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Thursday 8 November 2012

It's true a womans work is never done!


I thought when I retired I would have so much free time, that I could at times sit and do nothing!!  Little did I know that my days and evenings would be so full that I never get chance to do nothing.  I bet you all find life exactly the same, especially now with Christmas coming along.  I have started my Christmas preparations, so I thought I would share some photos of what I have been up too.

 
The pickled onions are done, now I must own up here these were done by my DH, but as he is the one who eats the most of these, it's only fair - don't you think.
 
 
 
Here are all the ingredients for the Spiced Apricot and Orange Chutney, which I have now made, the kitchen smelt delicious with the spices and the ginger - so I can put a tick against that on the list.  This is great with the cold meats that we enjoy on Boxing Day.
 
 
 
This is the mix for my Christmas Puddings, I leave this to stand overnight to let the flavours develop.  It's full of goodies like the dried fruit and mixed peel, apple, lemon and orange zest , spices, eggs and dark brown sugar I use stout to mix it all together.  I'll steam the puds tomorrow.  I also plan to make my mincemeat tomorrow, so I have started.
 
I plan to go out Christmas shopping next week, I am determined not to leave everything to the last minute, wish me luck.
 
I have finished my Christmas exchange, just got to put it together, no photos yet of that, nor of any of my other stitching, sorry but like I said busy busy.
 
Received the magazine that I won on Vickie's blog, lovely ideas and more things that I would like to sew.  Thanks again Vickie.  Blog world really is a great place to be, I am so glad that June introduced me to it, I have met so many people and I value their friendship.  If you are reading this and wondering if you should join blog land - go for it, it's great.
 
We have had a lot on the TV and in the newspapers about the US presidential election.  The actual election is a very different system to ours in the UK so I have had to really concentrate so that I can understand how it works. It's all over now, done and dusted.
 
Back to the important things in life, stitching of course and at the moment Christmas baking, I would love to hear your tales about your Christmas preparations.  Until the next time, do take care of yourselves.
 

11 comments:

  1. I love to learn about other countries, especially about Christmas traditions and what we have on the table :) Thanks for sharing with us!
    Hugs&smiles

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  2. Hello Janet! So interesting your holiday foods are to me I must say. I have never heard of your chutney or pickled onions. I have never had a Christmas Pudding either. I am sure this is unimaginable to you! I bake lots of sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, bear claw cookies and make some truffles. It is hard to hide them around here to make them last til Christmas, with the 3 teens in the house. ;)
    I am so glad you got the magazine and like it.♥

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    1. What are bear claw cookies? I make shortbread biscuits nearer the time.

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  3. So interesting to see. The ingredients looks so bright and cheery. Hope they taste as yummie

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    1. I hope they taste yummy, after all that hard work!

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  4. I can almost smell the good smells being created in your kitchen : ) Like Nia, I love to learn about the customs of other countries, especially Christmas customs.

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  5. I'll let you know more as the time goes on.

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  6. You are a busy bee Jan, all looks so yummy, It will soon be here before we know it.
    Have a wonderful weekend see you soon , hugs.

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    1. Thanks June, see you on Tuesday. By the way Marion phoned and she mentioned that we have not had a formal acknowledgement from the Dementia Societry, Marion was getting upset about, she asked me if I could contact the lady who came to our meeting as she had been unable too. I did contact her and explained things, she was very apologetic said she would send it to us. So fingers crossed we get something. x

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  7. Busy, busy, busy! I have never tried a pickled onion. The chutney sounds really good. Wish I could have smelled your kitchen!

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  8. Well done on your Christmas preparations. My cake ingredients are still in the cupboard, now I've read this post I better get cracking hadn't I......no excuse lol.

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