These are a few of my favourite things #14

 

Lifestyle:

Christmas Flower Arrangement

We bought some winter flowers to go in the conservatory

for over Christmas and they’ve been a lovely focal point.

Knitted Santa Grotto

We went on a winter walk, and admired someone’s 

amazing effort to make a knitted Santa grotto.

Christmas Jigsaw

I’ve been working on this jigsaw for a long time 

now. I’m hoping to complete it for New Year.

Films:

The Christmas Setup

'Hugo heads to Milwaukee with his best friend, Madelyn, to 

spend the holidays with his brother Aiden and his mum,

 who is in charge of the local Christmas celebrations.'

This was a really fun film with a great cast. 

A perfect holiday romantic comedy for the season.

Christmas Everlasting

'After her sister’s death, Lucy returns to her hometown 

to discover that she must spend 30 days there 

in order to claim her inheritance.'

This film was surprisingly poignant, I thought the 

lead actress did a great job. Lovely film.

The Christmas Contest

'Sparks fly between a former couple as they 

compete in a Christmas contest to win money 

for a charity of their choosing.'

This was a new release to television. It’s 

perfect escapism, and I enjoyed the humour.

Books:

The Christmas Eve Tree by Delia Huddy

A homeless boy discovers the magic of Christmas when he excepts an unloved 

little fir tree from a shopkeeper. People of all backgrounds gather outside as the 

boy lights the tree with candles on Christmas Eve. I loved the meaning behind 

this story, and the unexpected but beautiful conclusion. The illustrations are stunning.

Winter Sleep by Sean Taylor

This is a story about a boy, and his beloved grandmother who teaches him about animals, and 

nature. He finds as winter comes that the animals hibernate. This is a wonderful picture 

book, showing children about how animals survive in winter. The art work leaps of the page.

A Christmas to Remember by Anton Du Beke

Set in London, 1938 in the Buckingham hotel we get to know the staff, and guests as well as the ballroom dancers who are there to entertain. Nancy Nettleton, a chambermaid falls for one of the dancers Raymond de Guise and we follow their preparations and buzz about the upcoming wedding.

I thoroughly enjoyed following all the characters at Buckingham hotel, and experiencing that time period. It’s a whopper of a book at nearly five hundred pages, but it’s paced well and kept me interested throughout. There were some beautiful, endearing moments between the characters as well as some exciting plot twists.

My Friend Sleep by Laura Baker

This is the most stunning picture book about the magic of dreamland as 

you sleep. Perfect to read just before bed with a child, or even as an 

adult. The illustrations and narrative are so calming.

Wild About Books by Judy Sierra

This is a picture book story of a mobile library librarian who accidently drives into 

a zoo. The animals are very curious and can’t wait to learn about reading. I love 

books about books, and this struck me as one that could be a classic.

Stardust by Jeanne Willis

This is a story about a girl who wonders about her place in the world. Her Grandad teaches 

her wisdom about how everyone is made of stardust and the wonder of the universe. Ultimately, 

the meaning lies in the girl’s friendship with her Grandad. A great read set in winter time.

Clarice Bean: Think Like An Elf by Lauren Child

This is a book about a Clarice, her family, and the traditions they have over Christmas. Clarice 

really wants to keep the Christmas spirit so she tries to do as many good deeds as she can.

I’m only half way through this but I’m really enjoying it. It’s a lovely children’s book aimed at 

I would say 7-13 years old’s, written in a cheerful way, including plenty of gorgeous illustrations.

Let me know in the comments some of your festive highlights. 

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! :-) Xx

Christmas Tree Scones + A Merry Christmas

Themed scones are one of my signature bakes and recently I made Christmas tree scones. I like using cookie cutters to make different shapes, on this occasion they seemed a little more festive as Christmas trees. Scones are pretty easy to create, and there are many recipes out there. I used a recipe from a baking book called cookies and cakes for beginners. I added sultanas to the mixture, for a little extra sweetness. On another note, I just wanted to take a minute to wish my readers a lovely Christmas. Hope to connect with you in the new year, write to me in the comments any time.

Let me know if you have been baking. 

Do you have a recipe you keep coming back to? :-) Xx

Green Christmas Ideas + A Book Review

 

I’ve been reading a really interesting book called The Christmas book by Sheherazade Goldsmith. I was impressed with the authors ideas, and would recommend the book to those who would like a simpler, greener Christmas. Being more eco-friendly was at the heart of the book. The pages are beautifully presented and I came away with some valuable inspiration.

I jotted down some of my favourite ideas that I would like to try for myself:

Plant A Winter Garden. 

“Scented plants, and scrubs with richly coloured berries and leaves keep 

a garden looking interesting during the long winter months.”

I liked this idea because it’s outdoors, and just shows you can garden any time of the year!

Gift Plant Cuttings.

“Cuttings taken from your favourite plants and potted up as

 gifts in decorated pots will always be appreciated.”

I would be really pleased to receive this as a gift, and it’s one of the best eco-friendly options.

Make Pot Pourri.

“Delicately scented rooms are somehow more inviting, and the 

subtly uplifting aroma of a pot pourri will make the home seem cosier.”

I’ve never made pot pourri but I would love to try.

Make Edible Bird Decorations. 

“A garden full of wildlife is always uplifting sight on a winter’s day.”

I love this idea and would get enjoyment from seeing the birds.

Make Natural Christmas Cards.

The author gives some examples of cards you can make using natural materials. She uses cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, etc. It’s possible to make really effective designs relatively easily. I already make cards, using mostly recycled or gifted materials but I have found some new ideas here. If you are all set for cards now, you could make something similar in the form of gift tags.

This is one of the best eco-friendly related Christmas books I have come across, as it’s a comprehensive guide, focusing on activities, making things for yourself, and getting outdoors.

I had a go at making my own Christmas crackers, as I wanted to cut down on excess packaging and plastic. These ones were very simple to make, I used toilet rolls, recyclable paper, left-over ribbon, and a few stickers. Inside each I included a riddle and a Christmassy question.

Let me know if you are opting for a greener Christmas. 

I would love to hear if you have any ideas or traditions.