Happy New Year!

Alright I know it’s still technically 2011, but I thought I’d just take a moment to wish you all a very happy new year!

The Christmas season may not be over for another 6 days,  in fact my son asks me everyday which day of Christmas it is and what that means, but most of us are probably looking forward to new year celebrations and gatherings this weekend.

After the children were born staying up until midnight became a distant memory and we had to look for new ways to ring in the next year. Much like Christmas Day my family has developed it’s own traditions and customs. Over time this evolved into a family party that is almost like a miniature Christmas. We eat lovely food, play humorous games and give little gifts. My kids even count down the days and become very excited, proving that quantity of gifts or their size has little to do with childish anticipation 🙂

This year we also took inspiration from our new Christmas tradition and have made an awful lot of biscuits in the shape of feet! This was initially thought out because I was given some gorgeous metal cutters in the shape of a footprint. The idea is that it also represents the tradition of ‘First-Foot’. I don’t know if I will be able to convince my brother to visit again on New Years Day (as the only dark haired male) but at least if I can’t we have a mini nod to this old tradition.

If you are looking for a last minute New Year craft I have also written a tutorial for the Boden Community which was posted up today. This is to make my New Year Promise Pots (another tradition).

Have a wonderful time whatever your plans and I’ll see you all again in 2012!!

Reflections of Fabulous Places!

The Fabulous Places Summer Food & Gift fair has now finished and we had a wonderful time! The weather was fabulous and the venue (Derby’s Roundhouse) was amazing!

My highlights had to be BitterSweet Handmade Chocolates from Melbourne in Derbyshire. I could have spent all day sampling the wonders on this particular stall.

Another recommendation has to be Brockleby’s – Specialist suppliers of Rare and Minority Breed meats. We bought a Wild Beaver Pie, which isn’t made from Beavers, rather beef from the Vale of Belvoir. It was absolutely delicious and I’d recommend it to anyone.

It was a busy weekend so there’s wasn’t that much time to take photos but here’s a few of our fellow stallholders.

My children adored the Squeak Gift & Party stall which sold a range of practical products such as baking supplies, mini kits, books, card making and present wrapping.

 

Next to our stall was Helen of Big Green Tree who sells luxury handmade bath, body and beauty care items.

Finally a stall I really liked HWR Designs, again another Helen who makes teddies, small birds and ducks out of fabric as well as a range of kitchen and home accessories.

So a fun (and tiring) weekend was had by all!