New Year Wishes

This time between Christmas and New Year has passed so quickly.  I had great plans of using the time to get my craft studio clean and back into some semblance of order after last minute Christmas crafting, but it has not yet happened, oh dear!

The Christmas decorations need to be put away, and the house returned to normal... shall I continue, the list goes on and on.

Besides not doing any of the above, I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and enjoyed having the time to catch up.

I hope you all have a very Happy New Year and wish you great "things" in 2012...

Clip art from "The Graphics Fairy"

Do you make New Years resolutions?  Do you keep them?

Judy

Last Minute Gifts

My sister wanted to add a nice bottle of wine to everyones gift this year, so I quickly made up some hessian (burlap) bottle bags for her.

Cut to size, box the bottom, and tie off with string, add a primitive tag, and we are done.  Finished 9 bags in less than 30 minutes ... you have to like that, especially on Christmas Eve!

I love the simplicity of them.

All the cooking has been completed, now let the celebrations begin!

I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas and that you are looking forward to a healthy and happy 2012.

Merry Christmas

Judy

I survived the day

After all my grumbling last night, I survived the day.  Grocery shopping in air conditioned comfort. The shops were busy with people finalising their Christmas shopping, however we have now finished all our shopping.

It also allowed me time to spend with my Mum and elder sister without rushing out because I had cooking to do... I still have the cooking to do, however it will get done tomorrow.

(Thanks Selina for the offer of a shoulder, and the great advice)

I know I will have to start a diet after Christmas, as I have already received a lot of home baked gifts, and you know you cannot be rude and not eat it, can you ?????

Have you tried Pura Cream Brandy Cheer, pop a little on your sweet plate next to the Christmas cake, yummy.  It is just a double thick cream with a little brandy flavouring ...

Try not to get too frazzled tomorrow, and take the time out to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

Merry Christmas

Judy

Last Minute Panic

Tomorrow was scheduled to be a cooking day, shop early and get stuck in ... you know what they say about the best laid plans .... yes, they come falling down.
I arrived home this evening to a message on my answering machine, telling me of a "emergency" power outage tomorrow from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm --- you are kidding me ... two days before Christmas?  Surely they could have planned that better ...   I have been grumbling for the last four hours ...

Unfortunately, grumbling does not change the fact that I will have no power tomorrow (or air conditioning), so a new schedule will need to be made.

Two days before Christmas, I could have handled it two weeks before ......

Bye from the grumbler lady ...
Judy

Still here ...Still crafting ...

No, I have not disappeared off the face of the earth!  However, like everyone else at this time of year, I am busy trying to finish up "last minute" gifts.  Because I have gone with the hand made theme this year for friends and workmates it has been a little time consuming, but on the homeward stretch now ... no photos as yet.

Tonight I finished the Christmas decorating, although I found I was a little short on "Santa's" as I had given a box full of them to my niece who is celebrating her first Christmas in her own home.  It was a wonderful feeling seeing her joy in getting them, and her excitement in being able to decorate her home.  It is also a great excuse for me to make "lots" more for next year.  I try and make at least one new Santa for myself every year, and this year I have two new ones.  I will post photos later, as it is too late this evening to take any photos.

My youngest brother and his family will be home this weekend, so we will start our celebrations early, as they will not be with us on Christmas day. 

I hope I have ticked everyone off on my gift list?  Have you finished your Christmas shopping?

Graphic from the "The Graphic Fairy"

Judy