no explanations eg my health probs disruptive kids extra workload so in black and white looked quite bad. Taken a real step back x he said to go back work on 24th June with phase return x I going to contact my union x just feel like giving up x

FeistyFidget

Oh Jenny, I'm so sorry contact your union ASAP, you will at least know where things stand xxx

bunbun2

sorry I haven't been around for a while

We have been away for a few days in the caravan to the lake district. we had a fantastic time. it rained the whole time we were there but it didn't matter. we didn't even go out much just sat around in the caravan playing games. it was nice t be away as a family and spend time together without TV and computers.

jenny sorry to hear you are still having a hard time. go to your union as they will be able to advise you and negociate for you. My OH is still off work (teaching) and the union are playing a big part. I think he also feels it is good to talk to someone. He won't go back to his job now, this is the second time he has been off long term in 2 years. Occ health and the school will be trying to get you back. take as long as you need and are entitled to.

feisty I will be buying one of your Dr Who makes. I don't need i till September so will wait a while in case you make any different ones:D will you be doing a local craft fair in August?

must dash as OH has just run me a bath...be back later...

Trendyjenny

Thanks x spoken to friends who said work trying to cover backsides as this is work related stress and they have given me no support x I need to catalogue all the events and what support gave me (big fat zero) then take union rep to meeting with me x

Trendyjenny

On a positive note saw Christmas saving tins at card factory earlier 99p they also did other saving tins so if you making hampers might fit the bill x eg shoe savings holidays savings ESP for those hard to buy for presents x think might get one or two as spares for those who pop in and secret Santa present

mrs-moneypenny

fiesty that cutout looks fabulous, really really love it.

pinknfluffy28

feisty - your cutouts are amazing!
todays xmas bargain was skylanders giants starter set for wii - £10 from tesco (reduced to £35 & we used clubcard vouchers!) really chuffed as both dd's have asked for this. There's 7 years between them, they will be 6 & 13 this xmas, and I am really chuffed to beable to get them a "combined" pressie! Going to look out for some of the figures on offer, get a few, & hide them with the clues from santa's treasure hunt, with game as the main pressie!
Had a lovely day at home with them both today, we made cards and played lego, and laughed - a lot! I love rain days ... sometimes!

FeistyFidget

Bun Bun I'm doing one early July and am considering taking a stall at the New Forest Fairy Festival in August

Just had my first ever neutral feedback from a buyer on Etsy Gutted, especially as it was a fellow seller who left it before contacting me. I always offer a full refund if there is an issue (even if it's beyond my control like damage during shipping like now) feeling rather low as know it will put some buyers off

bunbun2

Feisty what is the New Forest fairy festival? when is it? is the July one in Christchurch? I can't come to that one but will mention it to my mum. sorry about the etsy feedback.

pinknfluffy wow that is a great bargain. I am so pleased that your business is going well

jenny thanks for the info about the savings tin