Dear Father Christmas...

Things here have been a bit chaotic over the last week, so I'm horribly behind on posts and thought it was time to remedy that. So I'm home, bathed and in pyjamas (don't ask the time) Big Bang Theory is on, and I thought I'd hold back on the early night to a socially acceptable time and try and do some writing. 

I'm starting with the easy post... the Christmas list.

Dear Father Christmas, 

I've been a very good girl this year, I've continued volunteering, worked hard, and haven't lost my temper with any of the people on the tube who sniff and don't use a hanky. I've also done everyone else's Christmas shopping already, so it must be OK to write you a little list now. Please?

Lakeland's Victoria surprise cake tins - I really like the idea of the filling being neatly hidden sometimes so would love these.

Of course I 'need' a new cookbook, and having caught some of the programmes I would like to try out Jamie's 15 Minute Meals

I smashed some of my everyday crockery while my wrist was in plaster, and have decided that instead of replacing the whole set, am going to try mixing and matching it up. So I've had my eye on these bowls from Cath Kidston

As I've mentioned briefly on the blog I've taken up running. Well, it's probably not fast enough to be called proper running, but I'm going and not stopping for 36 minutes most recently and I think that's what counts. However, I'm running in yoga trousers, so would like some running legging type things. Maybe like this? That said, I'm happy to carry on in said yoga trousers, this is just a wish list Father Christmas - I'd actually prefer a bit more daylight so that I can run outside again.

And finally Father Christmas, some things to help me see in the New Year in a pretty, girly way - not my usual sweaty, mucky pinny and slightly flustered state

A really beautiful scented candle - I bought some cheap ones recently which barely made any impression on me, much less the room as a whole. I've been trawling the net, and have found what sounds like the most stunning scent from Neom Organics I'm justifying the astronomical cost as some of the money goes to charity. That makes it OK? Doesn't it? Doesn't it? Ok... you can go back to the supermarket Santa

Other than that Father Christmas, a healthy and happy family. To continue to spend time with M, and of course my wonderful nephew (his Mum and Gran aren't bad to spend time with either). 

I hope you enjoy the mince pies (I made them myself, post here) 

Lots of love

Penelope

PS - have you seen my Nigella measuring teaspoon anywhere on your travels? It's gone walkies and I can't find it! 

My letter to Santa...

Dear Father Christmas,

I know this is late, and you are probably packing your sleigh by now, but this month has been crazy for me (I can talk, I know) ...

This year I have been a very good girl, I have volunteered for approximately eleventymillion hours with the Brownies and Guides, started to blog regularly, been nice to M and worked hard. In case that means you're coming to my house this weekend (I have no chimney do we need to make special arrangements?) here is the list of Things I Would Like... There is Christmas cake you can help yourself to, and sherry too.

A Kenwood mixer - truth be told it's a toss up between this and a Kitchen Aid I wouldn't kick either out of bed for eating crackers.

A new pinny, I love my floral one, but have been dribbling over the Cath Kidston ones. In my ongoing bid to be a domestic goddess I feel this is only fitting.

I've been lusting after a pair of Prince Design's Lovebird Bowls for the longest while. I'm not sure whether it's the blue ones or those with hearts that I really love and they're probably a little too small to be truly useful which has left them relegated to my favourites for months.

A Lakeland preserving pan. It's such an extravagance but having taken to preserving so well this year I really would like to expand my repertoire of jams and jellies further, and although my Ikea pan really does rock I really would like a pan with a slightly sturdier bottom as I'm always living in fear of my jam catching.

I use Ikea plain storage jars for everything, dried fruit, rice and pasta, anything really that's in a packet. For years I smile every time I see an Alessi storage jar with the little man inside, but again can never justify buying myself one

Salted caramels, I would like to try these as I know I would like them. But am not sure what to try, Father Christmas I'm happy to leave the decision in your hands.

And cookbooks, how could I forget cookbooks?

Dan Lepard's Short and Sweet - I am still kicking myself for not getting a copy at Let's Make Christmas, it would have made a fantastic pressie for Mark's Mum.

Or Mary Berry's baking bible. Need I say more?

And having spotted this, and not been able to justify buying it for myself, some Marmite XO would be a-mah-zing *channels Seth* I'm a marmite aholic and suspect this would keep me in soldiers for a long time!

 

The usual Lush, a Naked pallette and my arm out of plaster would also be amazing. I'm not just a foodie you see, beauty and makeup always put a smile on my face.

So that's me Father Christmas, I would be a brilliantly grateful blogger

Yours, Penelope