Getting into the Christmas spirit

After the fantastic example set by Lizyloo I thought I ought to start our Christmnas prep. So, tonight I have been 'steeping' the fruit for the Christmas cake (right) in lots of brandy and getting the Christmas pud mix prepared and resting (BB and I having both had a good stir and plently of wishes - and they DO come true!!!).

Tomorrow is set aside to steam the pudding and to mix up and bake the rest of the cake along with knocking up a batch of mincemeat. In between the cooking I shall have a good spring clean of all the kitchen cupboards and throw out those strange cans and packets that always accumulate at the back of cupboards. They are always things that everyone denies having ever bought, no-one will ever eat them and they are 3 years out of date (how can this be when I clear the cupboards out every year?....)

My First Shoes

On Wednesday we went to John Lewis and got Belle's feet measured and had her fitted with her first 'proper' pair of shoes. These have quite bendy flexible soles and are so cute. Belle is very proud of wearing them although does like to try to take them off as they are velcro fastened!

Unique pretty clothes

I recently visisted a very nice baby clothes shop - lots of very pretty and unusual stuff but unfortunately a price tag to match. Although I bought a couple of things I decided that I should take a leaf out of Lizyloos book and adapt some plain clothing to make some pretty and unique pieces.

Take two plain white vests / sleeveless bodies and add some subtle detailing.

It's just subtle but adds a nice touch to an otherwise plain piece.

Finished clock

We picked up our finished project from Bojangles this week and we're very pleased with it. The clock will go in Belle's bedroom so we just need to start teaching her how to tell the time! We loved doing this so much and were so happy with the result that we then made a similar plate for Grandma for her Christmas present which we'll pick up next week.

Busy doing nothing...

Haven't blogged for ages as have been so busy.... but not sure exactly what we've been up to and achieved! Certainly no craft activity other than making the odd birthday card - am missing my crafts a lot. However today we went to Bojangles - a craft cafe in Amersham. Here you buy bisque-ware and paint it yourself. The cafe is open to anyone but there is a big emphasis on children. So Belle and I made a clock for her room. This consisted of Belle making footprints on the clock face and mummy writing her name and adding the numbers. No pictures as yet as we have to wait for a week before we go and collect it. Silly mummy forgot to take the camera so we have no pictures of work-in-progress or Belle's friend 'Im' who was making a footprint mug for her dad. Doh, silly mummy.