Beannie

I got my gorgeous ornament today! I really love it! I want to say more, but that will give away who sent it. Once we reveal I will tell you why it is so perfect and extra special to me!

Free Ornaments

While supplies last free ornaments to mainland UK:

http://www.urbangraphicshop.co.uk/Products/Xmas-Decorations.html

Alcyone

I just got back from the movies and found this waiting for me! You can see my cat, Tycho, is interested as well. ;-) I love it!!! This makes my day!

The ornament's explanation reads:"Li Bien" Ornament. In Chinese, the phrase "Li Bien" means "inside". The Li Bien ornament showcases the age old skill of inside painting, which originated in the Qing Dynasty. It has been a respected Chinese art for over 200 years. Each ornament is delicately hand-painted through a tiny opening in the mouth-blown glass. This process requires great skill since the image is being painted in reverse. Each ornament is a genuine work of art and no two are alike. The result is a beautiful, one of a kind keepsake you will enjoy for years to come.

I'm off to eat some peppermint patties now. nom nom nom

Holiday Crafts

Here are some holiday crafting and DIY ideas:



Green/Recycled Crafts courtesy of Tesco.









Baby sock Advent Calendar from Martha Stewart Living.










Hanukkah gift wrap template from Martha Stewart Living.








Clementine and Clove Pomanders from Good Housekeeping.









Easy Wreaths from Good Housekeeping.

Melaina25

Thank you Secret Santa/Hanukkah Harry! After spending half of my work day on a train it was lovely to come home to your package! We just put up our tree yesterday so your ornament came just in time! I love that you can pull the strings and make the wings fly. Sorry for the blurry pics, but our digicam is still broken...

MrsP2B

Thank you to the marvellous Secret Elf who had me (you know who you are!!) for the most awesome package of chocolate and ornaments... I've already put the ornaments on the tree (see pictures) - but haven't taken pictures of the chocolate because frankly we have already eaten an embarrassing amount of it... suffice to say people, my secret Elf has been VERY generous! Thank you, thank you, thank you...!!!

Bridebahama

Thank you so much to my elf! I love the ornament. I included the card in the picture since it made me laugh!

For everyone else, it is crackled mirror and stunning in person. Quite heavy too.

p.s. Sorry about picture quality I had to take with my phone.

Rudolph's cousin Schlomo

A little Chanukah humor courtesy of my Grandmother.....

2peasinapod

I have received my ornament! Thank you to my Elf for my "three peas in a pod" ornament. Too cute! I love it!

Happy December 1st!

It's December already, WTF? It's cold, but sunny here in Glasgow so I'm not complaining. Advent calendars are pretty popular here. According to wikipedia, they originated in Germany in the 19th century. In Gengenbach, a town in Germany's Black Forest, the Rathaus (town hall)—which fortuitously has 24 main windows—is turned into a giant Advent calendar each year. An artist, often an illustrator of children's books, is invited to set a scene or painting in each of the 24 main windows. These are unveiled one by one, beginning on the evening of November 30.

In Norway,Denmark, Sweden and Finland there is also a tradition of having a similar tradition called the Julekalender.

Here are 2 virtual calendars that offer discounts and freebies:

Whittard's Tea & Coffee

Win prizes with Jamie Cullum's calendar