Christmas Eve

What a busy week. Christmas Eve was no different. Lots of making at baking on the agenda.

A little bee was very sweet, playing on Crash Bandicoot for a short while, busying himself with leftover pastry and den building. School holiday heaven!

And of course, playing Santa. Though we were a little worried about not having many gifts this year, we needn't have, they always seem so many, especially crammed under a teeny tree!

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This year I celebrated my birthday from my sofa, piled high with cushions and the duvet from the bed. I know this must sound like a fabulous way to spend your birthday, but for me, it really isn't! I am still recovering from the dreaded lurgy, whose full force has rendered me useless for two whole weeks (and to any of you who know me, know that I don't DO poorly!).Which also explains my distinct lack of posting here....

However yucky and sore I have been feeling, I was suitably spoilt by my loving friends and family. Dan made me breakfast in bed and couldn't wait to give me my amazing gifts before bouncing off to work. A beautiful, smart new coat and a William Morris handbag, what wonderful surprises! And the blow torch I've been wanting for a while (creme brulee and meringue toppings here I come!). Later, Mother Hen dropped Mr Bee home after his sleepover, he had chosen me some pink sparkly roses and paid for them all by himself and Mom gave me some of my favourite things, a joules top, a wicker shopping basket and some lavender plants! Oh and an ostrich feather duster which is utterly adorable!

I also had some lovely books, skincare and kitchen goodies from my lovely friends. They are keepers ;)

In His Element

Our little bee was very, very lucky to receive two Playmobil sets for Christmas from two sets of Grandparents. He has been utterly absorbed in the Playmobil he already has (from last Christmas) so he was so pleased with his new additions. The Gold Mine will go so nicely with the Western set he already has and the Pirate ship, well we can't wait to get the motor so that we can pop it in the bath for him!

A Winter Wedding

We were lucky enough to be invited to the beautiful wedding reception of an old friend Iain and a blogging friend Chloe (of naturallychloe fame) this past weekend. Of course, we were delighted to attend and had been looking forward to it for quite some time! Louie was so excited to meet little Ava.

After getting a little lost, we arrived at the beautiful barn venue. We were made to feel so welcome and immediately were shown to the sweetie bar. Chloe did such a good job with all of the decorations, it was truly lovely!

And then we got down to the main event. Dancing.
Louie had so much fun running around, dancing with various ladies. It was safe to say he charmed just about everyone in the room. Except maybe Ava. She seemed a little scared of him, poor thing.

The beautiful Mr and Mrs!

New best pals ;)

I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked. My camera was playing a little silly. I think it may need a big clean up but hopefully it will be back to its usual self soon!

Thank you again, for inviting us. We wish you very well for your new married life! 

Christmas Hampers

 Merry Christmas everyone, this is a scheduled post, but I hope everyone had a truly wonderful day yesterday!

This year, Dan and I decided to hand make the gifts going to most of our friends and adult family members. We made a list of things that we could make with Louie that we could give, and ordered lots of everything and got cracking!

You can see how we got on here, here and here.

They may not have been quite as amazing as Becka's amazing hamper, but I hope the recipients appreciate all the love, care and time that we all have put into these little token gifts :)

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Christmas Eve, a day for traditions.

Sugar cookies made by the bee and me. Advent Santa came to pick which one we should leave for Real Santa when he comes to delivers the presents. 

 Mr Bee's advent scene courtesy of his Playmobil Advent Calendar. Worth every penny, he has played with it every day, he will be sad to see it put away I am sure!

 A whole day of preparing tomorrows Christmas feast, cooking the ham and making Tomato and Mascarpone soup.

 Two special books for a special little boy. A gift from our friend Helen to read on the night before Christmas, and the special gift Santa dropped off on his practice run last night ;)

 Then to set out the stockings and leave refreshments for Father Christmas and his faithful reindeers. Mr Bee really didn't like the smell of the Port, you should have seen his little face after he smelled it!

 And then to bring down all of the gifts, and my goodness there are a lot of them! That doesn't even include the star gift, of which we have a special plan. And the big present from Papa and I, which it seems Sonny Jim has taken a liking to!

Merry Christmas lovely readers, have a wonderful day with those who love you, hopefully this will be the best year yet :)

Sunday Painting

A whole day spent creating a special gift for the holiday season. It shouldn't have taken so long, but mishaps happen! Only stopping to make a truly yummy Chicken Pie, a little break from the usual Sunday Roast.