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      Christmas countdown eclectic style

      11th December 


      Everyone is busy going about their daily lives with the added job loved or loathed that the Christmas season demands.  News is still being made out there on a daily basis and closer to home a good friend suffered a huge loss at work this week..  Life pauses and stops for a moment but the world demands it carries on.  All these conflicting emotions are difficult to handle, do you feel the same?  One moment I am so excited about the season and the next I feel guilty for those that cannot share in it for whatever reason.  Contradictions messing with my head.

      A day out
      This week I was lucky enough to have a grand tour of Basildon Park house by none other than Amy from Love Made My Home.  Although I almost didn't make it.  I thought we were meeting on Tuesday (I was wrong, it was Monday, I checked in my diary Amy, you were right)  Just after 11 on Monday morning I missed a call from Amy.  Unusual that she should call me so I dialled right back only to realise she was already at Basildon whilst I was snug in my home!!! Like a mad woman possessed I ran out of the house, screech along the roads in my jalopy and ran up to our meeting place.  The elderly women all crammed into a small car in the car park of the National Trust House looked at me as if I were something to be scared of.  Despite the disastrous start and my profuse apologies, Amy took it all in good grace we had a wonderful day together at Basildon.  She doesn't know this but I am hoping we can go again together several more times, there is lots to see there and they sell the best hot chocolate.  Thank you Amy, it was a lovely day.


      Basildon Park in December sunshine


      A Christmas tree made out of books, fabulous!


      Apparently Downton Abbey was filmed here,
      this was used as part of their London residence


      Obviously not using this Kenwood chef to make Christmas cookies this year



      The walk from the car park to the house was delightful


      Even fairy doors were hidden amongst the

       
      Gift wrapping  
      Each year I like to change how I wrap my presents and this year my focus is on gift tags.  These hand stamped tags are extremely quick to make and on some very special presents I have crocheted some tags, more on that in tomorrow's post.  There is an incredible amount of presents to wrap and hopefully I am not too late sending those further afield also...
       
       
      Quick hand stamped gift tags ready for present wrapping
       
      Decorating
      Our kitchen is always decorated from December 1st, its a Norwegian tradition, it is here that Christmas makes and bakes are made and having this room decorated jollies everyone along and into the festive spirit. Christmas kitchen Our main decorating takes place after December 20th and the tree usually on the 23rd.  But I do like to sneak a few little items here and there before that, including the porch to welcome everyone in.
       
      I finally decorated the porch for the  Christmas season
      Even decorated the holy bush outside
      with my glass fused robins
       
       

      ...and my angel

      Making
      This time of year is frantic for making and this week has been no exception.  Wednesday night saw my last glass fusing course for the year and these little snow scenes were the result.  Just waiting now to see how they turn out after firing and will be ready to be given to various hosts and hostesses we visit as thank yous over the festive season.

      Christmas scenes in the kiln yesterday, just waiting now
      for them to cool down, excited to see how they turn out
      Baking
      Christmas season is also for us all about baking.  In Norway we bake seven different varieties of cookies and so far I have baked 4, number 5 I will share with everyone on Sunday.  Do you have a favourite cookie recipe you could share with me, would love to try some new ones too.


      So far I am on track and have made 4 of the 7 different cookie varieties

       
       
       


         Wishing you all a continued great Christmas countdown  
       
      Joining in with Amy  sharing with you my Five on Friday,
      pop over and see what everyone else is up to

      24 comments:

      1. Thank you for your loveliness about our meet up! It was so great to see you too, and you are right the hot chocolate is great isn't it. Must treat myself more often methinks! I got some house photos this week which I will be sharing next week. Your home is looking fabulous and very Christmassy indeed, I adore the glass robins they look wonderful hanging on your holly tree and the angel is so beautiful too!! You are very talented indeed, and I look forward to seeing the other things you made for gifts. Thank you for joining Five On Friday. I hope that you have a great weekend! xx

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        Replies
        1. I thank you Amy. Will look forward to your house picture posts x

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      2. Your snow scenes look great, such a good idea. Basildon Park is a wonderful place, Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly was filmed there too. How nice to have your own tour guide. Have a good weekend :-)

        ReplyDelete
        Replies
        1. You're right it was filmed there too. Any was very knowledgeable as you would expect Such a fun day

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      3. Your photos from Basildon Park are fabulous. I have put a Christmas biscuit recipe on my five on Friday which is very scrum my. Have a good weekend. B X

        ReplyDelete
        Replies
        1. Your cookie recipe is similar to my pepperkake tasty indeed B. Thanks for sharing x

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      4. How wonderful to have your very own personal tour, a great treat. Love the way you have decorated your porch it looks stunning.

        ReplyDelete
        Replies
        1. I live my birch Nisse that stand in the porch. I made them a few years ago now

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      5. What a gorgeous post! Must be lovely to be able to visit places like Basildon Park and especially with Amy! :)
        Your decorations are beautiful and the cookies look really delicious.
        Have a festive weekend!

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      6. How fun! This post is a rich treat in itself! Your cookies look so great! I made fudge yesterday. I might make Russian teacakes today. Your decorations on the porch are beautiful! I love it that you met up with Amy!

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        Replies
        1. Ooh love the sound of Russuan tea cakes that sounds wonderful. Please share. X

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      7. Lucky you for getting to tour with Amy!!! I love the tree made with books.

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      8. How lucky you are to go on the house tour with Amy! I loved your photos. The the glass fusings are so lovely. I hope you show us a picture after they're fired. You have been very busy creating a beautiful, festive season. Hugs, Pat

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        Replies
        1. Hoping to pick them up on Monday Pat, so will post next week. I've been so blessed this week x

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      9. Love reading this ..it all looks lovely !
        I am totally behind & full of good intentions...so nothing new this year ..lol
        Perhaps a frantic last minute scurry is my tradition :o)

        ReplyDelete
        Replies
        1. That's an original tradition Val. Sending you lots of love x

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      10. LOVE the Christmas Book Tree! Thanks for stopping by :)

        Colletta

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        Replies
        1. It's great isn't it Colleta. Keep wondering if I should make one here at home!!!

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      11. Oh the Robins on your Holly bush are so cute, that is such a fab idea. I love your pictures of Basildon Park and how fab having our very own Amy as your guide. It looks like your preparations are coming on a treat, everything is looking very festive. Have a lovely weekend xx

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        Replies
        1. Thanks Lisa. I'm having so much fun. Hope all progressing well your end too

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      12. What a wonderful present to meet up with dear Amy and have a private tour! It sounds like a wonderful day.
        Happy Holidays!
        Meredith

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      I will always read all comments and will try to reply but it may take me a couple of days, do please pop back and lets get a conversation going...