Santa’s challenge 2020 ...

Katiehound

I was going to say that I am amazed that Card Factory & CS are open since they can hardly be called essential- but then I remembered that you are over the border in the 'Principality!'

I am crocheting angels (still) have a new design  and making a tippet scarf. Bought the yarn on a discount at Wilko's a couple of weeks ago and it appears to be aran weight rather than DK- which is perfect 'cos that is the weight needed- so I don't need to convert pattern.
I am hoping to get it done to pack for Monday's trip out- so I can divert past PO.

Happy_Kitties

I certainly am Katiehound!
Had abit of luck today after dragging in a big bag of items for one CS. Came out with a brand new ‘Pinch of Nom’ book for £2. This will be going to another charity for their auctions. Think it will be very popular. Up there with my Jo Malone soap find in a bag of 3 soaps and a posh bath bomb for a £1.
Popped into another to find a really nice soap and glory tin with goodies. Checked all goodies were in place, it was BN. That has been earmarked for a birthday present in March.
The angels sound great Katiehound. DM’s nursing home have just done a big knitted and crochet poppy display asking for contributions from families. It was a really moving display and each resident got a poppy aswell which I know DM will appreciate. She doesn’t care or engage in many things, but traditional and remembrance yes.

Katiehound

if you interested the angels are here:
https://cynthiabanessa.com/2016/12/beautiful-free-crochet-angel-pattern/
and this one- but not in Italiano! and just basic, not lacy, and  smaller
https://blog.pianetadonna.it/igomitolidicamilla/angelo-decorativo-alluncinetto/

Happy_Kitties

The angels looks lovely Katiehound, very delicate
Had a look today in Tesc@ to see if they had their toy collection trolley out but nothing yet.
Ive packaged up some presents into parcels which I am going to send out Monday as our post is still hit and miss. I’ve also been really organised (makes a change!) as my first birthday in 2021 is on Jan 1st so I’ve got the present sorted to go into the relevant parcel aswell
The Pinch of Nom cookbook went into the charity auction last minute and raised £10 so I will send that out on Monday aswell.
Went into the CS to drop another big Christmas item of DMs off. I was also looking for a frame for a certificate I have found of my grandads that i am going to frame for Duncle for Christmas. Found a lovely one for £2, was happy to be supporting the CS and relieved bec if I hadn’t of found one it would have meant a trip into the next town. Got a lovely Portmeirion brand new cake slice that will go away as a present for someone for 2021. I would have used it this year, but the person I have in mind, all of their presents are done

I must stop eating some of my Christmas stuff, have bought some replacements today that I have promised myself I am not going to eat!!

Happy_Kitties

Tree is now up, not quite finished and the cats have been trashing it in happiness but Ive put it in a different position for the first time ever and think it looks better and will keep using that spot in the future when the living room is decorated (It’s attached to the wall with ribbon at the minute!!)
Parcels are bagged up and ready for in the morning.....I’ve never been so organised....it won’t last!

Katiehound

Did you manage to get your shoeboxes away?
Seems like they are working now- there are alot of pictures on Twitter showing boxes in vans and boxes being delivered to HO or minihubs.
Also looks like HO has had to move- the roof collapsed recently!

Happy_Kitties

Katiehound I managed to send 2 boxes direct to HQ. I would have liked to have sent all 3 but didn’t have a box sturdy or big enough and after emailing Link to Hope to see if I still had time, I was up against the clock so I thought 2 was better than none. So 8 completed and donated this year plus 3 education bags so I’m happy with that and have a head start with a box ready for next year-just have to change the choc in the box.
I went into Tesc@ this afternoon with my animal food donation and was pleased to see a toy collection trolley out for the local women’s refuge. This is very early for Tesc@ but I’m not going to moan. Hoping to get in Sat to pop a couple of things into it.
Plodding along nicely with Christmas prep. Just need to do a couple of decoration bits with the tree and I’m planning on doing a letter this weekend for one of the Christmas cards. This will be the last thing that slows me down now, the letters!!

Have been trying to sort things for the CS. It’s a slow business, the living room is still a mess but at least slowly working through stuff, albeit like a snail!!

Happy_Kitties

Parcel company confirmed today that the final 2 shoeboxes had officially been delivered so that officially confirms the 8 boxes donated.
Next year remind me for Dcousins DD whose birthday is in Dec and the present normally goes in their main box presents, not to buy while what is a great present, it is huge.
So I’ve had to cut a box up and jigsaw it together and parcel up this present separately. Measured it up and slightly too big to go Royal Mail 2nd class so it’s going by courier instead which worked out cheaper. Letter also completed and popped in. I hate wrapping at the best of times, it felt like this present took hours to do. At least it won’t take long to parcel up their Christmas presents,but I’m not rushing, doing well this year.
First toy donated into the Tesc@ toy collection aswell
Decoration bits for tree still not done but will get them done

chanie

happy kitties well done on getting your final boxes.   I have some crazy images in my mind of your jigsaw box😂.

I tried to drop bag of toys off at the Salvation Army for their Xmas toy appeal before lockdown, but the shop looked like it had closed down.  I have just emailed another local branch, so hopefully, they will take it.  Otherwise, I’m not sure what I will do with it.

we are hopefully getting our tree this week.  I can’t wait to start decorating, so that we can really enjoy Christmas.  Me and OH are scaling back on each other this year, with a £50 limit.  We normally spend a bit more on each other, but as I have been out of work, I suggested we cut back.  I found something I wanted for £60, but it’s currently on offer for £48, so we have just ordered it.

Happy_Kitties

Chanie I was very Blue Peter with scissors and sticky tape! 

I’m running out of packaging bits at a fast rate. I want to package up one of my final parcels which I think I can just about do without jigsawing together!! Planned to do it last night but other things took over so I plan to do it tonight.
One letter left to do-that’s going to be done at the weekend as I still haven’t done the final bits of Christmas trimmings. Did a little yesterday but those  weren’t planned bits, found some extra lights that I’ve used for extra decoration on one of the windowsills which looks very festive, I love light. I don’t mind about the extra trimmings though as normally I wouldn’t have the tree up so early and now it’s December, I feel happier they will be done now as I’m feeling much more festive.

Chanie, hopefully u will find another drop off point for the toys.
I'm glad u managed to get something u wanted, and under budget. I love a bargain, esp when it’s something u want. I’m holding out for an offer from M+S that will save a few pennies but I don’t know whether the offer will happen this year with more shopping being done on line.