Friday Chat Day

 Hello friends

Welcome to another FCD, are we only one week into the New Year?

Hasn't a lot happened.
I tentatively tap into the BBC News website each morning pretty 

much holding my breath. 

But, let's hold onto positives and what we can control,

for example, our hobbies...

Crochet:

I can now share with you a cushion that I made, it was a gift for a friend

and now it has been delivered, here it is.

Silver grey yarn, crochet as a long length to wrap around and join.

This is the reverse but I think I prefer this side with the opening for the cushion pad

and the little buttons.
The pattern is from Knitting Network, I struggled with how it was written and then
suddenly it clicked, funny how that happens sometimes - brain clearly not in gear.

And I've still got Christmas bits to share with you...

this was a cake pop box I ordered for Christmas Eve for me and the boys.

(I like to think sometimes they are only aged 10!)

We loved it, made perfectly by my friend Melanie who has her own cake

business - her Facebook page is here. 

And Mitchell bought me a cute card 

(only arrived this week due to our poor posties being overloaded).

No recipe this week as we are still eating lots of leftovers.

But Elliott made cookies, his first venture into baking in his own flat.

The recipe is the cookie one I featured some time ago,

here's the link to the printable.

Very proud he's using my blog for recipes.😀

Telly:

Here in the Emberson VT we have got Disney+ channel for a limited time

so I've been cramming all the Marvel films.

Not everyone's cup of tea and watching three in a row makes your eyes

feel like saucers.  Nonetheless you cannot help but be impressed 

by the amazing special effects.

And switching down a gear completely I caught up with Channel 5's

Christmas special of All Creatures Great and Small.

It's a show that definitely leaves you wanting more,

so charming and idyllic.

I am wishing they would repeat the original 1978 series now.

If you haven't seen the 2020 series, it is available to watch on 

Channel 5's catch up service - My5.

Tips:

The Christmas tree is down and the front room inevitably looks bare.

I actually don't mind as at this time of year as I get the urge to clean, tidy and organise -

do you? Hoping you might as I've chosen to share a tip with you.

In fact, I've just started a new Instagram account called 

The Organised VT - link here where I will be uploading ideas that 

are thrifty and fun, well as fun as these things can be!

Starting with - I do love a jar! 

If I decant things into nice jars - I use them - simple as.

It appears if I leave things in bags they get relegated to the back

of a cupboard and totally forgotten.

And thankfully I've discovered jars are pretty cheap,

this style is available from Asda - £2 - order online (George)

 or with your groceries.

And as much as it would look lovely full of sweets, it's January 

so I've chosen Soda Crystals!

So yes, Soda Crystals - what an underrated star you are.

Anyone else just associate these with a Great Aunt/Granny? 

I used to but now I appreciate their wisdom.  

Here is what these granules of magic can do:

    Cleaning and deodorising the washing machine.

    Removing burnt on residue in pots and pans.

    Helping to keep sinks and drains fresh and blockage free.

    Grease removal in household cleaning and laundry.

    Removing moss and algae from paths and patios.

    Cleaning toilets as an alternative to common cleaners that are harmful to aquatic life.

    Cleaning silver jewellery and much more.

I add a heaped spoon to every wash now, it softens the water

(we live in a very hard water area).

And at about £1 a bag I think that's a bargain.

Charity Kits:

Happy to report these will be available on Sunday and here's a little sneak peek.

As mentioned, something a little different this month,

blog post will go up at 7am Sunday.

 I've made quite a lot this month so hoping there is enough for everyone.

And that is it for this week.

I always read your comments and I did smile last week

when Christi was saying about her little trees, didn't quite survive the lawn mower! 

Keep safe in this mad mad world and please stop by on Sunday.

Much love.