I have really enjoyed browsing through posts this week about how others are decorating their homes for Christmas - there is so much inspiration to be found. I initially had visions this year of making lots of Christmas bits and pieces but the last few weeks have left little time for anything but looking after Grace and so my grand plans will have to wait until next year unfortunately. Being a bit older Grace will be able to join in with the crafty fun a bit more then too.
At least our Christmas tree is up and decorated (although it does look a little bare. It is proving to be a bit too tempting for Grace though and has been pulled over twice (luckily I hadn't hung any fragile ornaments this year). I think presents under the tree will definitely have to wait until Christmas Eve!
Yesterday, I received my first gift of the Christmas season. I arrived home after being out present shopping (am halfway through thankfully) to find a parcel on my front door step from Catherine of A Time To Create. Through our blogs, Catherine and I have become good friends. She is one of those bloggers I 'click with', who thinks similarly, has common interests and hobbies and who inspires me so much. So many of Catherine's posts are saved under my 'to make' and 'to cook' folders. When I opened the box, there was such a beautifully wrapped gift inside. I was so overwhelmed that little tears sprang to my eyes. Knowing how much I admire Catherine's crochet and crafting which she shares on her blog, she sent me a book called 'Learn To Crochet', some crochet wool, a crochet hook, a package of her beautiful handmade Christmas tags and a beautiful star garland. I was so touched by Catherine's kind gesture and feel so grateful to have made such a wonderful blogging friend. When I hang my garland and wrap my presents using the gorgeous tags I have received, I'll share some more photos.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend ahead. What do you all have planned?
I think your tree looks lovely! Yes it's tough having a tree + kiddies!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, your tree is beautiful and next year you will have so much fun crafting with your little Grace :) Such a lovely gift from the gorgeous Catherine! She is such an inspirational gal, I love her and her blog to bits!! Hope you will share your fabulous crocheted creations. Hugs for a wonderful weekend ~ Txx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tree honey..and beautiful friendship you have found here in blogland...so much to be thankful for this time of year. :) x
ReplyDeleteYour tree is gorgeous, it's hard with a little one to keep them away! Your blog friend sounds so lovely, what a thoughtful gift. Rachaelxx
ReplyDeleteIt must be difficult with a little one but you have done great! What a lovely and incredibly thoughtful gift! Have a lovely weekend Amanda x
ReplyDeleteoh that is so lovely, it's nice meeting people you click with......and i think your tree looks good......i love grace's name have a great weekend lisa xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post in the true spirit of giving at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI have a 14mth old baby and our tree is off limits too! You've done a wonderful job :)
xMB
so lovely! and much prettier than my first tree with children - it only contained starfish and paper decorations because I was terrified he'd break the glass ones and cut himself!! wish i could say the christmas trees remain upright as the child grows but zak managed to pull ours down onto him the other day. and he's four. he was moving the birds into the "nests" and decided jumping INTO the tree was a good way to reach the top ones!!!
ReplyDeletehappy weekend to you xx
Lovely tree... Mine is looking very disheveled... thanks to my two year old. the ornaments keep getting higher and higher... away from sticky fingers! Lx
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story. It's so wonderful that you developed such a relationship through blogging. I think that's one of the biggest attractions of blogging. Your Christmas tree looks lovely! I also enjoy viewing different styles and ways of decorating for Christmas on different blogs! I hope you'll have a great weekend! xo Kaho
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you - i was going to make all my christmas cards but have run out of time! However your tree is really fab - the stars are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteRachie xo
Gorgeous Amanda! This is the first year I dont have to worry about the boys and the tree it does get easier! Letitia x
ReplyDeletei think your tree is beautiful Amanda:)
ReplyDeleteits nice to meet people that you have so much in common or inspire you ..
Happy weekend lovely xx
Your tree is so lovely hun! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteLuvs!
Ah, Sweetie! Keeping the tree intact is such a challenge! I feel your pain ☺. We'll put ours up closer to the day to avoid Quicksilver Sam getting his little paws on it.
ReplyDeleteAnd how kind and thoughtful is Catherine? What a touching gesture. J x
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteYour tree is lovely and I bet your little Grace just adores it. What fun you have in store as your little girl grows up, Christmas will become more magical for you each year.
Donna xx
Wow Amanda, your tree is beautiful! I have the same problem keeping the ornaments on our tree intact. Oscar takes great delight in throwing them around the living room!
ReplyDeleteYour friendship with Catherine sounds beautiful. Isn't it a treasure to meet someone you instantly click with and whom inspires you.