The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Sunday 1 November 2015

A years worth of gift making pays off!

Last week I mentioned that on the 1st November I am allowed to get out all the presents I have stashed in the cupboard all year. I knew it was stuffed and over flowing as I had started putting things on top and underneath!

As we have gone along I have shown many of the crafts I have made during the year. Lots of crochet, packs of cards, trimming tea towels and face washers, wrapping soaps. printing Patsy's e book, drying all those Bay Leaves and packaging them up, making Lavender Sachets and so on. I try and do things in batches so there are decent numbers. I did around 30 tea towels... some I bought and trimmed but most I made from sheets and fabric that I had.



After last Christmas I found gorgeous wrapping paper marked down from $8 a roll to 50c. That went in first. All year I added little things as I found them. Recently packets of lovely labels to tie on jars of jam or food gifts. I am always adding to that cupboard!

By now I have forgotten half of what I have put away! So getting it all out is really fun. Before I do this I write up tags with names of everyone on my list. If I know the colours of their kitchens or favorite colours I write that on the tag as well. This way once all the presents are out I can begin working out who is going to get what.

For my photos I have had to hide a lot of stuff, maybe half, as a lot of things are going to be obvious who they are for! So I had to set aside the dead giveaways to not wreck too many surprises!
Still, this covered the lounge room floor and I'll show a bit...



I spent the whole afternoon grouping things into gifts and working out who they are for. There was a lot of arranging and re arranging. It is just so much fun.
And the end result is I have plenty. I have extras to go towards January Birthdays. I have small things I can post. And I have a whole basket of pretty things I can take to the nursing home to give even the ladies I don't know.



The joy of giving. Just doing this makes me excited that Christmas is coming and happy. I have all my little Christmas cakes as well ready to give. I have most of the ingredients ready for coconut ice, shortbread, gingerbread and rocky road. I am thinking I will give making caramels a go as well.

Working on crafts all winter makes that time really nice for me. Winter can get a bit gloomy but not so much if you are having a lovely time working on your presents.

I really don't need to spend any money on Christmas now. I have the family gifts already. I have all my friends gifts. I just have a lot of wrapping to do!
Wrapping is quite daunting as I like things to look lovely. So I try and wrap one gift a day when I can. That way it is enjoyable and not rushed. In fact getting something wrapped nicely and ready is fun too. I get excited about giving that present!



I am telling this tale as I hear people say they don't like Christmas, they find it all annoying, they don't like the rush of the shops and the push and shove and so on. Not to mention the expense.  I think it is the most beautiful time and a chance to thank people. I don't like the rush in the shops either. But I won't be going shopping. I've done it. I can stay home and make gingerbread biscuits and package them up and things like that instead. I know there are some things we can't avoid but there are lots of things we can find a away around. For me last minute shopping was the worst thing (this caused me to spend way too much in desperation) and that was really the first thing I decided I needed to fix. That alone made Christmas much more enjoyable. The next was it costing too much overall... and the last was too much running around. More or less that one is improved too!

There is still time to make a lot of presents and save heaps of money there. But I find that starting on Christmas on January is like a miracle. Watch for amazing bargains. Stash them away. A couple of years ago Helen found beautiful little gifts and decorations for 5c each in the sales. I got lots for 50c each and thought that was good! My luxury paper was a good find, I also found gift packs of powders and soaps for a dollar each.
This year I watched for small items to add to my kitchen and pantry theme. I added pretty cup cake wrappers, labels, jam tops, herbs and spices and pretty kitchen implements. All for tiny amounts. But when its all put together it seems like a sensible gift! It is like anything... totally amazing how little things add up. Getting it all out in November or December is such a surprise. I am always shocked at how much it has added up to be. What a joy! I have everything I need. It is done. I am largely free to enjoy Christmas and don't worry about too many expenses.

This is one of the things I love the most.... getting ahead. This is done and the big bills we get in November I can tackle without worrying.

Some birthday gifts are done too. I am ahead with those.
We have been talking about getting ahead with pantry supplies so that we have extras if something comes up that could make us get behind. In so many ways getting ahead is a wonderful thing. I am writing a post on this...  I love it so much. Little ways to get ahead with things. It all adds up!

On Wednesday the pantries post is going to be timely for the Australian ladies and not so much for the US ladies... but hopefully it will be helpful. That is easy ways to be ready and be able to take on large amounts of produce even if you are not expecting it. If someone offers you 40 pounds of very ripe peaches you can take them and not waste any! That kind of thing! After Christmas we have lots of fruit in our area. I say yes to everything. I can only deal with it by getting ready way before that time or I wouldn't have a hope!

Have a wonderful week. Now it is November the year is really slipping away and Christmas is coming.
Do little things to get ahead so that Christmas is just wonderful and not too stressful. xxx






51 comments:

  1. Dear Annabel, Seeing everything laid out is simply breathtaking! It is like looking around in a beautiful little craft store and going ooh and aah over all the gorgeous goodies! The fruit of your labour (with lots of love mixed in) for sure! :-) xoxo

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    1. Thank you Kaye. I had to artfully hide a lot!
      I have had a lot of fun. I am still having a lot of fun deciding what presents suit who etc.
      I will be starting again in January (if not sooner!) With love, Annabel.xxxx

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  2. Wonderful! And everything is so beautiful! This is a real encouragement to begin earlier next year.

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    1. Dear Lana, I have decided that in January I will start a challenge and hopefully you might join me and we can begin making things month by month. It makes such a difference! It has made November really fun already for me!
      I hope you have a good week. I am dying to get our carpet pulled up!
      With love Annabel.xxx

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  3. Dear Annabel,

    You are such an inspiration! Everything you do is absolutely gorgeous. I hope to be able to get a good start in January on next year's gifts. Your ideas really help all of us so much.

    Have a wonderful week!
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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    1. Dear Glenda, Thank you! I have decided to launch a challenge in January and (whoever wants to) we will go month by month and share what we are making and egg each other on... (hopefully!) Then by this time next year we will all have a massive stash of gifts! Thats the plan... With love and thanks, Annabel.xxxx

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  4. Annabel, you certainly are an inspiration. I am just quickly checking in here as I am trying to pack for the beach as my son and I head off for a break for him from Uni. You have such wonderful ideas and your gifts are so beautiful.

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    1. Dear Nanna Chel, How lovely! Have a nice time. I would be happy with a beach break! I liked your recent soap making... I keep saying I will start but I will its on my next year list. Im collecting molds...
      With love, Annabel.xxx

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  5. Annabel,
    It is all so beautiful! I bet it was so much fun making your piles of gifts. I plan to have a better start next year since this one has been so unplanned and chaotic. I know people who don't enjoy the Christmas season either, I love it every single bit of it. Now with all of your lovely post I have a lot more ideas that I can use!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    1. Dear Vicky,
      I am so glad you enjoy Christmas as I do. You are right... we can be happy.. it doesnt have to cost a heap. A lot of the best memories for me are sweet things we did, not even gifts. With love Annabel.xxx

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  6. Dear Annabel, this post is so lovely and filled with peace and a generosity of heart and spirit. I love it, and agree with every single word. Yes Christmas can be a happy time, a calm time, a time of giving more than you receive because the joy truly is in the giving. A time to acknowledge those in your life, and celebrate your closest loved ones even more. Your work is a joy to behold. Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Dear Mimi,
      Thank you! You have given me many gift ideas over the last few years. The wrapped chocolates are one of my favorite!
      I think I treasure family things more than ever. Christmas is really special. I just love it. Thanks so much! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  7. Hello Annabel, your gifts are so beautiful , thank you for sharing what you have made with us all. I am going to start from January and make as many f my Christmas gifts as possible for next year. I am making a few this year but will aim to make more in 2016. Thanks again Annabel, your gifts are truly gorgeous . Barb

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    1. Dear Barb, Several ladies are saying the same thing, that they want to start in January. So I will start a series and make it a challenge month by month to build the Christmas cupboard. It is amazing for me since I started in January. This is only my third year to start so early. It makes so much difference!
      Thank you so much! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  8. Annabel, I prepare ahead for Christmas for the same reasons you do. I enjoy it more, it keeps me out of the rush at the stores, I can work on things in small increments which makes it not so overwhelming and it allows me to enjoy the holiday without stress. Beautiful gifts ... love this post!

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    1. Dear Patsy, Small increments! Thats what I do. It is amazing how they add up. In so many ways.
      I am thinking we are needing to become more and more inventive and appreciate the little things even more as well. With love and hugs, Annabel.xxxx

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  9. I usually do the same, but not quite so lovely. This year was filled with just getting along health wise. But, I still have time to catch up a bit.

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    1. I am so sorry you have had health issues. This makes things very difficult. A few years back I had an operation that knocked me flat for a few months. Of course this depends on a lot of things but my crochet kept me going as I could do that! I hope you are much better and will join in January... I will try and get us going as a group on gift making. We can encourage each other along. With love and thanks, Annabel.xxxx

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  10. aww, its all so lovely. Annabel i have been working alongside you this year. my stash is not as good as yours, but you've helped me achieve lots and for that I'm very grateful. Fi xx

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    1. Dear Fiona, I am really thrilled you have made so many things. And seeing your tea towels I know they are lovely. I am going to make soap next year too... I am hoping anyway...
      Also your new machine will give you totally new things you can make. I think thats awesome.
      With lots of love, Annabel.xxxx

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  11. Annabel, you have just made my day, maybe even year !!! Everything is so pretty, really pretty. You should be proud of all you've achieved.

    You've now got me all excited for the coming season and for next year.

    You can bet I'll be looking at this post many many times. I've even showed Darren and Jessica. They loved it. Megan will have a look when she comes home from shopping.

    Thankyou again for this post. I'm so happy I could cry xoxo

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    1. Dear Wendy! thank you! You are so lovely. You have made so many new things this year. What a year really. I am going to do soap making next year, I want to do the rosebuds on top... and work out how to make it pink. No surprises there hey!
      Today I got bantams! I will post Wednesday about it. Thank you so much! With love, Annabel.xxxx

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  12. Wow, wow, wow! Those on the receiving end of your gifts are very lucky indeed. Clever gifts made with love. What could be better? Absolutely nothing is the answer.

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    1. Dear Jane,
      Thank you for such a kind comment! I am hoping to encourage the confidence to make things...and give this way. Not all that long ago I didnt think my homemade gifts were good enough to give. A lot of people seem to feel that way! So here I am giving them... that is progress! With love, thank you, Annabel.xxx

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  13. Dear Annabel,
    This post has me so excited! EVERYTHING is gorgeous! I started planning for Christmas back in January as a result of finding your blog. This year I am not stressed or worried at all. Thank you for your continued encouragement. Every little bit adds up and makes such a huge difference. For someone starting even now....or if you're very short on cash...please don't forget acts of service as a gift. Babysitting, cleaning someone's yard, sharing a meal, etc., these are all wonderful gifts and truly are well received and appreciated. You can let someone know in a lovely card what your gift is, then act on it. God Bless you Annabel for all of your thoughtful work and encouragement! You really helped me make the choice to get organized and follow through.
    Much Love, Colette xxx

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    1. Dear Colette,
      It is only a few years that I started in January. It seriously makes such a difference! I am thrilled you did this and are feeling the rewards. I know you have put things away and made all kinds of progress to get ahead this year. It is awesome! Now it is especially impressive as you have had a big year and have a big family. Hello, that can make getting ahead a big challenge! But you have done it.
      I also know your husband thinks what you do is awesome! And the kids! The showing visitors the mantlepiece story is one of my best all year. I love that!
      You are right about the gift of help. Also the gift of making memories...that can be a huge gift.
      Some little things are amazing. Last year I went out the front to get my mail. Someone had decorated my letterbox with tinsel! I dont know who! I still done know who. Like a child I found this just wonderful! It really gave me that Christmas feeling. From that I thought I will think up sneaky things to do this year like that... also kids would love such things! Imagine!
      Well I love it. Lots of opportunities to make things a bit special.
      Thanks Colette... I can see a beautiful Christmas coming at your place! With love Annabel.xxxx

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  14. Absolutely gorgeous, Annabel.

    The stickybeak in me hopes you'll show some of your hidden treasures after they have been gifted.

    I've been really inspired since finding your blog earlier this year and have gone back to making many of my gifts ( a few hurtful comments in the past had made me question my gift giving). Thank you.

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    1. Dear Janine, That is funny. Ok I will do that. I had to hide quite a bit of stuff as it was way to obvious who they were for. After Christmas I will use some of the pictures. Good idea thank you!
      I am glad you are making your gifts. Do not be discouraged. Wendy above makes the most lovely things. Someone was mean to her the other day about her homemade gifts. It made my blood boil! Now I want to say this... a friend loves and appreciates another friends kindness and thoughtfulness. A few years ago I got a gift in the mail from Helen. It was wrapped in tissue paper. I unwrapped it and it was palest pink cotton facecloths Helen has knitted for me. My heart melted. They were just gorgeous but also that she would spend a ridiculous number of hours making them for me... I was just blessed by that. They are still on display in my bathroom! So stick with it. Find people that appreciate your gifts (and you) People are so touched by kindness. I love this. Those that are not... that is sad. But there are so many that are and dont even get a gift..
      With love (be encouraged) Annabel.xxx

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  15. Your such an encouragement! I love all your pretty projects you've done!
    Have a wonderful day!

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  16. Just beautiful,absolutely amazing what you have done through the year. Will you please show us one wrapped as you have a talent for going that extra mile and making everything look so inviting. Think you will have to open an etsy shop for all your gorgeous item at some stage. Ruth.

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    1. Dear Ruth,
      Ok I will do that! As I get things ready (many have to be posted) I will take pictures. I do fiddle around with them. I like to think it makes people feel special and that they are getting a treat. People deserve that.
      I have thought about an Etsy shop. I did sell things when the girls were little, through shops. It helped a lot. But now I tend to make twenty of this then twenty of that and I have no left over time (or inclination!) but I think a dollar saved is as good if not better than a dollar earned. My not buying gifts means I can add to the pantry and a fund for a holiday I keep. I love that! Thank you so much, Love Annabel.xxx

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  17. You have done so well, everything is pretty as can be :)

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    1. Dear Rhonda, Thank you! I went along and earned my points at the grocery store again this week. I am watching the dockets for more points... not the same as your system but it is thanks to you that I am doing it diligently!
      With love, Annabel.xxx

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  18. Oh Annabel, all of your homemade gifts are absolutely beautiful! I know the recipients are going to feel so special. You have really encouraged me to make gifts instead of buying them. As soon as I get a dresser in our spare room (we're still working on furnishing the cottage, and since I thrift shop, it can take some time but it's worth it), I am going to designate a drawer for gifts, all thanks to you! So many times birthdays and such sneak up on me or I need an unexpected gift and I either need to go out and purchase one or I have to purchase the materials to make something last minute, which never works out! You have said in a few of your past posts that presentation makes such a huge difference, whether it's in gift giving or when buying things. Every time I go out shopping now I think, I can make that cheaper and better, or when I see something I want, I pay attention to the packaging (which is probably the main reason I want to purchase one product over another in the first place), and tell myself that Annabel would just buy the less expensive one or make do with what she has and repackage it herself ;) Thanks for all that you do and for making a difference in my home! Oh, I read the comments as well and saw that you are getting your chickens! I'm so excited for you! --Kelsey

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    1. Dear Kelsey,
      Thank you! Yesterday I worked out we need a challenge to start in January to make gifts right through the year. I am going to call it The Christmas Club.
      It is great to have a good place to stash things. Also a place to stash cards for all occasions and wraps etc. Then you never have to go to the shops especially. It saves so much time and stress!
      It is lovely that you think of me! Noticing how things are presented is really helpful. I often snap a photo on my phone... it helps me remember the idea. And it works as when I scroll through the photos I have forgotten half of them!
      Another thing that helps heaps is if I am making a gift I make a few. Most gifts will be suitable for someone else down the track, then you build up spares.
      I did get chickens! I am going to write about it tomorrow and put up pictures. It was a really fun afternoon yesterday and quite a story!
      I am very excited about your dresser and gift drawer. this time next year it will be full! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  19. What a great sight to see! Your loungeroom floor must look so pretty. I have made a lot of gifts but still have a few to make as my hand held me back a little with my crocheting. Knitting I'm not sure if I will be able to do it again because of the operation but I have googled continental knitting so will try that in the new year. People love homemade gifts and more so now as most bought gifts are mass produces and not made with love.
    Looks like your Christmas is done and no last minute rushing to the shops, that so so stressful and not something I want to do either but for may years I did.
    Have a lovely week Annabel xx

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    1. Dear Debbie,
      Thank you! My Nan's neighbor was Latvian. She was a prolific knitter and knitted so fast! It was because of continental knitting. She taught me and that is how I knit plain rows at least ... and in those rows boy can I go fast. It greatly reduces the amount of movement in your hand so it is worth trying. I never understood if it applies to other stitches!?
      You have done very well considering your operation etc.
      I hope you are having a good week! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  20. Your recipients of your gifts are very blessed indeed. You put so much care, love and thought into each and every one.

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    1. Thanks Debbie, It has been really fun and helped me with the winter months as well. xxx

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  21. I love your blog and I wish I were your neighbor. That way some of your cleverness would just be a couple of houses down the street and not half way around the world. Thank goodness for your messages popping up in my email box.

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    1. Thank you so much for such a kind comment! This has led me to making wonderful friends all over the world! Imagine if we all got together! xxx

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  22. Dear Annabel, how wonderful!!! Such lovely gifts!! It's so amazing how they add up when you keep all your gifts in a certain place all year.

    I bet you had so much fun! Thank you for encouraging me! I'm looking forward to the Christmas Club in January. I need a bit of a push and January is a long, cold month for me. lol Love, Teri

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    1. Dear Teri,
      I am looking forward to the Christmas Club too even though its only just been thought up due to so many nice comments! But I think theres something in it... we can motivate each other and give each other ideas! Also I will make it a "use things up" challenge as many of us have craft or sewing supplies in our cupboards!
      With love and thanks, Annabel.xxxx

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  23. Wow Annabel, it's like you've had a massive Christmas shopping day only about 1000 times better! What an incredibly satisfying feeling it must be to see all your hard work laid out in front of you. I would be truly touched to receive a gift that had clearly been made with such love, I'm sure the recipients will be thrilled.
    Isn't it sad that some people do not appreciate things that don't come with a price tag? I'm quite the opposite, gifts that were clearly expensive and most likely purchased with a credit card make me feel quite uncomfortable. A lovely handmade facecloth and soap, or homemade biscuits on the other hand would make me so happy!
    Forgive me if I start calling you Santa from now on, but it seems quite appropriate lol.

    Enjoy wrapping all your lovely gifts!
    Jen

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    1. Dear Jen,
      Thank you! I am the same as you in the gift department. If someone gives me something they made for me I think its just lovely. Also I love things like produce and cooking as gifts!
      I am going to get to some wrapping on the weekend to get the ball rolling!
      Thanks for such a kind comment! With love Annabel.xxx

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  24. Dear Annabel,

    I've been reading your blog regularly for probably six months now but rarely comment. I just wanted to let you know what an inspiring post this is - I will definitely be starting a gift cupboard this January!

    Thank you for the time you put into writing your blog. I've learnt so much from your posts. (My favourites have been the slow cooker series.)

    Grace xo

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    1. Dear Grace,
      I really appreciate your comment. Thank you.
      Next year I will add to the crock pot series as i try new things.
      Also I am quite excited about January now! I will start maybe the second week of Jan after new year is over and Christmas is all packed away. Then hopefully it will be a good time to start making new things. It really is worth it especially now when you see how it has added up!
      Thanks so much! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  25. WOW is all I can say. What absolutely wonderful gifts you have created. The recipients will surely be lucky.
    I love giving homemade. Much of my gift giving is home canned goods (at their request). It is now expected from me!
    Love reading your posts.

    http://cherylsfrugalcorner.blogspot.com

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    1. Dear Cheryl, thank you! Thanks for the link to your lovely blog too. We have the same interests!
      Home canned goods are a wonderful gift. I love to make jams and give those in little baskets. Many thanks, love Annabel.xxx

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  26. Look at all those beautiful gifts. You are going to bring so much joy and love to so many people. Your generosity and kindness epitomises Christmas to me. I know each person that receives one of your gifts will have such a happy heart. I never thought my gifts would be any good to give, but yet homemade presents have always been my favourite. It is funny how they are the ones I treasure the most. From the decorated photo album I received from my grandmother for my first overseas trip, to an exercise book full of family recipes from my other grandmother to now my son's crocheted toys from my grandmother. My grandmother even crocheted Christmas stockings for us for my son, husband and I. I hope I can be like you. I have started crocheting pink roses to sew onto an apron for my friend's birthday, so I am starting somewhere. I also made your Christmas cakes- they are DEVINE! What a recipe to treasure. They taste absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I'm excited about making it again- I think I will do another batch next week. You give so much of your heart and time, you are an inspiration. Lots of love, Bridge

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I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

Spam is never published... if you are advertising a product or selling website your comment wont be published. I am inundated with stuff about drugs, horses and weird things! I am not going to publish this stuff! Thank you.