Monday 13 July 2020

Christmas In July


We are certainly not getting the weather that you would expect to be getting in July.  There has been a lot of wind around and rain which is a little disappointing.  What this does mean of course is that we are not getting out and about as much as we would hope.  We have succumbed to the lure of Christmas in July...it was a great temptation and it didn't take a lot of persuading.   I love it!  We have many lists and are ticking them off slowly whilst watching Christmas movies on movies 24 channel.  What fun.  Gift bags have been made with enormous tassels that have been put together with fabric, lace, ribbon and added embellishments such as bells and charms.



Beads and coil less safety pins add to the glamour of these wonderful additions.  To add to the pleasure a few buttons, a favourite pastime of mine sorting through my enormous collection of buttons.  The tassels soon became addictive and I also made one for my bible choosing the blue and green hues to match its cover.





I have also had some fun with oil ready for the Winter store cupboard.  This time an oil infused with citrus fruit, lemon, lime and mandarin.  The beautiful colour of the peel making it look very appealing, I hope it is as good as it looks.




The fruits didn't go to waste, very little goes to waste in my kitchen.  A citrus fruit cake was made and I can testify that it is indeed very tasty.  A drizzle and some peel added texture and taste.




I have also added another bottle of chive vinegar and some mixed herb oil to the store.



We are starting to harvest from the garden which brings us great pleasure, rocket and a variety of salad leaves are a daily occurrence and are so tasty.  More and more of the herbs are been picked and dried, so we feel good. 

Finally I had a package delivered on Friday which contained a book from Marilyn Moseley Through Love's Eyes.  I was delighted to receive it and will give you a proper review on my next post.  We have also just received our shielding letter, so plans are afoot for us to travel to see family in August.  I am hoping and praying that the guidelines remain positive so that we are able to do this.  It makes my heart sing knowing that I will be able to see them soon.

Take care wherever you are in the world and stay safe.  As always I thank you for your visit here to my blog and your comments.

See you soon.

40 comments:

  1. I do love Christmas so Christmas in July sounds like so much fun. How wonderful that you're now able to start making plans to see your family, it's been a long time since we've been able to see loved ones, it will be such a treat. Thank you so much for all the kind comments you have left on recent posts, it has really helped knowing that I've been in so many people's thoughts at this sad time.

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  2. Christmas in July sounds just the tonic we all need. Those flavoured oils sound really nice. Which oil do you use?

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  3. Christmas in July, how wonderful.
    Wonderful too that you can start making plans to see your family.

    All the best Jan

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  4. Oh how exciting about being able to visit family in August. Quite frankly, I'd rather risk getting covid than to be isolated this way. It's not normal, natural, nor the way God created us. I'm trusting Him.

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  5. Your celebrating Christmas in July sounds wonderful, Lorraine, with the holiday movies and the gift-making. Those oils and that orange cake looked wonderful and made me wish we lived closer to share a cuppa tea! How wonderful that you will be able to see your family in August. We haven't seen any family members since Christmas and it may well be the holiday season before we do so again ☹️ I agree with Vee's comment that being isolated is not the way things should be, but sadly it is the way of the world.

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  6. We are also getting "Christmas in July" movies over here - and some people have even put up their trees! I did go through my supply of presents just to remember what I have in there already and have confirmed that I do not need any cards or wrapping paper. I might try to find some really nice ribbon and a few bits & pieces that would decorate the wrapping paper. Nothing as lovely as yours though!

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  7. You have been busy! I love your bags and tassels, so pretty. Christmas in July sounds like fun.

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  8. Well done - such lovely things you have made. I couldn't feel less Christmassy if I tried but it is lovely to see you enjoying getting organised. I've just been across to Susan Branch's post so it seems it is Quite a Thing (but has passed me by until now!)

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  9. Oh stunning makes, MM, I LOVE Christmas but G would never countenance watching Christmas movies together even in December! When he went out this afternoon though I fished out my Christmas crafting stuff and began making plans and die cutting shapes ready for the cards :) Fingers crossed for your August visit X

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  10. I always enjoy seeing your recent projects. The herbed oils look terrific and I'm sure will add great flavor to your meals over the coming months. So happy you will soon reunite with family! It's the worse part of this Pandemic!

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  11. The oils look great. Christmas in July. Not sure if I'm a fan or not lol. I did think about making some Christmas cards, but I'm really not in the festive mood.

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  12. We LOVE Christmas in July!
    And you, my dear friend, are doing it right.

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  13. I can't think that far ahead yet! Your work is always lovley, and the oils look so professional.

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  14. The gift bags are so pretty with the tassels. I can see why making the tassels could be a lot of fun. It takes a bit less talent than sewing does.
    The citrus loaf looks wonderful. Is it easy to make?

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  15. Christmas in July sounds like lots of fun. I'm not that organized, but I am thinking about what I'm going to make and collecting supplies. Such pretty gift bags. The citrus oils look wonderful and festive.

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  16. Lorraine you have made such pretty bags, oils and cakes. Your energy seems unbounding to me. I'm so glad that you may get to see your family. Alex and Tara said things seem to be opening up a bit in London but that it's concerning at the same time. They're looking at houses.
    We're planning a trip to see family at the end of the month. Dennis's sister isn't doing well at all. The doctor stopped chemotherapy today and says we need to get back there as soon as possible if we want to see her. Unfortunately, we have to wait until the electrician comes out to fix something in the attic that the builders neglected to do. I do hope they contact us quickly.
    Take care of yourself and Gerard. You are in our prayers my friend.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  17. Oh I'm hoping you get to go to see your children and grandchildren in August! Your fruit cake looks delish! Maybe you can post the recipe on your blog? We're eating zucchini bread from the zukes in our garden. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  18. August is just around the corner, so not too long to wait! I love all the lacey bits and bobs on your Christmas gift bags and the oil does look pretty too.

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  19. Your luggage bags are going to be full of wonderful goodies when you go visit your family. You'll certainly have plenty in your store cupboard for the rest of the year too as well as fresh produce to enjoy now. We're looking forward to our daughter D coming from down south to stay in mid August as she finishes teaching this week. She'll be self isolating from others before she visits and can come because she's on own. We're really looking forward to one another's company as you will be with your family. :)

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  20. We are also having rain here and the rain has prevented us from going for our morning walks for almost a week. You are well prepared for Christmas with all the preparation of Christmas gifts. I like the look of the citrus cake and fragrant oils.

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  21. This time I think I will enjoy Christmas in our new home ! I caught up on your posts because, and thought what a wonderful place you have chosen although the weather is not like at the French Riviera, but the Landscape for me is more beautiful !

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  22. It's very hot here (30ºc and more...) Too hot to think about Christmas or cooking (salads and sandwiches are the menus ). Have fun with your creations and readings !
    Hug
    Anna

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  23. WOW, you have been busy..I like the idea of Christmas in July.. not sure my hubby would though!

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  24. Wow, you are so talented! I love all the photos. Thanks for sharing.

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  25. I am so hoping you get to see your family in August. As long as you stay away from the US you should be safe. I love everything you make, so much care goes into every single lovely item. Stay safe.

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  26. You are really getting a good start on Christmas. I hope to start next month with a few little things.

    Love the gift bags, oils and that cake looks wonderful.

    God bless.

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  27. I wish I could send you the hot steamy weather we are having! Lovely Christmas happenings and I'm glad you will be seeing your family.

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  28. Yeah summer is a bit of a wash out this year too. Christmas in July sounds fun and what a good idea to make presents now. It is always such a busy time of year, December, that making presents feels like too much sometimes.

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  29. oooh my word, your cake looks absolutely scrummy. That’s such good news about you being able to visit your family, fingers crossed that the guidelines remain positive. I've been catching up on previous posts, your journal is gorgeous. You are so lucky living where you do with beautiful beaches, scenery and countryside.

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  30. Another treasurea from you! This oil looks absolutely amazing, wonderful for a gift☺ And that cake- yum!

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  31. Great projects and the food looks yummy!!
    I need to start looking into making some Christmas crafts from my stash!
    Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  32. I like your makes and bakes! And I'm happy to send you as much sunshine as you'd like, humidity too, we have plenty.
    Amalia
    xo

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  33. It is a pleasant preliminary preparation to welcome Christmas this July.
    Your enthusiasm for Christmas is extraordinary.

    Greetings from Indonesia.

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  34. That citrus bread looks delicious. I have basil and mint growing, but I have no idea how to dry herbs. I should learn how to do so and how to make those infused oils. I love the tassels you made for Christmas. It is never too early to get a good start.

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  35. I never have put peels such as orange and lemons in oil. I will now. Thank you for sharing this. Your cake is so delicious and I bet it scented the kitchen baking. Heavenly. Christmas in July and before ya know it December will be here in a flash.

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