Peace, Goodwill, & Joy be yours this Christmas time.

I'm not sure if I'll get chance to post again before Christmas, so I thought I'd just stop by to say a very merry Christmas to you all and best wishes for the New Year.  

Enjoy yourselves.

Stay warm - I don't want to be reading of any more boilers breaking down.

&

Remember that it's the season of goodwill to all men (and women), so try not to fall out with too many members of your family - though MIL's are a given :0)

* * * * *

Scuppered

This week I was expecting to be posting about two more lovely Christmas Traditions that I thoroughly enjoy. However, the snow unfortunately scuppered my plans good and proper.  

We had arranged to go and stay with some very dear friends last Saturday, and we'd also booked tickets to take our children on a little steam train ride and to meet Santa on the Sunday morning.

On Saturday we had about a foot of snow, making the roads far too dangerous to even attempt to drive.

I was so disappointed. 

We stayed home and watched The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe and played with Lego instead.

I hope your weekend plans weren't disrupted.

*

Phew - the last one.

Finally, I've finished making my last Christmas present.

 Another cross stitched lavender pouch to my own design.

The details, for those of you who are interested.

Material: 100% Belgium Linen (32 count)

Thread: DMC (shade 498)

Beads: Swarovski

Cream  Ribbon

Lavender - purchased from Daisy Gifts.co.uk

 *

Your wish is my command.......

Some of you wanted to see more photos of Chatsworth's decorations.  So here are a few more for those of you who missed out on visiting this year.

A huge Cossack standing to attention.  One of the many Christmas Trees.

This is supposed to be The Sugar Plum Fairy - but I thought she looked rather sinister.  I know, I'm weird.

 

Two gigantic Christmas Trees in one of Chatsworth's great halls.

Not the best photos I'm afraid - perhaps Santa will bring me a better camera for Xmas :0)

* * *

It's becoming another family Christmas tradition..

Taking a trip to Chatsworth House to ooooohhhhhhh and ahhhhhhhhh over their beautiful Christmas decorations.

  I  know that quite a few of you have also visited Chatsworth recently, so I'm conscious of posting photos of the same things.  So I'll just post a couple.

The photo above is of my favourite room. When we arrived here, there was hardly anybody else around and it was so quiet.  Snowflakes were being projected around the walls and it just seemed so magical to me.

And, I just love the photo of Violet losing her foot in the snow.  Check out that brilliant expression on her face. 

Have you seen that fabulous hat on her head?  So many people commented on it - my chest swelled with pride to know that I'd knitted it :0)

I trust you all enjoyed your weekend as much as I did.

 * * * * *

A present? For moi?

The Postman delivered a wonderful parcel yesterday.

At first I thought it was yet another Christmas present for Violet, but no, it was for yours truly.  

You see I'd won a prize over on Kathy's lovely blog.  Aren't I lucky?

Everything was wrapped up so prettily.

A Gisela Graham snowflake for our Christmas tree.

This delicate white bird, which clips nicely to a tree branch - though it only stayed on our tree for as long as it took me to take this photo, as Violet took a shine to it and has been playing with it ever since.

My first ever Yankee Candle - this one is called Sparkling Snow, I'm sure it'll smell divine.

I've had to squirrel the chocolately goodies away before they're claimed by other members of this household.

Kathy had also included a pretty little handmade lavender bag and a heartshaped notebook.

I can't thank Kathy enough - everything is just lovely.

* * * * * * 

I finished my last Xmas scarf last night.

I'm in love with this Rowan Big Wool and this colour, which is called Wild Berry (shade: 00025).

I really wish I could afford to knit a jumper in this exact same wool for myself, but the cost would just be ridiculously high.  When you think it's £8.49 for each ball of wool and I'd need between 6 and 9 balls, depending on the pattern I'd use, that would work out at between  £50 and £76. A big snuggly blanket or throw would also look fabulous in this wool, but it scares me to think how many balls of wool I'd need to make anything of a decent size. I can only hope that it'll be offered in the sales in the new year.

I'm keeping my fingers very firmly crossed that the roads will stay clear enough for us to travel up to Derbyshire tomorrow, as we're planning on paying a visit to Chatsworth House to look at their Christmas decorations.  I really can't wait, I'm soooooooo excited.

Wishing you all a very lovely weekend.

* * * * *

Christmas Trifle Recipe

Good morning to you all.

Today I'm going to be sharing with you the recipe for the bestest 'over 18's only', Christmas trifle in the whole world.  

I say 'Christmas Trifle', but you can make it whenever the mood takes you, at any time of year.  It works for other celebrations too, not just Christmas.

The origins of this recipe can be found on a page I ripped out of an old copy of Good Food magazine.  In the original recipe, Drambuie is the tipple of choice.  However, I prefer to use Framboise in mine.  

Are you ready?

Then I'll begin.

You will need the following ingredients:

350g/12oz mixed berries - or you could just use one particular variety.  Fresh or frozen.  You'll be needing a few extra to decorate the top of your trifle too.
225g/8oz Madeira cake - thinly sliced.

5 tbsp Framboise (or Drambuie)
Grated zest and juice of 1 large orange
1 litre of double cream
4 eggs
85g/3oz golden caster sugar
A few drops of vanilla extract or essence
8 tbsp bramble jam 

1. Preheat oven to 160c (140c Fan).
2. Put the mixed berries in the bottom of large, deep, ovenproof dish, and press down on them lightly to release some of their juice.
3. Now cover the berries with the thin slices of Madeira cake.
4. Spoon over the Framboise and the orange juice.  Then leave to soak for 15 minutes.
5. After the cake has soaked up the booze and orange juice.  Cover the pieces of the cake pieces by spreading the bramble jam over the top.
6. Now whisk together 600ml of the double cream, with the eggs, golden caster sugar, orange zest and the vanilla extract.  Then pour the mixture over the top of the jam.
7. Sit the dish in a deep roasting tin with enough hot water to come at least 5cm up the sides of your trifle dish. Bake for 1 hour - or longer.  Cooking times will vary as to the height and width of the dish you've used. The custard mixture should be just set with a little wobble.  Don't try and rush your cooking time by cranking up the heat - the slower it cooks the better it'll turn out. When it's cooked, leave to cool, then cover with cling film and keep in the fridge overnight.

When you're ready to serve your delicious trifle:  Whip the remaining double cream, then spoon it over the top.  You can then decorate it by positioning a few choice berries here and there.

In the Good Food recipe they also scatter lightly toasted, crumbled shortbread and finish with a dusting of icing sugar.

I am not a lover of trifles, but this baby is the business and is one of the tastiest desserts I've had.  It won't be any good for your waistlines though ladies, that's why I only make it once a year, when you're allowed to indulge in all foods that are extremely bad for you.

It does sound a bit of a faff to make, but trust me, it's really simple.  

If you do give it a go, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.  It's become our Christmas Trifle and maybe it'll become yours too.

I can't show you any photos of one that I've made because I won't be making mine until a couple of days before Christmas Day.  I just didn't want to post the recipe when you wouldn't be able to nip to the shops for the ingredients if you did want to try making one for you and your family.

Here's what the Good Food one looked like, to give you an idea.

* * * * *

I'm churning presents out like Santa's workshop.

Good morning all.

It's a beautiful morning here today.  Everywhere is covered in frost and the sky is a brilliant blue.  

I've been visiting a few of you this morning, and it sounds like the snow is still causing quite a few problems for you still.  Fingers crossed that things start to improve soon.

So, what have I got to show you today?

Another Xmas present finished, ready to be nicely wrapped  and put under the Christmas Tree.

I started this pattern exactly the same as my last one, with the star shape in the middle.  However, this time, rather than draw a design out on graph paper first, I thought I'd just let it evolve.
This is the result. 
It reminds me of those thick jumpers people wear when they go skiing, and it looks quite Scandinavian in design. I'm beginning to think that I may have some Scandinavian blood in my background.  

It measures about 11cm across and this time around I've attached some Swarovski beads to each corner, which look very pretty.  I'm now thinking of creating a design just using beads - perhaps it will be too much, but you don't know until you try it do you?  I've done bead-work in the past, but I'm not sure whether my eyesight will cope with it these days.

Here are the details if your interested:

Material: 100% Belgium Linen (32 count)

Thread: DMC (shade 3809)

Beads: Swarovski

Red Ribbon

Lavender - purchased from Daisy Gifts.co.uk

* * * * * 

I also started, and finished, another leaf pattern scarf last night.

This one is destined for one of Violet's little chums.

(Sorry the photo isn't very good - it's difficult trying to take a photo of yourself).

This scarf is also knit in Rowan Big Wool.  The colour is called Glamour (Shade 00036).  I hope the 3 year old likes it as much as I do.  It's a fabulous colour.

Both of the Leaf Pattern Scarves I've knit over the past couple of evenings have only required one ball of wool each.  So, if any of you out there need last minute Xmas presents, then I can highly recommend knitting a scarf using this simple, but effective, pattern. 

Wishing you all a lovely day.

* * * * *

Xmas scarf - numero uno

Hello - I hope you all had a very pleasant weekend.

I actually managed to find a little bit of crafting time and managed to whip up a Xmas scarf for my sister in law.  

Do you recognise the pattern?

If you've been following my blog for a while, you may remember that I knit this leaf pattern scarf back in May.  Though I used Rowan Lenpur Linen yarn then and made a summer scarf, which my aunt absolutely loved.  This time around I wanted to use a really chunky wool.

Pattern: Free from here

Yarn: Rowan Big Wool 100% Merino Wool

Colourway: Vert (shade 00054)

It's one of the simplest patterns to follow and I knit this whilst watching Fred Claus yesterday afternoon.

I've got a few more to make, but if it only take an evening to knit each one, then I should have a couple more scarves completed by the weekend. 

Rowan Big Wool isn't cheap, but it comes in some beautiful colours, feels lovely, and most importantly it's snuggly and warm.  I hope the recipients will like them.  I'm thinking of knitting the other 2 in a deep purple colour and also a vibrant pink.

Right, now I'm off to try and buy the latest Shrek from Sainsbury's, seeing as they're selling it at only £8 today.

* * * *

I'm no Larkin or Milton - can you tell?

Here's my attempt at a poem about Mince Pies.

*

Mince pies, mince pies

A fresh baked batch sits before my eyes

Just out of the oven - boy do they smell gooooooooooood.

Let them cool - you know you should.

Can't wait, can't wait,

Must eat them now.

I'll have just one, 

or two, 

or three,

or four.

Oh bugger it.  They're gone.  I'll have to make some more.

by Jill 

  * * * * * * *

Today's seasonal Love......

........ goes to the humble Mince Pie.

I love, love, love, these little pies of yumminess.  

I've been baking (and eating) batches and batches of them over the past few weeks (I think Sainsbury's have probably ran out of jars of mince meat by now, I've been making that many).

They're the smell and taste of Christmas all encased in delicious pastry.

And, before you ask, no - I don't make my own pastry (my excuse is that I have very warm hands), and no - I don't make my own mince meat either.  For shame!

I tried to find a poem about mince pies to go with my blog post today, but couldn't find anything. So, I'm challenging myself to come up with an 'Ode to the Mince Pie', and will post my efforts tomorrow.  If you fancy joining in for a laugh then please do - there may be a Xmas surprise gifted to the author of my favourite.

Have fun today.

* * * * *

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree.......................

Can you guess what my next Christmas tradition is?????

Decorating the Tree of course.

I've loved decorating the family Christmas Tree since I was knee high to a grasshopper (OK, so I'm not much taller than that now).

When I was young I was constantly on at my mum to haul the Xmas tree and decorations out of the loft, so that I could spend a few pleasant hours doing my Homes & Gardens impression trying to create the most beautifully decorated tree ever.

 And, after I'd decorated our tree, I was straight on the phone to my aunt, who lived just down the street, telling her that our tree was up and that I'd be straight round to start on hers.  I ran to her house (walking was not an option).  Flung open the doors and true to form my aunt would have all her boxes, stuffed with Christmas decorations waiting there for me - oh the joy!

I'm pleased to see that Violet has as much love for Christmas trees as I do. 

As you can see, we don't have a real tree.  In fact, this is the same
tree I've always decorated.  Yes, this very tree could be well over 30 years old.  It does the job brilliantly, so I don't see any need to replace it.  I suppose in a way, it's become a family treasure.  It's seen a whole lot of fantastic family Christmases afterall.

Since having Violet, I haven't been able to hang my beautiful glass baubles on the tree, but I have plenty of shatterproof and soft decorations that Violet can handle without me worrying that she's going to injure herself.

I'll bore you all with my Christmas bauble love another day, but for now, the tree is up - Ta Da!

Is yours up yet?

* * * * * * * * *

What's in the box????

Last year I decided to create a box of seasonal related goodies, which we could open each year on 1st December.

So, what's in the box?

Lots of Christmassey goodness, that's what.

A few Winter Friends for Violet to play with.

Chris-Moose.  One of my favourite Xmas decorations.

So, that's where Santa has been hiding out!

Some Xmas viewing.  

I know, I know, it's not very good.  Our Xmas DVD collection desperately needs adding too.  Please feel free to recommend any good, family, Christmassey-type movies to me.  

I actually hated 'Love Actually' when I first watched it, but now I find it a lovely film to watch whilst I'm writing my Xmas cards or decorating the tree.  

A bit of Christmas reading for Violet. 

The Nutcracker is actually a fantastic pop-up book - so Violet's only allowed to look at it when she's being supervised.  

Another Xmas story and my cheesy Xmas CD collection - I love cheesy Xmas songs.  How about you?

And, lastly The Christmas Yearbook.

This is where I stick Xmas photos, write about our family Christmas, list Violet's presents, write down the momentous events that have happened throughout the year, and write wishes and aspirations for the forthcoming year.

I think there are about 20 years worth for me to complete - so when I'm old and grey it'll be something I can look back on with great affection.  No doubt there will be tears as well as smiles.

I bought this the year Violet was born - filling it's pages is now one of my Christmas traditions.

I know that the Xmas Box is quite sparse looking, but it's a work in progress.  I'm hoping to add to it each year.

Do you do anything like this?  

Or, can you think of something that my box is drastically lacking?

I'll be trying to list the things I love about this time of year, from now until the end of December.  I hope you won't get too bored.

I'd love to know about the things you and your family love (or even hate) about December, Xmas and the run up to the New Year.

I'm going to try and brave the slippery pavements later with Violet strapped to my back - wish me luck.

* * * * * *

Hi there.

I meant to do a post yesterday, but the whole day just seemed to run away with me.  I did manage to visit a few of your lovely blogs though, and noticed that quite a few of you are under a few inches of snow.  We woke up to only a smattering on Saturday and when I looked out of the window this morning, it appears that we've had a couple of centimeters over night.  It's darn cold though, and I'm so glad that I don't have to wait around on these crisp mornings for a bus into work.

I took a trip over to my aunt who lives in Nottingham on Saturday and we decided to visit a Christmas Craft Fair, which was being held at Patchings Art Centre, not far from where she lives.  It was absolutely freezing. I missed out on a great photo opportunity of a Robin sitting on a snow covered fence because I was holding onto my aunt for dear life (she fell down and broke her arm the last time she ventured out in the snow).  

It's been years since I visited Patchings - I think the last time was 1998 when my cousin got married and had her wedding reception here.  There was country dancing and I remember twirling around a lot with my brother - blimey, that doesn't happen very often :0)

We did spot some stalls selling very old fashioned stuff, but we won't dwell on those.  I want to show you the talented folks.

Both my aunt and I were taken with the wares that Irene Campsill's stall had to offer.  She makes the most amazing bags.  I was smitten with a felt and tweed bag, crafted in an unusual shape, with beautiful free sewing machine embroidery on the front.  It was priced at £50, which seems expensive, but the craftsmanship involved made it totally worth it.  I'd limited myself to spending only £20, so unfortunately I had to love it and leave it behind.  Though I think I'm regretting it now.  If you've got a bit of a handbag fetish, then go and check out her website. 

I couldn't resist buying these cute buttons:

You remember how much Violet loves her penguins.  £2.50 for a set - can't be bad.

I just couldn't leave this singing angel behind:

Isn't she fab????

She's now gracing the top of our fire place.

I don't know about you, but I always like to stock up on birthday cards when I visit craft fairs - you can get your hands on unusual cards and something just that little bit different from the normal run of the mill cards can't you?

I've got a birthday coming up and spotted this really pretty card that'll do the job nicely.

It's by an artist called Vivienne Cawson.  I don't think my photograph shows it off to its full potential though sadly.

She was selling some lovely prints too.  I especially liked her 'Poppy Heads', so I bought it in greeting card form.  Not to send to anyone, but to frame when I get round to it.  It'll look great with a wide dark border around it and a dark wood frame.

* * * * * *

Yesterday Violet and I had loads of fun cutting out paper snowflakes, which I then laminated. 

 

Violet helped me punch holes into them and then we strung them on some red spotty ribbon. 

Et voila!

Our homemade garland.

 

There's something very therapeutic about cutting out paper snowflakes - I'm sure you all remember doing it as a child.

I love my laminator - it was dead cheap from WH Smiths and I use it all the time.  It's especially good for knitting patterns, Violet's 'artwork', making recipe cards, and for doing a million and one crafty things with a toddler.

Hope you're all managing to keep warm and take care out there on the slippy roads and pavements.

*

Treasure Houses of England

Some of you may remember that earlier in the year the other half, Violet and I, visited quite a few grand houses.  Mostly we visited National Trust properties, but we also paid a visit to Woburn Abbey, Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace.  Whilst we were there we picked up quite a few '2 for the price of 1' vouchers.  These need using up by the end of 2010. 

We'll be able to use a couple of vouchers when we go and see the Christmas decorations at Chatsworth House in a few weeks times - this year they are having a Russian theme and I can't wait.  Chatsworth House is one of my favourite places to visit.

I have 4 spare 2 for 1 vouchers, which can be used at any of the Treasure Houses of England, which are:

Beaulieu - in Hampshire

Blenheim Palace - in Oxfordshire

Burghley - in Lincolnshire

Castle Howard - in North Yorkshire

Chatsworth - in Derbyshire

Harewood House - in Leeds

Holkham Hall - in Norfolk

Leeds Castle - in Kent

Warwick Castle - in Warwickshire

Woburn Abbey - in Bedfordshire 

I've linked all the properties to their official websites, so if any take your fancy and you would like to visit, then please drop me an email and I forward you a voucher.  They'll only go to waste otherwise and I'd prefer someone to get the benefit if possible.

December should be a really lovely time to visit all of these grand houses because they'll all be decked out for Christmas.

*

Small print on the back of the voucher:  Valid throughout 2010, this voucher can be exchanged for one FREE adult admission to any Treasure House of England, other than the one stated on this voucher, when accompanied by one adult paying the full published adult admission price.  For Woburn Abbey: voucher is valid for the house only and not Woburn Safari Park.

* * * * *

I've knit myself a happy jumper

Well ladies, I trust you all had a fun weekend.  

If you remember, last Friday I brought my Embrace Sweater out of hibernation and gave myself until Sunday evening to get it finished.

And guess what??????? At 20:40pm precisely, I finished it.

And, what is more.  I absolutely love it.

I can't tell you how chuffed I am with myself, that I actually knit it, from start to finish, me, me, me, all me.

I won't lie to you.  It's been hard going at times.

I feared that I spent too much money on the wool.

I feared that I wouldn't get the 'finish' neat enough.

I feared that it would end up hanging in my wardrobe for years and years, never seeing the light of day.

I feared that it would be too itchy to wear.

I feared that it wouldn't suit me.

Basically, I feared way too much, and what turns out, needlessly, because I love, love, love my new jumper.

I couldn't stop grinning like a Cheshire Cat for the rest of the evening.  The other half looked amazed when I showed it to him, so I think he was quite impressed with the end result.  As am I.  He even complimented how nice I looked in it and then he said "it looks like you've knit yourself a happy jumper".  I thought that that was a lovely thing to say.

If you're interested in the details, here goes:

Pattern: Embrace Sweater, which can be found in Rowan Studio magazine (issue 14).

Wool: Rowan Kid Classic.

Colourway: Royal, Teal & Canard.

Needles: 4mm & 4.5mm

Happy, Happy, Happy.

* * * * * *

Happy Friday

Happy Friday to you all.  

We're actually seeing a little bit of sunshine here today, but it's been blummin freezing and rather wet for most of this week.  How about you?  Have you managed to get out and about?

I promised Violet a Children in Need teddy bear this morning, so we ventured down to Sainsbury's only to be told they don't do Children in Need, they support Red Nose Day instead. 

Next we tried Toy's R Us - no, nothing there either. 

Not looking good. 

Lastly we tried Boots - oh dear, they sold out of everything over a week ago.  

Sorry Violet, you won't be getting a new teddy bear today, I'll have to order one off their website.  

So, what have I been up to during this 'stay indoors' weather?  Well, I've managed to finish reading a couple of books.

I was really looking forward to reading The White Queen by Philippa Gregory, but I was a slightly (only ever so slightly) disappointed.  I loved learning about this period in history, but I didn't like the Melusina (water goddess) thread running through the storyline.   Nor did I feel as 'on the edge of my seat' as I did when I read The Other Boleyn Girl.  Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable book and I'll definitely be reading the other books in this series about the Plantagenets.

In the edition I read, there is a conversation with Philippa Gregory printed in the back, which I found very interesting reading.  I especially loved the answer she gave to this question:-

If you could go back in time and live in any of the royal courts you've written about, which one would it be and why?

I would be absolutely mad to want to be a woman of any of these times.  A Tudor or Plantagenet woman was wholly ruled be men: either father or husband.  She would find it difficult to seek any education, make her own fortune, or improve her circumstances.  Her husband would have a legal right over her which was equal to his ownership of domestic animals, and the chances of dying in childbirth was very high.  If one could go back in time and be a wealthy man these would be times of adventure and opportunity but still tremendously dangerous.  I think I would prefer the Tudor period rather than this period (Plantagenet) of warfare to diminish the danger of being killed in battle, but there were still regular plagues and foreign wars to face.  I cannot sufficiently express my enthusiasm for modern medicine, votes for women, and safe contraception.  No woman of any sense can be nostalgic for the past.

* * * * * * 

Here, here - I couldn't agree more.  

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd was also an enjoyable book and I've placed them both in my book box if any of you are interested in reading them too.

My knitting needles have been rather busy these past couple of weeks.  When we were on holiday I realised how lacking Violet's wardrobe was for warm jumpers, so I set about knitting her a new one, and used 4 balls of the lovely Rowan RYC Cashsoft 4 ply in Amethyst, which I purchased in the House of Fraser sale a few weeks back.  It's absolutely beautiful yarn - so, so soft.

Violet wouldn't let me take a photo of her wearing it, so you'll have to make do with Minnie Mouse modelling it on her behalf.

It's a gorgeous colour - though my photos never seem to show the true colour of things properly

Pattern: Sirdar Country Style DK (2233) Easy Knit

Yarn: Rowan RYC Cashsoft 4 ply (I used 4 balls)

Colourway: Amethyst

And, because I seem to have my knitting mojo back at the moment, I've decided to try and finish off my Embrace Sweater.  So what if I started knitting this way back in February!  I'd already done the hard graft, it just needs seaming, the collar and shoulder cuffs to knit, then it'll be a really huge TA DA moment for me.  I spent a King's ransom on the yarn, so I really don't want to mess it up, but I'm gonna take the bull by the horns, bite the bullet, get those stitches picked up and get this baby finished.  Wish me luck - I'm giving myself until Sunday night to finish it.

For anybody who is interested, the house-hunting isn't going well.  It's making me totally fed up.  So, because I want cheering up, please leave a comment on today's post telling me what period in history you'd like to travel back to and why.  For every comment I receive, I'll make a donation to Children In Need.

Thanks for visiting today. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

X