Seasonal

❄ A bowl of leafy clementines on the table, bought as much for the vibrant colour as for the fruity goodness. I've got an annoying cold at the moment, a head full of cotton wool and a very sore throat so I'm snacking on these little oranges and hoping the vitamins will do me good ❄

❄ The scent of a gorgeous seasonal candle filling the whole house. I love lighting these candle tins during the day when I am home on my own and don't have to worry about the hazzards of hot wax+Little People. I've got a Christmas Spice candle ready to light tomorrow when I shall be Decking the Halls (ie the fireplaces) ❄

❄ We had our first mince pies of the season this weekend, deliciously baked by good ol' M&S. Personally, I much prefer shop-bought mince pies to homemade ones and don't mind admitting it even though my friends tut disapprovingly ❄ 

❄ Sitting on the sofa, keeping warm by wearing my woolly poncho whilst crocheting the edge of it. I finished it last night and blocked it this morning, I can't wait to show you. It's very satisfying to make something wearable that can provide much needed warmth and comfort at this time of year ❄ 

❄ A few weeks ago I hopped on the train and journeyed to the city to do some Christmas shopping in the Big Shops. It's something I do every year, but this year was even more fun as I went with friends ❄

❄ The beautiful old shopping arcades looked even more beautiful than usual, decked out in their seasonal finery. It was a joy to wander around gazing at it all and marvelling at the sheer number of teeny tiny lights ❄

❄ I'm almost done with my Christmas gift buying now, I've bought from local shops as well is in The City and on line. I find all the festive purchasing and decision making very draining I must say, I'm glad I'm nearly done with it all ❄

❄ A seasonal Attic view, I love this December photo very much. As you can see, it snowed here at the end of last week, just a few icy flurries for us here in town but up on the hills there was proper real snow ❄

❄ Walking to school last week, listening to the excited chatter of the Little People as they discussed the possibility of imminent snow fall. Oh my, I love their excitement so much, especially Little B who recalls with vivid clarity the day I took him sledging when he was two years old and is desperate for a repeat performance ❄

❄ My Christmas cards arrived! Really, really pleased with them. Just need to get down to the business of writing and sending them now. I'm also enjoying my advent tree very much during these December days, the little woodland critters make me smile every morning ❄

❄ I definitely want to make more cards, the whole process of designing, making and photographing, then waiting for the box of cards to arrive from the printers is really exciting! I know it's a bit late for this year, but I wanted to tell you that I decided to upload my owl photo to Flickr so that it's there for anyone who wishes to download it and use it to make their own cards. I've left the image un-cropped as I found it easier to crop at the time I actually made the card. You can find it {h e r e} ❄

❄ ...just a few of the seasonal things that have made me happy during the past few weeks.....I confess I struggle a bit with this time of year and find I'm not generally at my best in December. It's the Winter Solstice on Sunday, I shall be celebrating the fact that each and every day next week will be a little teensy bit longer than this week. Roll on Spring...❄

 

❋...more little snippets from the Attic...❋

This Week...

December Flowers

Crochet Christmas Card

Cowl-neck Poncho

Comments

[Ali Whale]

The card is really lovely.
I'm with you on mince pies, shop bought do for me. I'm not that much of a fan anyway - I think mixed peel is a bit like finding a tiny chunk of lino in your pie - I buy them for visitors but tend to pass myself!

[Emm.A]

I'm really looking forward to your Poncho! I really have to make one for myself someday! :)
Wonderful christmas card. I love the idea!

Greetings from Austria
Emm.A

[Claire]

That Christmas card is absolutely charming.

I'm not actually a fan of Christmas (that's worse than confessing you prefer shop-bought mince-pies, right?!), but I love, love, love what this mum did:"More magic than Christmas already," she said.

http://thequirkyparent.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/guest-interview-fairy-lives-in-our-house.html

[Marie]

Thank you for this warm seasonal post, much needed in this freezing weather. Your card looks pretty amazing, you've inspired me into possibly making my own! Get well soon. xx

[Edwina]

Loving the card, the 3D effect. I know, from having followed your blog for a considerable time, that you don't like this time of year, the long days, but please, don't wish them away. They go so fast the older you get so make the most of being young(er than me) and enjoy each and every day, look forward to the longer ones as and when they come.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[Monika]

I absolutely adore your owl card. It's so lovely for you to share it with others.

[Irina]

Feel better soon :) Those cards turned out really well!
Glad it's not too cold in S, we're going there next week and I don't want to be stuck indoors with the kids for the whole week!

[Catherine]

Just a short message to wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas- love the Christmas cards by the way. I hope you are starting to feel better now too. You will need all the energy you can muster next week! X

[Taciana Simmons]

Hi Lucy, hope you are feeling better and that you can finish Christmas shopping soon. Although visiting that beautiful mall could be a treat itself. I love your card and the beautiful design. It's so fun to make the card, print it and then send it to all your friends. Lovely that you are so generous and gracious to share with everyone. Hope you feel much, much better soon.

[diane]

Did you create the owl crochet pattern? I love it!

[Inge]

I enjoyed your post very much!
Your christmascard is very beautiful!
Get well soon!

[Tizabell]

I'll have to trust you on that pie bit. I just googled what's in a mince pie and it does not sound good. At. All. Lovely card!

[Lisa Wallace]

Hi Lucy,
We here In New Zealand are waiting patiently for summer to arrive. Today it is blowing a gale and a storm is approaching. Still haven't seen sunshine for a wee while. I am starting to wonder if we might just miss out this year...
I wish you and your family a lovely 'snuggly' christmas and I look forward to seeing what delicious treats you create next year.
Take care,
Lisa

[Place under the pine]

Love that card. My wife is really into owls, they are all over our house :)

[Teresa Kasner]

Hi Lucy, sorry about the cold. I just read that if you use honey and cinnamon it makes a cold go away. Have some on a crumpet and see if it works! I mixed honey, peanut butter and cinnamon on my English muffin today and it was yummy. *LOVE* your card! How generous of you to share the design. I hope you get some snow to enjoy during the holidays. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
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[Clare]

Hope you are feeling better soon, the pocho looking good as are the cards so cute. Loving you're advent calender.
Clare x

[Maureen]

Hi Lucy,
So enjoyed today's post. Sorry you feel under the weather. Spent several hours at Friend Rose's house today unraveling a rat's nest of hand dyed yarn. Suddenly yearned to be home in the most melancholy way. Drove home in about 8 minutes, and 30 minutes later, sure enough, perking an earache and sore throat. In bed now with teddy bear under left arm, Josephine the cat sleeping peacefully under the right, husband snoring gently on the other side of Josephine, the humidifier putting out a cool mist, and the heating pad on my back. Plus a hefty does of cold medicine. Reveling in the peace of Advent and reminding myself that I Must Crochet tomorrow or the large blanket I am making for brother and sister-in-law won't be done for Christmas Eve giving. Yikes! (And it was...um...their LAST YEAR'S gift, too. Hangs head.)
:) m & jb (the cat)

[Susan]

Just loved everything in your post - everything but you having a cold, that is. Hope you feel better soon. Your shops are beautiful. Loved your cards. What creativity!

[Robin Summers]

Bless your heart! I really hope you will feel better soon. I know how miserable feeling a cold can be. Your card came out just great! I think I might try doing that next year. I really love yours. I am thrilled that they came out so well for you. As always you amaze me with your never ending generosity with your talent and time. You are so special Lucy. You really are!! Stay warm and take care of yourself.

[Sue Ingram]

Love your blog xx Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year xx

[allie]

hooray, your owl card is so sweet and the thoughts and glimpses that you share on your blog so lovely.

[Fiona Marchant]

Love your little owl card Lucy, and can't wait to see your poncho....I'm starting one soon :) No tassels for me either. Hopefully you'll feel better quickly xx

[Michelle]

Hope you are feeling brighter - what a lovely Owl card he is soooooo cute xx

[Angela-Southern USA]

All lovely seasonal happens. Hope you feel better soon. x Your cards look wonderful and I like the idea of your own photos of hooky goodness as cards. I hope to finish up my holiday shopping this week (not a big fan of all the crowds)but I always seem to be late shopping/making every year.lol

[CJ]

I hope you're feeling better soon Lucy, we have a few sore throats and sniffles around here too, and a few tired and emotional tears (boys not me!) I'm not a huge fan of constant overwhelming Christmas activities, I'd like something simpler and calmer. Enjoy the rest of the week. CJ xx