Thursday, 22 December 2016

Feather your Nest Friday, 23 December 2016.

Here we are! The day before Christmas Eve!  I have a range of emotions as it is exciting,  I am celebrating a really good year and our family coming together for Christmas. At the same time we will apparently be the hottest city on earth on Christmas Day, we have an unreliable power system and terrorist attacks have been foiled that were planned for Melbourne on Christmas Day. I hope they have all been foiled anyway.  So that is a mixed bag right there.

I have really felt that this week the work I started in January was really paying off. Christmas has not cost a fortune. I learned heaps of new skills that are really useful. We got ahead in quite a few ways. We are more prepared and have a more extensive pantry. And the whole house looks lovely and freshly painted! It has made a big difference!
On that note this week I threw some of my painting clothes in the bin! I poured left over paint into jars and labelled for touch ups. I have very little left and emptied every tin.

Some of the ways I saved this week include:
I used the sourdough a few times. The first time I made bacon and cheese scrolls. I just used my regular dough, rolled it out, sprinkled it with grated cheese and bacon and rolled them up.
I melted a bit of butter and drizzled this over, let them rise again and baked them.


So easy and they were so nice! This became and instant hit and I made these to go on the weekend fishing picnic.

That paid off as the boys returned with eight good sized crabs...


Another night I used dough to make pizzas and use up some left overs. Left over pizza always seems to work out so well and you never get the same thing twice!

I mended a jumper for Andy.

I made another lot of Gingerbread biscuits as they were requested.



I make the spices quite mild so I think I should call them Honey Biscuits. I made two sizes and some became a gift as well.

We had a BBQ dinner outside on  Wednesday for Chloe and Allie. Again I used the sour dough to make a loaf of bread which came out of the oven just as everyone sat down. They loved it. I have to say this is a great way to slow everyone down at dinner time. Or any time!


It looks beautiful on a cutting board on the table, smells wonderful and we had a lot of meat left over which became work lunches. Win!

I also made a big potato salad and a rice salad. The girls both took home a tub each and we lived on left overs for a couple of days and had cold meat and salads. Bliss!

In the garden I have beautiful Lilies and lots more about to flower....


Today I have presents to deliver and we are planning a quiet evening to celebrate the end of the week. 
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Enjoy everything, soak in all you have to be grateful for and bless everyone around you.

How did you save or get ahead this week? I hope your nest was festive!  xxx



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49 comments:

  1. Anonymous22 December 2016 at 17:21

    Dear Annabel, thank you so much for a beautiful and calming post.
    I love your feather the nest posts and this weeks has been a highlight. I love that you have finished the painting and are now enjoying the hard work you both put in ( And Allie too) . I loved reading about your dinner the other night and I also enjoyed seeing your sourdough scrolls and bread. Lovely.
    Well my nest has been feathered and cooled and is now looking like Santa and his elves have a lot of work to do!.
    My Centacare lady worked very hard yesterday to hang washing out , fold some clothes sheets etc and do my dishes as well as clean my bathroom and do the floors , she is amazing.i have her coming back this afternoon to cook some meals, so not only am I feathered I am fed too!.
    I am trying out a new recipe today, yesterday while I was out I had a delicious pasta dish for lunch and I am going to get S to recreate it today. It was a creamy mushroom, Kabana and Camembert penne pasta. I have cabanosi, bacon( if I use it for that I will use a small amount of each in it) and I have cream cheese instead of Camembert as that is what is in my fridge!. It would be nice with a few nuts in it too I think.i will let you know how
    I go( s says I am the brains and she is the action!) , she even does the dishes, empties my bin if it's needed and sweeps the floor if necessary!. How lucky am
    I ?.
    I am putting together goody bags today, for our Christmas lunch table. I have two types of bags but I think I will use the larger ones , total cost for the three of us is under $5 plus using some materials I have here too. I changed my plan for them. I will send Annabel the photos !.i hope they turn out ok!.
    Tomorrow is biscuit making and hopefully relaxing time. I will be visiting my parents neighbours tomorrow afternoon or Christmas morning for gift giving. J just loves my biscuits ( cookies) .
    I am running my aircon at 23 degrees but believe it or not I am sometimes COLD ( as opposed to dripping in sweat like I was two days ago!) I will adjust the temperature as I go throughout the day. I might turn it off now as I am very cool!. I will turn it back on later.i am saving a little money each day or every couple of days towards my bill in case it is higher than what I pay each fortnight.
    Other ways I have feathered my nest this week is to receive another lavender plant from my Dad ( I paid for it but get bought and planted it) , Dad gave me a watering can ( it was wrapped and under their tree but they gave it to me early.
    I gave received 10 gifts in 10 days ( 2 were from me!!) . I am so fortunate and the things I received will feather my nest, make it look prettier and help me to make some gifts even.
    I have saved $160 this fortnight so far by not doing any groceries, well I bought a mango and treated myself to some blueberries!.
    I am spending some time with family the Christmas so I will not be home for many meals.the meals I will need are either in the freezer or ingredients ready to be made this afternoon!.
    I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and new year period.
    Hugs and best wishes Annabel and ladies and gentlemen bluebird community.
    Love Barn W.

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    1. Anonymous22 December 2016 at 18:56

      Oops ,I can't even get my name right today!. I have not turned into a barn!.
      Love Barb W.

      Delete
    2. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:56

      Dear Barb, You had a great week! That Pastas sounds amazing please let me know how your copy works out. A cheesy pasta meal is real comfort food.
      It sounds like your air conditioner is working well and is fantastic for you! And just in time too before the hottest time of the year. I hope it makes a world of difference to you.
      Have a lovely time at your Mum and Dads and a very Happy Christmas Barb! Thank you for all the ways you have participated this year in our little community. You are well loved by everyone!
      I hope 2017 will be a good year for you! With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  2. Fiona22 December 2016 at 17:22

    Annabel you have been a wonderful inspiration to me. I read every blog post and just sigh at your knowledge, spirit and energy. After a terrible year I aim to re-energise myself and make all my gifts too. I have lists of things to make and I regularly trawl through your recipes and have made several things as well, probably the Winter Sunshine Cake has been the favourite here so far (well from my partner anyway, he drools when he knows it's on the way).

    You have brought together a wonderful group of ladies and it seems to have turned into a family of sorts. Just reading the comments from Wednesday where everyone is thanking each other and YOU in particular and sending prayers to those who are sick or recovering, you just don't get that anywhere - it's something you made and it's lovely.

    I wish you and your family the most beautiful Christmas, you deserve it and I think you have given many others the tools to make their Christmases even more beautiful too.

    Merry Christmas to all the lovely posters on here too, may all your dreams come true. Fi xx

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:52

      Dear Fiona,
      Thank you so very much. You are an inspiration to me too. Really you have been heroic with what you have gone through this year. No one should have to have multiple traumatic things in any year but you have gone on, helped others and worked hard. I am hoping that you have a Happy Christmas and that 2017 brings a new and better year for you all. I hope all your dreams come true too! With lots of love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  3. Wendi22 December 2016 at 17:25

    Merry Christmas, Annabel!

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:49

      Dear Wendi, And the same to you! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  4. Anonymous22 December 2016 at 17:49

    Merry Christmas to you and your family Annabel. Paula in Kansas

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:49

      Have a wonderful Christmas Paula! And a Happy New Year! Love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  5. patsi @ a working pantry22 December 2016 at 17:51

    Annabel, I am in the process of looking back at our year too. You've accomplished a lot and are better prepared. That is a good thing on lots of different levels! Please stay alert and be safe! Merry Christmas to you and to all the bluebird family ... it has been a great year and I have learned lots from all of you. I am looking forward to 2017 with The Bluebirds are Nesting! Merry Christmas Everyone!

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:48

      Dear Patsy, You have had a massive year. I really look forward to your preparedness series next year. You helped me get this far and it has been wonderful.
      Have a beautiful Christmas! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  6. Anonymous22 December 2016 at 18:07

    Annabel those scrolls look really yummy. I would hate to think how much money I spent on similar scrolls when the children were young.

    I also have a mix of emotions today - growing up in Melbourne and having lived down there for 6 years just 4 and 1/2 years ago - it is no longer the place of my childhood.

    My nephew is getting married mid January and our daughter and boyfriend are going down - I pray that the will be safe.

    Think I forgot to mention that a supermarket had the 500gram tins of coffee on special for $12-00. We popped in last Friday and they only had 3 but happily increased their order to include the 9 that we wanted to make it up to a dozen. This saved us $96- on the regular shelf price.

    When my husband works from home (as he frequently does) a tin will last him 5 weeks.

    I have everything cooked ready to go down with us to my mother in law's - even made some scones to take with us, my mother in law's recipe.

    Only 3 of us for lunch Christmas Day - everyone else has been told they can come in for the afternoon.

    A long time since I have cooked Christmas Dinner for so few.

    With a 1/2 hour trip to her place we will leave later this afternoon after a few more things have been done - then we can come home to a nice clean house.

    My friend has had a bad week so I have been trading text messages with her. Not sure if I will get to see her Boxing Day as I usually do.

    Annabel I know that worry about fires comes with the heat.



    Time to organize lunch and then pack.

    Have a great Christmas everyone.


    Lynette
    XXXXX

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:46

      Dear Lynette, I have relative in Melbourne and have been many times. I forgot that you were also from there. I feel really sad that this could be happening here. Its very sobering.
      Your savings on the coffee alone were amazing. This is how it pays off to shop this way. People think its saving a few dollars here and there but it is huge.
      I remember you cooked for over 20 last year I think and the number just seemed to keep growing so I am kind of relieved that this year is smaller!
      I hope your friend is ok. She has had a traumatic year.
      Have a lovely Christmas and break away. I hope the weather is kind. Thank you so much for all your participation and help all year Lynette. With much love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  7. Glenda22 December 2016 at 18:15

    Merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year to all of the wonderful Bluebird ladies and their hubbies. I am looking forward to the 2017 line up for Annabel's blog. She always has such wonderful ideas and gives us so many opportunities to share.
    The sourdough looks wonderful and that loaf of bread is enticing me to start baking bread again.
    Thank you, Annabel, for all of the hard work you put into the blog this year and for your loving, caring and uplifting spirit that blesses all of us.
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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    1. Anonymous22 December 2016 at 19:12

      I agree Glenda, I look forward to seeing every post and all the comments that follow I read them more than once and am inspired by Annabelle and all the bluebirds ladies! God bless and have a wonderful Christmas! Gaila in the Pacific Northwest

      Delete
    2. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:42

      Dear Glenda,
      Thank you very much! If I do not get time to message you .... I only use the sour dough and no added yeast. This way you never have to buy yeast again or worry about if yeast is fresh etc. The sour dough itself will rise so much thats all you need. I would consider it a savings although I don't know the price of yeast...
      Have a beautiful Christmas and New Year. With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  8. Jane22 December 2016 at 18:15

    Hi Annabel and Bluebird friends,
    This has been an interesting and huge spend week. The huge spend was on a mobile aircon unit for the house. It has been so hot and humid that we finally gave in. This is Bluey and my Christmas present to each other. I used it yesterday and loved it. Today we have finally been blessed with rain, 25mm, so it is a bit cooler and the fans are enough.
    I have used my gold coin savings, from the last 18 months, to purchase a fishing kayak that I have wanted for several years. It has yet to go in the water as the rain and choppy waters have put a temporary stop to this.
    Christmas is all sorted with a potato salad to be made and the pudding to be re steamed on Christmas morning. I went to the shops with Katie yesterday and was so glad I was not one of the many who had reached the end of their patience and were just throwing things into their trolleys. Love that the nest was feathered so well this year that preparing for Christmas has not been an ordeal to be endured.
    I tried my hand at sourdough this week with interesting results. My first effort was a complete and utter fail. It would have made a great anchor for a cruise liner. It wasn't even edible hot with butter. My second effort was magnificent. It is still being consumed and has been given the seal of approval by the household.
    I made some of Cookie's lotion bars this week. They have been a hit with Bluey as his heels were starting to split. The lotion bars rubbed over his heels have really helped to soften them down.
    I'm sending a big cyber hug to you Annabel and all our Bluebird friends. Bluey and I are wishing you all the safest, most joyful and blessed Christmas. Have a wonderful time with your loved ones. Much Love.
    Life is good.

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:40

      Dear Jane, I am really glad you have a cooler. Comforts at home are the best thing ever. I don't think I could live without mine. Even having just one room ok makes life much better.
      Your gold coin saving s were brilliant! I am doing that starting agains next year.
      Once you realised the step you missed the next loaf you made looked amazing! Now you are set. Seriously you can make so much with this!
      The lotion bars sound really good! I will give these a try next year also.
      Thank you so much for everything Jane. I feel like we have all been through a lot together. Quite a journey. I hope you both have a lovely Christmas and Bluey eats everything in sight! With lots of love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  9. Nanna Chel22 December 2016 at 18:33

    Annabel, I can tell Gertrude is behaving well for you down in SA :-) Glad you are baking so many yummy loaves etc. As I write this I have Gertrude sitting on my left side and Griffin from Chris at Gully Grove sitting on my right as they have both been fed and will be put to bed in the fridge soon till I am ready to bake again. Jane, my first sourdough attempt ended up being mistaken for a frisbee so don't give up.

    Have a wonderful Christmas with your family, Annabel. My daughter and family are currently on their way to the coast up north so I won't see them this year. A little one is expected in July so will be the first winter baby. I look forward to reading your adventures in the New Year.

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:35

      Dear Nanna Chel, I have now sent Gertrude to three other people! She has gone viral!
      A new baby! Oh congratulations! That is wonderful news!
      The sour dough was the best thing you ever could have given me thank you so much! Have a wonderful Christmas! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Jane22 December 2016 at 23:17

      Nana Chel, Gertrude's daughter, Betsy, is now in operation here in Hervey Bay. So glad you sent some of Gertrude off to Annabel.

      Delete
  10. Debby in KS22 December 2016 at 18:53

    Merry Christmas! I finally sent out the last of my cards today so I can officially relax! My husband has the next four days off and I'm thrilled about that.

    Christmas in our home is quite simple. We attend church in the morning. We don't exchange gifts or receive any so we usually play a game or do a jigsaw puzzle. I'm making a dinner of steak fajitas and we'll be watching pro football! I swear it's not as sad as it sounds!! We do exchange small gifts of food or books with friends as holiday parties and dinners come around. My greatest earthly gifts are my husband and our sweet doggy. They mean more than anything to me.

    So, from the center of the States and the bottom of my heart, I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:33

      Dear Debby,
      Have a wonderful Christmas to you too! Enjoy the days off together! From hot South Australia to cold centre of the USA! ha what a contrast! With much love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  11. Tania22 December 2016 at 19:02

    Dear Annabel,

    Wishing you and all this little community of beautiful ladies a wonderful, love filled CHRISTmas.

    It has been a pleasure to come here throughout the year. I have learned so much and put it into practice on many occasions. So a big thank you to all!

    I am ready, didn't think I would be, but I am! And its going to be a scorcher here at 43C (109.4F)! It is 41 here today! Hopefully the cyclonic weather brings rain, especially after all the sweating we will be doing lol! We are going across to Wilmington to my parents property for CHRISTmas. Phil has to work at 2pm so will head over earlier than usual.

    Have a blessed Christmas and may the New Year bring all that your heart desires.

    Lots of love, Tania xx

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:31

      Dear Tania, Thank you very much! We are also hoping the weather brings cloud, cooler days and rain! Eek! It is not good at the moment!
      I heard we have the status of hottest city in the world for Christmas...
      Have a really lovely Christmas! I hope 2017 will be great for us all! With lots of love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  12. Anonymous22 December 2016 at 19:06

    Dear Annabelle and all the lovely ladies who post on your blog, I want to thank you for the inspiration you have imparted throughout this year. I feel truly blessed to have found your blog Annabelle! The community of ladies that post here as well as yourself have been such an encouragement to me. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us in the new year. I know that what you share will truly be uplifting. God bless you and your family. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New year!! Love to you all Gaila in the Pacific Northwest

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    1. Annabel22 December 2016 at 21:29

      Dear Gaila, Thank you so much! I wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year as well. Thank you for your kind words! I am cooking up big plans for the New Year! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  13. jomorro22 December 2016 at 22:26

    Dear Annabel,
    Your blog is truly amazing. Your "bluebird" friends are all so supportive and encouraging. Thanks to you all for the wonderfully inspiring ideas and for sharing your wisdom and creativity so generously. Everyone's photos and projects are so amazing. Annabel, it was such a surprise to recognise you and chat in the Op Shop! I still tell everyone.. "I met Annabel!" All the very best to you and your family for Christmas and the New Year. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you. Jo

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    1. Annabel23 December 2016 at 02:04

      Dear Jo,
      Thank you very much. It was really lovely to meet you and I was so surprised that you could figure me out from the clues you did! I had good luck that day too but your op shop was the best one.
      Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! I hot the cool change comes fast and we get some rain. With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. jomorro23 December 2016 at 11:09

      Good morning Annabel, I forgot to say that I love your pink lilies. They are one of my favourite flowers. I have one that has white spotted leaves and yellow flowers with a black throat. Seems to like living here as it is growing really well.... just need some flowers! Cheers. Jo

      Delete
  14. Anonymous22 December 2016 at 23:33

    Thankyou Annabel and ladies for all your inspiration,photos,encouragement and comments. It has certainly been a year of challenges for us and many others.While I did not manage to make many gifts ,lots of baking has been done and shared and Ive learn't a lot.
    I made nearly all of the cards Christmas, birthdays and otherwise, that I sent or gave out.I enjoyed that creativity too.And I felt calmer than I normally do,as I wrote on each card.Not saying perfect but much better than usual ;-)
    Ive cleared out what use to be my hobby room and part office and some storage of riding gear, so that hubby can use it and all my craft and sewing things are in the empty bedroom now (much larger lol) and slowly things are taking workable shape.
    I took hubby by the hand into his new office and he was amazed at how tidy and empty it looked next to what it had looked like. I squirreled some of his bike toys and mug from the garage and displayed them in his office and some of his Christmas gifts he can out in there if he wishes.
    Pantry stores are rehomed and easier to access and freezers are full (only small next to some of yours here ).
    Im sure a lot of my inspiration came from you ladies here and Annabel.Best Wishes for a safe and Happy Christmas everyone, with love Maria xoxox

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    1. Annabel23 December 2016 at 02:13

      Dear Maria,
      What a nice thing to do for your husband! That is really lovely.
      Hopefully in the new year you will get time to set yourself up with your crafts. What you said about feeling calmer... I can really stress and I can tend to feel anxious at times. I know crafts really are good for me. The thing is the times we probably benefit most can also be times when there is no time to craft! Thats where crochet and having something right next to where you sit at night etc can be really good s even if there is only time to do a little bit that is still good for us and beneficial. And the projects add up too!
      You have had a big re organise! That is really good and you will go into christmas and New Year in good shape!
      I hope you have a lovely Christmas and thank you for all of your friendship and support! With love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  15. Janine23 December 2016 at 00:15

    Hi Annabel and fellow Bluebirders.

    Thank for such an amazing year. Every time I come here and read the wonderful posts and equally wonderful comments, I feel privileged to have to found your blog.

    I've really enjoyed this year - the Gift Challenge, the recipe swaps, feathering the nest and the support. I can't believe I've actually had 2 days up my sleeve (with "nothing to do")before Christmas!! I filled in this afternoon by making a batch of chocolate fudge and tray of rocky road.

    Those breads look amazing, Annabel! YUM! I've never tried breadmaking, but seeing those scrolls and that wonderful loaf, makes my mouth water - maybe next year.

    Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas. Annabel, enjoy the fun times with Harper and your family.

    Merry Christmas
    Janine

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    1. Annabel23 December 2016 at 02:15

      Dear Janine,
      I am so glad you found Bluebirds as you have been just wonderful! Thank you Janine!
      Having actual spare time at this time of year is pretty good! Bonus cooking!
      Thank you for all the photos and contributions this year they are much appreciated.
      Have a lovely Christmas with your family! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous23 December 2016 at 04:48

      Rachel, the grilled bread sounds divine. It was great to read that the garden is going well. What kind of beans did you plant? Cookie

      Delete
  16. Anonymous23 December 2016 at 03:31

    Dear Annabel!

    This message is for YOU!

    As I have been chipping away through my week, and enjoying the wonders around me, I have been realizing that it is a precious thing to cultivate calm, restorative homes. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Your work has been cultivating these values. Just see this in the incoming comments!

    I love reading through the comments, too! Some Bluebirders I recognize well now, and that's nice!! Others I am just starting to recognize, and it's wonderful to read such comments to you. I think it all restores trust in the existence of the honest principles of life!

    Your baking goes from wonder to wonder, and aren't those lilies pink! They're lovely!

    Do you remember that I planted beans? I said that it would be funny if they don't grow, since it took a while to plant them. Then I thought it would be more funny if they should all grow. I estimate it took seventy metres to plant them. .... Well, I am starting to laugh!! I told Dad that, if we continue to get rain, I could get a lot of beans. He said that was okay; I can eat them fresh, as well as dried!! This was one wonder of my week!

    Then, I am admiring the seedlings that have come up from last summer's scraps. I checked that some particular plants are not gooseberries, and now I am proudly watching tomatoes and cucumbers grow! I love cucumbers! Buoyed by this positivity, I have sown herbs under clear plastic lids. Having started with non hybrid seed for our droughted spring, I have now enjoyed planting some Yates seed in convenient places where they can be easily watered - especially with recycled water. I planted some more cucumber, as well as carrots, radishes and zucchini! I am loving this!

    Tonight, we had something that my husband loves - grilled toast! Now, my man had found Australian grown fresh garlic which, along with Dad and Mum's home grown olives, tomato, cheese and black pepper on toast (& all grilled), tasted really wonderful. Garlic is back in the kitchen! What about garlic sourdough bread for you?!

    I can hardly wait to read what you're cooking up! You are such a great cook!

    Thank you!

    With very warm regards,
    Rachel Holt

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  17. Anonymous23 December 2016 at 04:40

    Dear Annabel,
    It has been such a joy and a blessing to have found your blog and being able to participate in it. You've created such a warm and nurturing place. It's also been a place to learn new things and try new thing, to see other parts of the world from the eye of those who live there and the magic of technology! Thank you all so much.

    All your baking looks gorgeous1 I'm putting the scrolls on my list to try out soon. My husbands motto has always been "everything is better with bacon" so I'm sure he's going to love those scrolls! I made Rachel's date loaf this week and it was gobbled up before I was able to take a picture of it. I'm sure I'll be making it again!

    I especially want to thank you Annabel and the Bluebirders for all of your prayers for my husband. Wishing you and all of the Bluebirders a blessed holiday season and all good things in the coming year! I'm excited to see what you have planned for us. Blessing. Cookie


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    1. Anonymous23 December 2016 at 13:53



      Dear Cookie!
      I planted borlotti beans (apparently known as cranberry beans in the US, and speckled). They are from the supermarket, all ready for cooking! They are neither a bush bean or climbing bean, but grow on a stalk, needing support. They certainly look strong as plants!!
      Thanks for baking the date loaf! I have found people like it!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
  18. Anonymous23 December 2016 at 05:05

    Dear Annabel,

    I am cheering for the painting clothes in the garbage! That must have felt magnificent! :) Merry Christmas to you and all the Bluebirders from Nova Scotia!

    xx Jen

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  19. LaurieS23 December 2016 at 06:40

    Merry Christmas Annabel and to your family.

    I love reading your blog!

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  20. Melissa K23 December 2016 at 15:57

    Merry Christmas, Annabel! to you and your family

    Warm wishes Mel.k xo

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  21. terricheney23 December 2016 at 17:33

    It's been a lovely year here too. Our Christmas will be warm and not cold but at least it won't be hot. Here's what I did to save this week: http://bluehousejournal.blogspot.com/2016/12/frugal-friday-merrily-to-christmas-day.html
    Have a marvelous Christmas with your family and I wish you a wonderful 2017.

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  22. Lana24 December 2016 at 08:32

    Merry Christmas!

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  23. Vicky24 December 2016 at 10:35

    I enjoy reading your blog so much and have gotten so many ideas from you. Have a Merry Christmas!! ...Vicky in Kentucky

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  24. Rhonda24 December 2016 at 11:07

    🎄🎄🎄 merry Christmas Annabell 🎄🎄🎄
    🏡❤️🏡

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  25. Debby in KS25 December 2016 at 06:55

    It's warm today! This is like my Christmases were in SoCal! We're expecting 65° today. I'm trying to decide what to wear to church since I will roast in my originally planned outfit.

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  26. Anonymous25 December 2016 at 23:16

    Thankyou Annabel,
    I have not been posting as our year spiralled downhill BUT
    I refuse to allow it to continue into 2017.
    Your blog and the lovely ladies who contribute have provided a lovely calming space to regather and regenerate.
    I wish you all and your families wonderful seasons greetings and hears Cheers for the New Year.
    love Bevo xx

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    1. Annabel25 December 2016 at 23:55

      Dear Bevo, I truly hope the new year will hold many wonderful things for you! Thank you so much! I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas day! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  27. Annabel29 December 2016 at 02:21

    Dear Sonia,
    Your plan sounds excellent and I am so glad you are getting ahead with all this work. Good on you for taking it!
    Top right I have a list of subject you can click on but it is a bit hard to
    scroll through. However at the moment you could try just googling the bluebirds are nesting soap making... etc and it bring s them up for you. My favourite soap was the one with lux flakes. It required no caustic soda. I loved it! Caustic soda is dangerous but not if you follow the directions... glycerine is just something you melt and repair into moulds... lovely but not too economical.
    The scrolls are just sourdough bread dough rolled out, sprinkled with cheese and bacon and rolled back up... cut into slicesand let rise again then bake. You can do vegemite and cheese or a pizza type combination they are yum.
    Thank you so much for your encouragement! Have a wonderful New Year Sonia! Also there will be a post on prepping with small spaces next year just for you. with love Annabelxxx

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