The tree is up! Like a lot of people, I look forward to choosing and decorating the Christmas tree. We have no set traditions about it. We buy from the guy with a stand at the local shopping centre – he asks a fair price and always has a lovely shape of tree. Over the… Continue reading Dressing The Tree
As a child I was oblivious to the fact that a lot of families don’t bake. I assumed that everyone knew how to make scones, pastry, brown bread, crumble, quiche and buns. My mother, grandmother and aunts all did. By the time I was ten, even I could make them – no scales, cookbook or… Continue reading Christmas Basics: Making Mince Pies
Back in my college days I worked in Magill’s deli in Dublin. Around Christmas it was always alive with people, some just popping in for the smell. “Oh if you could bottle this!” they’d say, raising their nose and taking a deep breath of the spicey, smokey smell that hangs in the air. The mood… Continue reading Memories, featuring Butlers’ Chocolates
We moved into our home in quite a hurry in 2010 with a toddler and a newborn – a proper little family. We hadn’t time time or the money to spend on major renovations, so it was very much a case of do what has to be done and moved the furniture from our rented… Continue reading Red Is Not Just For Christmas
A while back I entered a draw to win a hamper of the newly launched Profissimo craft supplies for the purpose of coming up with some clever ways to use them for Christmas wrapping. Â In this post and one later in the week I’ll be showing you the ideas I came up with and how… Continue reading Christmas Crafts: Washi Tape Christmas Cards with Profissimo
A couple of months ago I began organising an Advent Craft Swap. I tagged a few people I thought might be interested and they tagged a few more. Some strangers got in touch too and pretty soon I had more than enough takers to get the swap up and running. I even had to turn… Continue reading Christmas Crafts: Making Clay Tree Decorations
Last year our kindergarten made these cute little pine cone angels and Christmas trees with the children and hung them in the windows. The are so simple that toddlers can make them. Plus they are fun to decorate. You will need: Pine cones (obviously!) Paint Beads Glue Glitter in silver, gold or red Ribbon or… Continue reading Christmas Crafts: Pine Cone Decorations For Children
Languages play a big role in our family life. It is largely due to circumstance – we’re an Irish-German marriage – but partly due to interest. I was brought up by parents who adore France and all things French. When I was small my mother would often say “Oui mon ange” instead of a plain… Continue reading Adding A Little Je Ne Sais Quoi To Your Home
Now that we are into November, I feel alright about thinking about the Christmas shopping. Any earlier that this I have the feeling I am being sucked in by the commercialism or I am being overly organised. Before I go into my list of gift recommendations, let me say that I am an old-fashioned kind… Continue reading Christmas Gift Buying Guide 2016
So, this may be a little bit nuts and a little bit early but I had an idea last week and I just have to share it. You might have seen it over on Instagram under the hashtag #AdventCraftSwap. I’ve a bit of a thing for Advent. It comes from living in Germany, where it… Continue reading Calling All Crafters, Makers, Doers and Creatives
