Back at Last!

Hi everyone, long time no see. It's been a rough few weeks and mostly back to normal for the time being. Illness has pervaded the Fairyglade with a vengeance, but now, hopefully, all better just in time for the festivities.

So, in between being poorly, what have I been up to....mmmm..let me see.

We bought one of these.............yippee.

A very fine specimen if I say so myself. The trick apparently is to trim off a couple of inches from the base where the sap has solidified, then soak in a bucket of water overnight before bringing it indoors and placing it in a bucket of water, to which has been added a couple of spoonfuls of bleach.

We have had to be thrifty this year out of necessity, however, I have so enjoyed making presents for friends and family. I find as I get older that I just do not enjoy the shops like I used to. I hate the queues and the piped music and the heat inside the shops. I have ordered most things online that I have had to buy for the littlest fairy and the rest has been lovingly made by my own fair hands.

Snowflakes have featured a lot this year.

As have gorgeous garlands...........

And Nigella of course, this recipe is to die for, Chilli Jelly. Scrumptious as a marinade for beef and chicken or haloumi if you prefer the veggie option. However, it comes into it's own on mature cheddar, totally delicious.

I have made several batches and decorated the jars with pretty fabric and red raffia and finished off with little wooden reindeer...how cute is that?

All my friends at work will have a jar of this gorgeous, glowing, christmas red scrummyness. In addition to the ingredients listed, I also added a pinch of dried chilli flakes for a bit of extra zing.

You may have read about a swap that I did recently with the fabulous Nina in Tabibooland. Read all about it in her words, and see the pictures. I was late sending my goodies out, and in my haste, I forgot to take photos of what I sent her! Don't you hate it when that happens?

I received some lovely handmades from her and these I did photograph, so feast your eyes on these lovelies. I had looked longingly on her blog as she explained how to make these pretty hexagon balls and was intrigued by a glimpse of the embroidery. Little did I realise that I was to be the lucky recipient. Thank you once again Nina, everything is so darn cute.

A fantastic idea for all the little people who like to give gifts to other little people is this one..Snowman Soup. I cannot for the life of me remember whose blog I saw this on, so I sincerely apologise. I do seem to remember that she found the idea on a website herself somewhere, so I don't think I am treading on anyones bloggy toes. What a fab idea though and so simple and relatively inexpensive. I bought the cups in Morrisons added a couple of sachets of choccy and a few marshmallows all to be stirred round with a candy cane or two.....yummy yummy!

I am sure if you google "snowman soup" you will find the verse and the contents.

Well now, way past my bed time. Just going to make up a hot water bottle as it is freezing here. We have had a light dusting of SNOW, how great is that and there is more on the way apparently....So exciting!!!!!

Dev x