Festive cheer to my readers

Good Morning dear reader!  This will be my last post before Christmas I believe.  I think the weather this year is going to change many people's plans - including ours!  I love the snow but it has been irritating not being able to get about in the car.  We were to go to a dinner party with dear friends on Saturday but chose not to risk it, the roads being so icy and the snow so deep. It was such a shame as we had a dog sitter and I had made a Christmas floral arrangement for the hostess - and we haven't seen these friends for so long.

My next door neighbour ran into a roundabout and messed up the front of her car.   We 'hummed and haaahed' about going out yesterday but did manage to get to The Simply Red concert at The O2 Arena in London last night.  We walked to the station and got into London easily and had an uneventful trip - thankfully.  It was -10 degs on the way home though. The show was terrific - and Mick Hucknall's last.  He doesn't live far from us and I seem to be the only one of my friends who hasn't bumped into him in Waitrose or sitting next to him in traffic.

This card is for my sister's birthday on Christmas Eve.  I'm hoping to give it to her - as opposed to sending it.  Who knows?  I have used a new Cuttlebug embossing/cutting folder.  I think they are fantastic and make the card for you almost.  AND you only put it through the Cuttlebug machine once.  They're quite expensive but worth it in my humble opinion. I just added some bling.

So, I wish all my friends and readers a very happy holiday season.  See you on the other side!  Gill x

Last Christmas card ~ I Promise

Good Evening dear reader. After this card, no more Christmas!  I made this card for a lady whose dog I walk ~ Benson by name ~ sweetheart by nature.  She was delighted with it I'm pleased to say.  Hasn't this month flown by?  I can hardly keep up.  Today I went to Polesden Lacey, a National Trust property that belonged to a Mrs. Greville, a fab hostess of her time.  Benson's owner ~ Olive ~ treated me to lunch for walking him for her.  We went into the gift shop afterwards and I spent far too much but couldn't help it ~ honest.
As my Christmas gift to Olive, I made her a door swag.

In fact yesterday was flower arranging all day.  I made myself one of these swags and also did a wreath for a friend of ours.
Well now The X Factor is finished, we'll have more time to ourselves at the weekend!!  I was hoping Rebecca would win but I guess she'll do ok now she's had the coverage.  Those who hate the show will probably think I'm sad but we enjoy it.
All I have left to do now, is wrap all my gifts for  the holiday season.  I'm not particularly fond of this chore ~ not being very profficient at it. I need a gift wrapping course ~ as my friend Jill will testify when her parcel arrives.
Did I mention I got the job?  It's driving school children to and from school in Surbiton, Surrey.  I need to be vetted before I can begin and hopefully the bad weather will have passed when I start the job.  Can't wait.
And another thing!! I got to target weight at my local Slimming World Club last week ~ having had a loss every week since September. (Yes, it took that long!) I'm now regretting that wonderful Christmas lunch I had earlier today.  No I'm not!

Ready For Christmas?

Good evening crafters.  Another cold day here in Epsom.  The remaining snow has become treacherous and oh so slippery.  On the bright side, it's so nice to see all the Christmas decorations going up.  I just love the colourful trimmings on the outside of people's houses.  I hate it when it's all over.
This card was an order for a friend.  I used a fabric square this time.
I went to Joyce's house last week and did a pedestal flower arrangement with the flowers bought for the restaurant party.  However, Mike's car got stuck in her long drive and I had to help him dig it out.  It took forever and noone offered assistance.  I was worn out.

At least they can have the benefit of these blooms for a week or so.  I don't often get a chance to do big arrangements, so it was good to do these.
Well, tomorrow I go for my interview.  Wish me luck.  It was put off last week because of the snow.