Thursday 29 December 2011

'Wiggle The Dirt'

These were the lovely gifts I received from my friend Debbie. I love ephemera and this little packet for 'Wiggs Cleanser' she brought back from America is wonderful. I love the caption "wiggles the dirt". 'Profitable Poultry' a little book from the 1920s was also a great gift as this year I have taken on 3 little hens.

The four legged animals had a lovely Christmas even if Ella, my mum's dog did take over Josh's bed.

My lovely girl spoilt me with some beautiful gifts, she knows exactly what I like.

At Christmas my lovely girl and I always do some baking together as usually I am so busy we never seem to find the time. This year we made the Waitrose Delia Smith Christmas cake and I can honestly say it is one of the best I have tasted. I did feed it rather generously with brandy though. My lovely girl iced it and did an amazing job.


We also made chocolate orange cup cakes from The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook. These were delicious, my only tip would be to halve the amount of topping mixture as there is always too much.
We both love tiramisu so we had a go at making our own.We used the recipe from the BBC food website, it was the Katie and Giancarlo Caldessi recipe and it was delicious. It actually got better over the couple of days we stored it.


This is the lovely wreath my friend at work made for me. It s completely bio-degradable as it is made on a cardboard ring wrapped with twigs. This has lasted amazingly well considering I had it a week or so before Christmas.


I like all the lights at night at Christmas, we always put berry red lights on our bay tree.


Tea lights are so pretty in the evening as well as lovely scented candles.


A few days before Christmas my lovely girl and I had a night away in London. There is always new street art to be seen near our hotel in Hoxton. This was a wall I hadn't seen before.

Liberty looked wonderful as usual

There are always plenty of amazing lights and decorations to see.


This was the view outside Selfridges.


We found the beautiful Leadenhall market for the first time.

It had a wonderful vibrant atmosphere.

As a special treat we went to Kensington Palace Orangery for afternoon tea. A tranquil little oasis in the middle of the madness that is London at Christmas.

A nice cup of tea and delicious cake is definitely just what's needed after a hard day's shopping !


13 comments:

bellaboo said...

How lovely,afternoon tea out is such a special treat.I love those CK tea lights,I might use some of my Xmas money to buy those! :0)

Hesta Nesta said...

Snap!! I got the Downton Abbey book too....it is a cracking good read.
Jo xx

Anonymous said...

I also got the Downton book and also the new Liberty sewing book too. Lovely photos of London.

A Treasured Past said...

Oohh, the Wiggs cleanser card is gorgeous! As too all the other goodies that you received. May I asked what the Kirstie Allsopp package is? I am quite intrigued. The house looks beautifully festive. Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and wishing you all a fantastic 2012. Tam x

ted and bunny said...

happy happy new year dear Annie- hope it brings lots of loveliness for you an your family...and time to enjoy relaxing and reading your new books!
xx

miz-bag said...

oh such a wonderful christmas post.....loved your red berries on the bay tree, thank you for the visit and comment on sidmouth poppy x

Sal said...

I loved reading this post! Gorgeous photos!
The Leadenhall market looks fabulous too! ;-)x

melanie said...

Happy New Year! I hope you have a lovely 2012 :) xxx

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time in London - great pics. Love the little tea light holder.
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

June said...

What lovely presents! Love the photo with the incumbent dog made to give way to the visitor! I love street art - that wall is a legal wall, which the street artists are allowed to use and the art on it changes regularly! I love the Hoxton / Shoreditch area of London as well as the usual great shops such as Liberty etc.
June

Ticking stripes said...

Fabulous lights near Selfridges. Might have to have an overnight in London when Niobe comes back this Christmas. So much to see!

MelMel said...

Hello!

Yes they are similar....I have the tins...not the tray...one day I'll find it on ebay!

I would like the pinny and the glove as they will match so nicely....

Melx

Amy (Blighty Boutique) said...

Fabulous pics! Looking forward to catching up with you too Ann! See you saturday x