Christmas Journal 2011 - 14 December

Last week, it took me two afternoons to write all of my Christmas cards!  On 14 December, I finally finished writing them.  Most of the cards I sent this year were bought, charity cards, but I did manage to make 24 that I sent to fellow crafty friends and family who have come to expect a handmade one!  I used a very simple design that I had used for birthday cards earlier in the year, but I think they were quite effective.

I had one handmade card left, so I stuck that in for today's journal page:

and I did my journalling inside:

(loving that paper tape (red Merry Christmas at the bottom)

Carole x

Christmas Journal 2011 - 13 December

Here is the last page that I managed to do last week ... somehow I have got terribly behind again - I blame it on Christmas!!!  There is just so much to do, and this weekend we have been busy busy busy doing Christmas related jobs, although no entertaining for a change!  I have however, been taking photos and making notes, so when I do get the chance hopefully it shouldn't be too hard to catch up!

This shop in Bath was just so pretty and magical, and Phil and I stumbled across it at twilight so all the fairy lights and window display was even more stunning!  Just had to include it in my journal!

This weekend hasn't been entirely without crafting, I popped into my Crafty Corner to rustle up some wine bottle gift label thingies for Phil to give to several of his work colleagues:

This was only necessary because I forgot to buy wine bottle gift bags, but I'm actually quite glad I did now, I think they turned out quite well!

Carole x

Christmas Journal 2011 - 12 December

OK, so not much Christmassy was going on around here on Monday!  However, Ollie had a much needed appointment at the dog groomer - he was so stinky and we couldn't have that over Christmas!

I did get half of my christmas cards written (the half that needed posting) so it wasn't a completely wasted day!

Carole x

Christmas Journal 2011 - 11 December

Sunday was a more relaxing day for us, despite the fact that we were entertaining again that evening - largely because we had done all the cleaning for our visitors the day before!  It wasn't however quite so relaxing for our visitors, they had a bit of a crisis at home and in the end, Ian had to stay at home.  However, we still had a lovely evening and after dinner played some games - Logo and spoons (seem to be our favourites at the moment!)

I wasn't sure about using black in my journal, but since some of the Jovial papers have black, thought I would give it a go, and I quite like it!

Carole x

Christmas Journal 2011 - 10 December

Saturday, we had friends round in the evening ... for the first time, and the first time that the husbands had met!  It was a lovely evening and everyone got on like a house on fire - isn't it great when that happens?!

Unfortunately, I failed to get the photo that I should have done - preferably one with the four of us in, but since I didn't, I used this one instead (Daphne doesn't like it, but I rather like the fact that it looks like she's got Union Jack ears!!!)

Carole x

Christmas Journal 2011 - 9 December

When I got home from work on Friday afternoon, I weighed out all the ingredients that needed to be soaked overnight, for my Christmas Pudding.  I do love to make my own pudding, and I found this recipe about four years ago and unless I find another spectacular recipe, don't see me changing it - ever!  The title I chose is a bit mis-leading as there are no figs in it, but it is quite citrussy and quite light (which is just what you need after a roast turkey dinner!)

I did intend to steam the pud on Saturday, but ran out of time, and it didn't actually get finished until Monday :/   Never mind, it's all done now and ready for the big day!

Carole x

Christmas Journal 2011 - 8 December

I think that the page I did today might be my favourite one so far!  Of course, it helps to have a picture of something so cute, but it's not only that.  I must ensure that I do a page all about Arnold too, just to be fair (and the dogs will need to be included somehow too!)

Carole x