tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post9216763291773713475..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: Inexpensive Christmas Presents. Part 2. Food gifts.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-76914181849506494202015-10-20T12:55:02.585-07:002015-10-20T12:55:02.585-07:00Such neat ideas! :)
Thanks for joining Cooking a...Such neat ideas! :)<br /><br />Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!Jesshttp://www.pluckys-secondthought.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-34348676925798331502015-10-20T00:30:39.016-07:002015-10-20T00:30:39.016-07:00A good one to share at Five Star Frou-Frou Annabel...A good one to share at Five Star Frou-Frou Annabel. Thankyou. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-67218840476747244712015-10-18T16:00:03.336-07:002015-10-18T16:00:03.336-07:00Hello Annabel,
Thanks for sharing these great idea...Hello Annabel,<br />Thanks for sharing these great ideas at our Monday party Cooking and Crafting with J & J.<br />We hope to see you again!<br />Julie at Julie's Lifestyle Julie's Lifestylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13804692908534378507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-85141723460651485362015-10-16T20:20:23.793-07:002015-10-16T20:20:23.793-07:00I love those ideas!! It's always nice to bless...I love those ideas!! It's always nice to bless someone with something that they will enjoy, and not just store in a closet! Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersPartyJamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17292263988734093888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-76073484518556057192015-10-16T06:01:46.358-07:002015-10-16T06:01:46.358-07:00Dear Julie, thank you! And thank you for the invit...Dear Julie, thank you! And thank you for the invitation, Ill be there! I will write this in my diary, many thanks, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-65420837142969532482015-10-16T05:41:27.325-07:002015-10-16T05:41:27.325-07:00Thanks for sharing these great ideas for food gift...Thanks for sharing these great ideas for food gifts for the holidays. I co-host every Monday a blog party called Cooking and Crafting with J & J. I would love to have you join and share this at the blog party. Thanks and I hope you have a wonderful Friday and weekend.<br />Julie at Julie's Lifestyle<br />Julie's Lifestylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13804692908534378507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-64144271338800203532015-10-15T15:40:30.812-07:002015-10-15T15:40:30.812-07:00So many fantastic doable ideas...Thank you Annabel...So many fantastic doable ideas...Thank you Annabel xxxTaniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10176661940614462611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-86916178490957307992015-10-13T19:27:41.679-07:002015-10-13T19:27:41.679-07:00Thanks Kelly and thank you also for the link! I wi...Thanks Kelly and thank you also for the link! I will be watching and trying it as I love cherry motifs. Helen loves cherries too.<br />When you have time use you tube to learn how to chain (which you might know already) then single and double crochet. Practice those. Most crochet is just those stitches, once you can do them it is the patterns you do them in. You tube will have you up and going really fast!<br />Now the fabric! Fabric gives you so many possibilities. And I will keep it fast sewing as I understand with children you do not need complicated.<br />With larger bits personalized pillowcases are lovely. You know, tractors for a little boy who loves tractors and so on. I have used several fabrics in one pillowcase too, that coordinate together. A pillowcase is nice for older ladies also. You can add trim if you want.<br />Napkins. sets of napkins (serviettes) are lovely all tied up in a bundle. Tea towels/kitchen towels... as Fiona did above. Jam toppers, good for small left overs. shopping bags instead of plastic shopping bags. Smaller bits that are lovely can be used to cover books to make journals and diaries for gifts. <br />These are some of the easy things I like to do. Oh I forgot hankies. Beautiful soft cotton hankies. A lady on A Working Pantry fb page posted some she made recently. They were florals and BEAUTIFUL and drew lots of oohs and ahhs. That is my next project, Im saving voiles for these.<br />I hope that helps. Use pinterest also ie type in "what to sew with fat quarters" and various searches. Very helpful. <br />Thanks so much for commenting, with love Annabel.xxx (let me know how you go!)Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-75740022321478080492015-10-13T17:59:52.815-07:002015-10-13T17:59:52.815-07:00Hi Annabel, I haven't commented in a fair whil...Hi Annabel, I haven't commented in a fair while, but have still been reading along when I can. I just LOVE your gift making posts! Thank you for sharing so many wonderful ideas. I love sewing and have a bit of a stash of quilting fabrics I have collected over the last couple of years, since being bitten by the quilting bug! So I have been trying to think what I could make for my extended family for Christmas using my fabric, that would be nice and useful for them, and that is not too time consuming to sew, as I have young kids and sewing time is not overly abundant. I was thinking maybe shoe bags for the adults (big drawstring pouches) they can use to pack a pair of shoes in when travelling. Not sure if its a good idea though. Or there's always table runners, or placemats... Not sure what to make my kids & nieces & nephews. Do you have any good fabric gift ideas Annabel, for kids or adults? Also, just wanted to share a free crochet cherry tutorial I came across with you - as soon as I saw it, I thought 'Annabel would love this!!' Here is the link http://www.nexttonicx.com/blog/crochet-cherry-pattern/ Hope its ok to put the link here in my comment, I couldn't see how I could email you through your website. You could crochet these up and add them to your beautiful cards, or gift tags, or hanging off your jam jars... I'm sure you'll have lots of good ideas of how you could use them. Wish I could crochet!! Anyway, thanks again for all of your inspiration and amazing ideas. Kelly xoKRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12895464732243902784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-36654025697192466692015-10-13T17:49:33.092-07:002015-10-13T17:49:33.092-07:00Dear Fiona,
Your tea towels are really lovely. Way...Dear Fiona,<br />Your tea towels are really lovely. Way better than bought ones. I wish they made nice patterns and colours but that is rare! And if they do they want $20 each or more for them. They are a great gift. <br />I hope you are having a good week. Its lovely and springy here which I am loving. With love, Annabel.xxxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-90071910130187215792015-10-13T17:46:36.985-07:002015-10-13T17:46:36.985-07:00Dear Leslie,
the cutting boards are really a great...Dear Leslie,<br />the cutting boards are really a great gift and useful "tray" to give things on. I googled to get ideas for the shapes. I would like to do a large round antique french style one. In the stores they are VERY expensive too.<br />It is great to have plans underway! Many thanks, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-10226984818271127392015-10-13T17:42:43.319-07:002015-10-13T17:42:43.319-07:00Dear Bridge,
I am madly hoping the cakes turn out ...Dear Bridge,<br />I am madly hoping the cakes turn out well! Crossing my fingers and toes!<br />Truly once you have done them once you are set. You will have so many gifts lined up! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-72698457941537369242015-10-13T17:40:44.560-07:002015-10-13T17:40:44.560-07:00Dear Jen,
Thank you so much for commenting and wel...Dear Jen,<br />Thank you so much for commenting and welcome! I am so glad to have you here.<br />I love the gift of the pancake mix and things to go with it. In my mind I immediately image a lovely morning or brunch where the person is enjoying pancakes. So its a gift of an experience as well. Its a great idea.<br />Thank you for explaining the chocolate bark. I love the idea that anyone can do it and without fancy equipment or anything. I will try it. The marbled effect sounds divine. Thank you!<br />With love, Annabel.xxxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-8878991096424721582015-10-13T17:35:41.066-07:002015-10-13T17:35:41.066-07:00Dear Teri,
What a nice gift for your friend. That ...Dear Teri,<br />What a nice gift for your friend. That was lovely.<br />I bet Mums Nuts and Bolts recipe is just an Australian adaptation of your Mums recipe since we probably have different named cereals. Anyway it is a really good one! <br />I hope you are having a great week! With lots of love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-55879977814154915652015-10-13T17:32:27.667-07:002015-10-13T17:32:27.667-07:00Dear Mimi,
Thank you for the ideas of tins that ar...Dear Mimi,<br />Thank you for the ideas of tins that are tall and skinny. I never thought of that! I like it! And vellum is gorgeous stuff. I had forgotten about it yet it adds glamour to everything! That is the way I feel about velvet ribbon too!<br />I use the pearl dust thanks to you. <br />Now out walking I have found two huge Holly bushes! I will be seeing if I am allowed to pick some. Wouldnt that be handy!<br />I cant wait for your post! Many thanks Mimi, Love Annabel.xxxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-9661028127699195332015-10-13T17:26:56.947-07:002015-10-13T17:26:56.947-07:00Dear Becky,
Thank you! I hadnt heard from Laine fo...Dear Becky,<br />Thank you! I hadnt heard from Laine for a long time and I got an email from her last week! There is no news of blogging though. I did write back to ask her... They have been happy and busy with marriages and Abbie had a baby just after Lucy did. So that is lovely. That is all I can help you with but it is nice to know they are all happy and well. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-11819571560904054432015-10-13T14:03:16.008-07:002015-10-13T14:03:16.008-07:00Thank you for all the ideas. I can't believe t...Thank you for all the ideas. I can't believe the holidays will be upon us:)<br />Curious as to whether you ever heard from Laine? Miss her terrible.<br />thanks<br />Beckybeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09779906229261926165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-17420879074271033632015-10-13T05:25:40.856-07:002015-10-13T05:25:40.856-07:00Hi Annabel,
I haven't ever commented before, ...Hi Annabel,<br /><br />I haven't ever commented before, but I've been reading your blog for months! Your ideas are wonderful and inspiring, and your enthusiasm and kindness shine thru your words.<br /><br />I often make up a dry pancake mix (buckwheat and dried cranberries) and gift it with a lemon (the zest is used to mix up the pancakes) and a jar of homemade fruit syrup to drizzle over the pancakes. In a nice thrift store bowl, this makes a great breakfast gift, and I sometimes give this to newly married couples, along with a whisk.<br /><br />Another favorite here for Christmas gifts is chocolate bark: 4-6 oz. bittersweet choc. melted, 4-6 oz. white choc. melted...stir a bit of dried fruit into the white (dried cranberries or mixed peel, or whatever), and a few whole almonds or other nuts into the bittersweet...drop alternate spoonfuls on a waxed- or parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Tap sheet on counter a couple of times to flatten out all the spoonfuls and then take a butter knife and swirl the edges of the spoonfuls together, blending the edges into nice swirls of the chocolates and giving a beautiful marbled effect. Chill until firm and then break into pieces. Better than any gourmet chocolate! This can be divided up into portions for a few gifts and looks and tastes heavenly!<br /><br />Thanks so much for all your ideas, Annabel!<br /><br />Jen in Nova ScotiaJennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-30185680964977618632015-10-13T04:22:54.410-07:002015-10-13T04:22:54.410-07:00Thank you for the fantastic ideas. Such lovely pr...Thank you for the fantastic ideas. Such lovely presentation! I too plan to give cutting boards that my husband and I will make together. Of course we'll add some tasty goodies and kitchen towels. These will be mailed to out of town family. Keep up the good work!<br />Blessings,<br />LeslieLeslie McKinleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08082544707682903607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-39031545922885823482015-10-13T03:04:18.564-07:002015-10-13T03:04:18.564-07:00Fantastic ideas Annabel. I have almost got everyth...Fantastic ideas Annabel. I have almost got everything ready to make your Christmas cakes, I am so excited. You have put down such great ideas. I love gifts that can be used or consumed. I love how you have something for everyone and that packaging is just delightful. Love, Bridge Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-89662036678941043382015-10-13T00:21:59.704-07:002015-10-13T00:21:59.704-07:00Well that's very exciting seeing some of my te...Well that's very exciting seeing some of my tea towels up in print Annabel.<br /><br />You have written a lovely post and I say that if there is anyone who would not be able to get any ideas from that then I'd be stonkered!<br /><br />Went to a local restaurant for lunch today and $40 for one main and one drink later, I was thinking how much I could have got for that money. Mind you I had a lovely catch up with a dear friend but that could do a lot of pantry filling.<br /><br />Love Fi xxFionanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-83117121710901900942015-10-12T21:23:59.699-07:002015-10-12T21:23:59.699-07:00Dear Annabel, Wow!! Thank you for a great post, wo...Dear Annabel, Wow!! Thank you for a great post, wonderful ideas and beautiful pictures! You have been so busy. :)<br /><br />Besides cakes and cookies, I always make a cereal mix (some savory, some sweet) that would be similar to your nuts and bolts. In fact, my mom called it nuts and bolts but I had forgotten. lol <br /><br />I love to give food gifts. Today, I met up with a friend and gave her a small jar of dried tomatoes and some jam. I wrapped it up in a lace bag with pretty ribbon, all thanks to your wonderful ideas!! :)<br /><br />Have a lovely week! Love, TeriTeri Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-32449574157290995822015-10-12T17:13:58.050-07:002015-10-12T17:13:58.050-07:00Dear Jane,
You must be so excited to see your son!...Dear Jane,<br />You must be so excited to see your son! I would be getting ready for that as well. I am so glad for you.<br />What finds! I LOVE the idea to cut up already quilted projects and use to make up smaller ones this is really clever. They all will be gorgeous. <br />And getting ahead with presents is wonderful. Thats what I try to do. It avoids the last minute spend too much syndrome entirely!<br />You have given me (and others) some really good ideas, thank you. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-63019038018018298162015-10-12T17:09:09.850-07:002015-10-12T17:09:09.850-07:00Dear Jen,
I dont think you could do better than ma...Dear Jen,<br />I dont think you could do better than make Lemon Butter plus meringues actually. I do have an easy lemon butter using whole eggs and you make it fast in the microwave (if you need it its in recipes or Google BBAN Lemon Butter) but seriously what you did is awesome.<br />I would love to see your photos. One way is on FB as you comment click the photo icon and that is an easy way. Alternatively you are welcome to email me brinkzi21@hotmail.com <br />Cup cakes are expensive and look amazing.A wonderful gift. <br />You are doing so well! You know the onion chutney... try it over a pizza base and add cooked chicken and a light amount of cheese and top with greens when it is cooked. This is really good! <br />Thanks so much for your ideas! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-726476808514211902015-10-12T16:42:38.266-07:002015-10-12T16:42:38.266-07:00Dear Helen,
Thank you so much!
Yes you can half i...Dear Helen,<br />Thank you so much! <br />Yes you can half it that is fine. Also remember it keeps for months and months. So I could keep on I just made for Andys birthday in April and it would be delicious. This saves me making another cake. Also half the mixture could be used to make in muffin trays... then heat them and serve them as Christmas puddings. But halved will be no problems. I hope you love it! With thanks, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.com