'TOAST'

That's what I will be watching tonight on BBC TV. Over Christmas I've been enjoying reading one of Nigel Slater's books, 'Eating for England.' It's about the British and their food --- entertaining little snippets about the food we eat.
I like what he says about the After Eight Mint (I've probably eaten a whole box this Christmas).
You know how annoying it is when you go to get one, only to find your son and his mate have got there before you, and all that's left in the box are those empty little envelopes!









Pleased to say we are lucky to have running water all day today (off in the evening) but parts of N.I. still have no water. My son told me he washed his hair in 'Evian'. Then maybe he does that everyday.

Water please...

Just a little bit of N.I. water would do.

White Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM DONEGAL

Christmas Eve......

...and a Christmas card

Santa Claus.

Went out today to Dobbies Garden World for last bits of shopping. It was very quiet due to the freezing weather.
Could have sworn I saw Santa Claus.

By the light of the silvery sun.....

It's -6*c in my porch this lunchtime and this is the view from my living room window.
The sun is masquerading as the moon.

Florentines.

I usually make Fifteens at Christmas but today I thought I'd try making some Florentines . They just look Christmassy to me.
I didn't put the chilli in mine!

Snowpeople.

- 6*C out today and I've seen all kinds of snowpeople....

and my grand - daughter gave me a pop - up snowman card.

LIDL.

I said to my husband, "What shall I write in my blog today?"
He said, "What does it matter, it's the most boring blog in the world."
Why don't you put, "Went to LIDL."
So I did!


I also went to my sons house, drank mulled wine and admired the Christmas tree!

Snow.

Northern Ireland has had the heaviest snowfall for 25 years over the last few days and today I've been out snapping.
I went to Saintfield Co.Down to do some shopping. The sun was shining and the scenery was like a Christmas card.

Harmony Hill Craft Group Christmas lunch and competition 2010.

This years competition subject was - a box.
This is my papier mache box.


The cup!
The winner!

A beautiful flower arrangement produced from a box of greenery.
The food.
The turkey and ham.
The unusual desserts.

Some day I'll win that cup!

Moroccan pattern.

When I was studying for City and Guilds my Research for Design was on Morocco. Take a look at all these colourful patterns.
Inspired by the tiled fountains filled with rose petals I stitched blue and white 'tiles' and made a quilt. The panels on the Christmas lantern were based on geometric tile patterns. Seems to me I'm addicted to pattern!

Books.

Here's my selection of books from the library tonight. No fiction for me. I just can't settle to read a book all the way through.

.... and a partridge in a pear tree.

How clever is that? Wish I could say that I'd made this.

Christmas Present.

My first present arrived today and the best thing is - it's one that lasts all year!

Two Turtle Doves.

Well, not quite turtle doves! I think these are collared doves in my garden today, couldn't believe my luck!

Now, if only I had a pear tree...........

Moroccan Lantern.

I made this lantern as part of my City & Guilds course and intended it to be a Christmas ornament. So today I've put lights inside and a colour changing globe light. Now I'm enjoying a quiet Saturday night in and here's why........

1. Strictly Come Dancing with 'Take That'.
   
2. Chinese meal.
3. Glass or two of red wine.
4. Husband out at Christmas do.
5. X FACTOR FINAL!!!!!
   

Grand-daughter.

Fascinated by the decorations

not so keen on the snow.

Sunset and snow.

My craft group pot luck Christmas lunch was cancelled today because of the snow so I went Chr. shopping instead. This snowy scene is just across the road from my house and when I came home the sun was setting . There's a pylon behind that tree that I craftily hid!

Had to laugh watching Kirstie and Phil's Perfect Christmas and now I'm hurrying to make an ice sculpture and hang up the glitter ball.

It was 30 years ago today.

I loved the Beatles in their early days, I joined the fan club and bought their music.
So, when I was in New York in 2008, I went to see the 'Imagine' memorial for John Lennon in Central Park. That's me on the right -- an English woman in New York. Can't you tell?!


It's 30 years since Lennon's death and that's 30 Christmasses he was deprived of.

Advent blogs.

I was reading Gina Ferraris Advent blog, where she's posting a blog a day leading up to Christmas. I thought I'd give it a go too.
Better than eating your way through a chocolate calendar!

Crystallized roses.

roses in my garden today

Christmas Shopping.

I went to The Victoria Centre in Belfast yesterday. The atmosphere was good with the Savation Army Band playing Christmas music. It was freezing and I warmed up with a Hog Roast bap at the Christmas market followed by hot chocolate in the M&S cafe. Yummy!

NIEG Exhibition

I went to see this exhibition of work by the NI Embroidery Guild today. When I was doing City & Guilds Diploma there was just the two of us, me and Carolyn. It was tough going at times and we helped each other along the way. I watched her work on this metal piece --- from inspiration to design to the finished article. Hours of work but all worth it.
It looked beautiful today hanging in a glass case with the light filtering through.

Oops...realize photography not allowed but I did ask permission.

Note to self: join NIEG next year.

Spoilt Rotten Beads

I sent for some Ghanaian upcycled beads from Spoilt Rotten Beads. Take a look at their Christmassy website.

http://www.spoiltrottenbeads.com> Beads and Jewellery Making Supplies - With over 3000 beads & findings to choose from we're Europe's one-stop shop for the best selection of jewellery making supplies and beads - Swarovski Crystals, Gemstone Beads, Bali Beads, Thai Hill Tribe Silver Beads, Freshwater Pearl Beads, Charms, Findings, Kits, Tools, Metal Clay Supplies and more!

Christmas trees

.......or Day of the Triffids.