tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post7999270980138787644..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: A years worth of gift making pays off!Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-65376346553178720992015-11-06T02:18:28.479-08:002015-11-06T02:18:28.479-08:00Look at all those beautiful gifts. You are going t...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, BridgeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-17654431420888470972015-11-03T15:43:06.548-08:002015-11-03T15:43:06.548-08:00Dear Cheryl, thank you! Thanks for the link to you...Dear Cheryl, thank you! Thanks for the link to your lovely blog too. We have the same interests!<br />Home canned goods are a wonderful gift. I love to make jams and give those in little baskets. Many thanks, love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-8160704177311792392015-11-03T12:07:41.966-08:002015-11-03T12:07:41.966-08:00WOW is all I can say. What absolutely wonderful g...WOW is all I can say. What absolutely wonderful gifts you have created. The recipients will surely be lucky.<br />I love giving homemade. Much of my gift giving is home canned goods (at their request). It is now expected from me!<br />Love reading your posts.<br /><br />http://cherylsfrugalcorner.blogspot.comCheryl Kimbleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06485771676254429681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-22817459693412065852015-11-03T04:06:34.337-08:002015-11-03T04:06:34.337-08:00Dear Grace,
I really appreciate your comment. Than...Dear Grace,<br />I really appreciate your comment. Thank you.<br />Next year I will add to the crock pot series as i try new things.<br />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!<br />Thanks so much! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-66070442363553678872015-11-03T03:51:05.314-08:002015-11-03T03:51:05.314-08:00Dear Annabel,
I've been reading your blog reg...Dear Annabel,<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.)<br /><br />Grace xoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-45135493515004263012015-11-03T03:00:38.930-08:002015-11-03T03:00:38.930-08:00Dear Teri,
I am looking forward to the Christmas C...Dear Teri,<br />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!<br />With love and thanks, Annabel.xxxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-29090510601885869502015-11-03T02:57:38.342-08:002015-11-03T02:57:38.342-08:00Dear Jen,
Thank you! I am the same as you in the g...Dear Jen,<br />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!<br />I am going to get to some wrapping on the weekend to get the ball rolling! <br />Thanks for such a kind comment! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-78282619410221518072015-11-03T00:48:02.105-08:002015-11-03T00:48:02.105-08:00Wow Annabel, it's like you've had a massiv...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. <br />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! <br />Forgive me if I start calling you Santa from now on, but it seems quite appropriate lol. <br /><br />Enjoy wrapping all your lovely gifts!<br />JenJenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00588810044069936285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-62904359555785744692015-11-02T21:45:20.387-08:002015-11-02T21:45:20.387-08:00Dear Annabel, how wonderful!!! Such lovely gifts...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.<br /><br />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 Teri Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-56407307390780268932015-11-02T20:58:46.469-08:002015-11-02T20:58:46.469-08:00Dear Rhonda, Thank you! I went along and earned my...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!<br />With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-46927019392351923822015-11-02T20:49:26.180-08:002015-11-02T20:49:26.180-08:00Thank you so much for such a kind comment! This ha...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! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-776093695079317442015-11-02T20:47:58.936-08:002015-11-02T20:47:58.936-08:00Thanks Debbie, It has been really fun and helped m...Thanks Debbie, It has been really fun and helped me with the winter months as well. xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-70532849885501532602015-11-02T17:34:35.340-08:002015-11-02T17:34:35.340-08:00I love your blog and I wish I were your neighbor. ...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. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-39109387765335773592015-11-02T16:37:59.649-08:002015-11-02T16:37:59.649-08:00Dear Kelsey,
Thank you! Yesterday I worked out we...Dear Kelsey,<br />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.<br />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!<br />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! <br />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. <br />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!<br />I am very excited about your dresser and gift drawer. this time next year it will be full! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-24719874390610436762015-11-02T16:31:55.123-08:002015-11-02T16:31:55.123-08:00Dear Debbie,
Thank you! My Nan's neighbor was...Dear Debbie, <br />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!?<br />You have done very well considering your operation etc. <br />I hope you are having a good week! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-32894829680342201032015-11-02T16:28:05.528-08:002015-11-02T16:28:05.528-08:00Vickie thank you! xxxVickie thank you! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-67282512093780489862015-11-02T13:36:02.765-08:002015-11-02T13:36:02.765-08:00Your recipients of your gifts are very blessed ind...Your recipients of your gifts are very blessed indeed. You put so much care, love and thought into each and every one.Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-36169224005406705142015-11-02T12:58:57.142-08:002015-11-02T12:58:57.142-08:00What a great sight to see! Your loungeroom floor m...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.<br />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.<br />Have a lovely week Annabel xxDebbie Leverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08697364796071268775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-669767540180858852015-11-02T06:50:03.749-08:002015-11-02T06:50:03.749-08:00Oh Annabel, all of your homemade gifts are absolut...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! --KelseyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-17158178710510150342015-11-02T05:44:12.624-08:002015-11-02T05:44:12.624-08:00You have done so well, everything is pretty as can...You have done so well, everything is pretty as can be :)Rhondahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07898829593961271218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-15408831391247032542015-11-02T04:46:33.494-08:002015-11-02T04:46:33.494-08:00Dear Colette,
It is only a few years that I starte...Dear Colette,<br />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.<br />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!<br />You are right about the gift of help. Also the gift of making memories...that can be a huge gift.<br />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! <br />Well I love it. Lots of opportunities to make things a bit special.<br />Thanks Colette... I can see a beautiful Christmas coming at your place! With love Annabel.xxxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-17091403773356271742015-11-02T04:39:54.441-08:002015-11-02T04:39:54.441-08:00Dear Jane,
Thank you for such a kind comment! I am...Dear Jane,<br />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.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-72318869100787331452015-11-02T04:37:17.795-08:002015-11-02T04:37:17.795-08:00Dear Janine, That is funny. Ok I will do that. I h...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!<br />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.. <br />With love (be encouraged) Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-75502418373581261162015-11-02T04:31:02.241-08:002015-11-02T04:31:02.241-08:00Dear Wendy! thank you! You are so lovely. You have...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!<br />Today I got bantams! I will post Wednesday about it. Thank you so much! With love, Annabel.xxxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-18245405571999056192015-11-02T04:28:41.992-08:002015-11-02T04:28:41.992-08:00I am so sorry you have had health issues. This mak...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.xxxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.com