the hedgehog's balloons.

Hazelnutty

Congrats, CR! Well-deserved aalted caramel icecream - super yum.

On the hot toddy front, was served honey, lemon and southern comfort by OH, which is quite a discovery

the_cross_rabbit

Tonight is DH favourite night of the year, he loves bonfire night. So when the girls, mum and me had got back from shopping in the city (inset day) he'd already had a fire going. He'd lit lots of candle s in the garden too, looked really pretty. DD1 took over fire control and DD2 was more than happy to throw screwed up paper (old reciepts,confidential info etc) onto the fire. We sat and ate patatas bravas with cous cous and DD2 had toast toasted on the fire followed by marshmallows. We all however stink of smoke other than that happy bunnies all round.
We've been into the city today as mum wanted to look for Christmas presents for the girls and I needed to buy a new handbag as mine has finally given up the ghost. It had been repaired countless times but it is no more. So I managed to get one in the shape of a naked strawberry I love it:j. Its one I've been drooling over since February (£30). Filled the car up also today £50.24
TT of 20p.
Hope you've all had a good day
CRx

the_cross_rabbit

My little black rain cloud has refused to go to school again and gone back to bed. Not sure how much of this I can take,but i do feel slighty better for typing that and also remembering mothernerds advice for the 5th November (NST November in New York). So onion and garlic planting is suspended for now. Tea already cooked (veggie stew), need to remember to get mince out and shredded courgette out the freezer for tea tomorrow. TT of 81p today. Also need to start looking for a new phone as mine is on its last legs.
Really need to start my Christmas cakes. I've decided to make one for my dad for his birthday present and add truckle of cheese, one for us and a gluten free one for my friend for Christmas with a truckle also. I never know what to buy people at Christmas, people these days seem to have so much already I don't want to add to the mountain of stuff. So the plan this year is charity donation for dad and his wife/ sister and BIL, friend- homemade Christmas cake and truckle, DH and I weekend away (mates flat- we pay mates rates), DD1 and DD2 have had/are having colour analysis, Great grandma will be chocolate brownies. Still got to decided on in laws, my grandma, niece/nephew, my mum and a small gift for DD1 and DD2 to open on Christmas day. Need to get some inspiration from somewhere. Did do some window shopping yesterday but didn't see anything. Got to decided on what we are going to do about a :xmastree:. My grandma gives us money every year so we are thinking about using it to buy a :xmastree:, my money usually ends up been absorbed into the food budget.
Ok so need to focus on the day ahead, hope you all enjoy your day :hello:
CRx

Karmacat

So, I had to google "naked strawberry", and it came up with bottles? Looks very cute, is that the thing?

Your bonfire night sounds great! So do your present ideas - about 3 years ago, I made the decision I'd only ever buy consumables again as presents - I was fairly clear that thats what I wanted in return, if people were going to buy for me, but its only about 50% there in that department. Trying again this year

Poor little black cloud, and poor you in dealing with that. It's got to be rough - I'll have a look at the thread you mention, if I can find it.

Hope your day goes well.

Hazelnutty

Thinking of you, CR.

I feel sometimes we need to pare back to the absolute essentials. What do I and my family need to get through the day? And just set other pressures and expectations aside. They're such an emotional drain. Sometimes, this does mean letting other people down, but I've often found that those other people are OK with that when I've said 'I just can't...' Things can wait, or be scaled down, or set aside. Anyway, take of yourself.

Crumpets

Sounds like you had a lovely bonfire night, love the sound of doing toast on the fire! Christmas cakes and cheese sound like a winner to me, consumables are definitely the way to go with gifts.

Poor you and your little black cloud, hope the day improved for you. I agree with hazelnutty's advice, do what you need to do and let everything else wait. Look after yourself :grouphug:

the_cross_rabbit

:hello:Karmacat, Hazelnutty and Crumpets thank you for your kind words. My little black rain cloud went to school in the morning (eventually) and I got a phone call after an hour asking me to go and pick her up, she had earache. Feel such a bad parent. In my defense I will say that she has 'the boy that cried wolf' syndrome and we never know if she is spinning it or is actually ill. Earache is hard to determine as we can't see it like vomiting etc. Anyway she came home and went to bed for 2 hours, dosed her up with medicine . DH has come in and isn't convinced. Hey ho.
So did get about an hour of OU work done, sooooo behind on this. Christmas cakes are in the process of been made, fruit is currently soaking in sherry. Not alot else done today.Did have a long chat with my mum (who is a wonderful woman) about things and we've decided that she will come over and help me a couple times a week in what ever capacity I need her to do. I feel really guilty about asking but needs must at the mo and like they say it takes a community to build a village.
Karmacat my naked strawberry bag is shaped like a strawberry but is minus the green bit. I see you found the forum I mentioned earlier hope it helps.
Sending virtual hugs to everyone who needs it and a polite wave to those who don't.
CRx

greent

Another vote for consumables/ experiences for gifts (in the main - I'm happy to receive particular smellies which I love and use )

xx

the_cross_rabbit

:hello: Greent Consumables are the way to go I feel this year. The house smells like a pub but without the stale cigarette smell:rotfl:.
CRx

pinkypig

Hiya CR :wave:

Your Christmas cake and cheese gifts sound lovely - I'd be very pleased to get a present like that:)

I have a little black rain cloud in my class this year and my heart goes out to families dealing with this day in day out. Life must feel like an uphill struggle sometimes. You're doing an amazing job and making a huge difference to a little person's tricky life. You should feel proud :A

PP xx